2016-06 RHS Newsletter – Summer 2016

Tracing the roots of the Dan Ryan Woods back to the progressive ideals of the 1893 World's Fair, this comprehensive article outlines the creation of the Cook County Forest Preserve system and the specific acquisition of the "Mystic Forest Preserve" in Beverly Hills starting in 1917. It highlights the significant contributions of Daniel Ryan, President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, who championed both the forest preserves and the accompanying county road systems until his death in 1923, leading to the Beverly woods being renamed in his honor in 1926. The piece also explores the extensive recreational activities, the addition of tourist camps along the Dixie Highway for early automobile travelers, and large-scale public events—such as a 1925 Democratic rally for Al Smith that drew over 100,000 people—that made the woods a vibrant center of community life during the 1920s.

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Through the month of July, the Ridge Historical Society is displaying a photography exhibit by Emeritus Board member and former Chicago State University professor Mati Maldre. The collection documents historic architecture and landscapes in the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood, with a special focus on the Walter Burley Griffin structures in the U.S. and local parks designed by renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen. Maldre, who has lived in one of Griffin's distinctive Prairie style homes on 104th Place since 1980, has had his architectural photography featured in numerous publications and has previously received a National Endowment for the Arts grant for his work.

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The Ridge Historical Society has scheduled two major upcoming events for the summer and fall of 2016. On Friday, July 15, RHS will host the Annual Carl Spencer Memorial Bike Race Party, offering attendees a prime viewing location for the Beverly Hills Cycling Classic along with a hot buffet, beverages, and dessert. Later in the year, over the weekend of September 30 to October 2, the organization will hold its Annual RHS Garage and Better Book Sale, with further details to be announced closer to the date.

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