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On Sale Now
Chicago's Beverly/Morgan
Park Neighborhood

by Joseph Oswald

A fascinating look at one of Chicago's most intriguing areas. This newly-released book is on sale now from RHS and can be purchased here. (A great gift for your favorite history buff!)

Thank you for visiting our website. The Ridge Historical Society is a volunteer, not-for-profit organization and we depend on the generosity of the general public to support our work. We are a resource for students, historians and anyone interested in the area's history. Many of our services are provided free of charge, and through your financial support we can continue to provide these services. Please consider becoming a member or making a direct donation to us by using PayPal.

Thank you for your support.

 

This Chicago and  Northern Illinois History  site is owned by Ridge Historical Society
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The Ridge Historical Society is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1971 to preserve and promote the history of the Chicago neighborhoods of Beverly Hills, Morgan Park and Washington Heights.

The area now has four recognized municipal and national historic districts, including the Ridge Historic District, one of the largest urban districts on the National Register of Historic Places

Become an RHS member
Membership is one way you can support the work of the Ridge Historical Society

Volunteer Opportunities Available at RHS
Become a Society volunteer! A number of openings exist for volunteers


The Ridge Historical Society Invites You To A Very Special Event!

The opening night reception for our new exhibit, “MAPPING THE RIDGE”

And a first look at the newly renovated livingroom/exhibit space

Where: RHS, 10621 S. Seeley Avenue, Chicago, IL 60643
   
When: Saturday, November 22, 2008, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
   
Cost:: RHS members - $25/person; $45/couple
  Non-members - $30/person; $50/couple
   
R.S.V.P. Call 773-881-1675 to reserve your ticket for this event. Payment may be made at reservation time or at the door.
   
Details: Enjoy a “wine-and-cheese” reception while you visit our new exhibit. “MAPPING THE RIDGE” will feature our in-house collection of maps and photographs, including unique historic aerial photographs, topographical and property maps of the area, and historic street scenes of familiar places in our community.

RHS is a private not-for-profit institution. Proceeds from this event will go toward continuing upkeep and renovation of the Graver Driscoll House, RHS Headquarters.     


What's New

THE RIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNOUNCES FALL 2008 PROGRAMMING


A SPECIAL EVENT!!!        MAPS AND MINGLING!!!!

NEW EXHIBIT OPENING AT RHS: MAPPING THE RIDGE

Plan to join us for opening reception on November 22nd from 6-8 pm. After several weeks of renovation, RHS is eager to show off our new exhibit space in the former living room and foyer. New paint, updated lighting, modern window coverings, and an expanded exhibit floor plan accompany the new MAPPING THE RIDGE opening. And for those of you who know the old living room well, there will be another surprise – but you have to come to RHS to see it.

The opening reception will offer visitors the first look at the new exhibit and renovated RHS, adult refreshments, and a chance to visit with friends and neighbors. The funds collected for the opening event will go toward continuing upkeep and renovation of the Graver Driscoll House.


MAPPING THE RIDGE will feature our in-house collection of maps and photographs. Maps represent a scale model of the world and have many uses: navigational, political , and physical. Maps also are a major tool for historians tp interpret the past. They offer a source of primary historical evidence and offer visual confirmation of change over time.

Our collection of maps include several unique historic aerial photographs, topographical and property maps of the Beverly/Morgan Park area, and historic street scenes of familiar places in our community. Each of these artifacts has a story to tell, and will engage exhibit participants in reminiscences of their own.

The exhibit will continue throughout the Fall and Winter, and be open for viewing during the usual RHS public hours, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Appointments to view the exhibit at other times may be made by phoning 773-881-1675. School groups are invited to RHS to view this exhibit or for other programming, and should also call ahead to make arrangements.


Local Legend Debunked
Was Beverly Hills, California named after Beverly Hills in Chicago?

Ice & Water: Chicago Before Our Time

Geological history of the Ridge area.

Local Indian Lore

Indian prehistory of the area.

Morgan Family Initiatives Launched Community
A look at the influence of a pioneer family.

Illinois and the Glaciers
A brief synopsis of glacial activity in Illinois that is part of the underpinning of the Ridge geography.

Glacial Debris

How glaciers created "moraines".

Beverly Hills/Morgan Park Architecture
A compendium of articles on local architecture by Harold T. Wolff.



Features

Before and After: How Buildings Change Over Time
The majority of "before" pictures are photocopies of postcards that are part of a collection at the Chicago Historical Society. The "after" photographs are part of a long-term project to document the architecture of the community. Take a look and see if your house is in this photo album.

The 111th St. Train Station Rehabilitation
Take a look at the project from start to finish in this photo review.

Architectural Resource Center
Start the process of researching your home's history on our website and learn where to find additional resources.

Street Cars of Beverly Hills/Morgan Park
A short photo essay of the long-gone era of streetcars in our neighborhood.

The Vincennes Trail
The development of what was once an Indian trail into a pioneer "superhighway".

RHS Photo Album
Take a nostalgic tour of our community's history with our photo album. Visit the people and places from our past. To view the photo album requires Macromedia Flash 6 Player. For a free download, please select Download Flash 6 player to view . Follow the instructions on the Macromedia website.

Local Legend Debunked
Was Beverly Hills, California named after Beverly Hills in Chicago?

Ice & Water: Chicago Before Our Time

Geological history of the Ridge area.

Local Indian Lore

Indian prehistory of the area.

Morgan Family Initiatives Launched Community
A look at the influence of a pioneer family.

Illinois and the Glaciers
A brief synopsis of glacial activity in Illinois that is part of the underpinning of the Ridge geography.

Glacial Debris

How glaciers created "moraines".

Beverly Hills/Morgan Park Architecture
A compendium of articles on local architecture by Harold T. Wolff.

©2008 Ridge Historical Society
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©2008 Ridge Historical Society10621 S. Seeley Avenue Chicago , Illinois 60643 773-881-1675 ridgehistory@hotmail.com