Ridge Historical Society is featuring an exhibit focused on Marshall Field's and Company and the well loved Christmas traditions of that store.  “ Marshall Field's and Christmas ” is a theme that has warmed the holiday season for Chicagoans and Chicago visitors for a century and more.  We on the Ridge have many connections to this store and this tradition including the source of our favorite Christmas gifts, the visits to Santa in the Cozy Cloud Cottage, and the many employees and executives who have lived in Beverly/Morgan Park.  An exhibit of additional Field's memorabilia will include information on the first advertising manager, and the residence of Field's president, John McKinlay-- used as a showcase house for Field's furniture and housewares; and a wedding dress made by Field's in 1906 for the Nash family.   Also included is Fashions of the Hour for 1921, a special anniversary issue for the 50th anniversary of the Chicago Fire.  China specially designed for the 1933 World's Fair featuring historic landmarks of Chicago is accompanied by menus of the restaurant and tea room.  An issue of the company magazine, The Field Glass , for December 1948 features young RHS board member Herman Schell talking to Santa.

 Many examples of signature merchandise and memorabilia are on display, but the centerpiece of the holiday themed exhibit is a collection of gift boxes and bags representing 75 years of Christmas at Marshall Field's.  The exhibit, dedicated to remembering Marshall Field's is being installed by RHS Curator, Edris Hoover from her personal collection, along with contributions from friends of Field's and from the RHS artifact and archives collections.