The Old Water Tower by Louise Barwick, 1893. Located, in the artist’s own words, “200 feet north of 103rd Street between Hoyne and Seeley,” the water tower was constructed circa 1888 as part of a much-needed water system that included a windmill. The then modern achievement became redundant when the area was annexed to Chicago in 1890, when water and other utilities began being supplied by the City.
By Linda Lamberty, Historian Ridge Historical Society Leading into the upcoming art-centric exhibit, “Louise Barwick’s Lost Ridge” at the Ridge Historical Society, here is a brief sketch of the history of art on the Ridge: The uniquely beautiful Blue Island Ridge was a draw to artists at least as early as the 1880s, when considerably […]
Uncovering the History of Our Homes and Community
By Brian Marchetti From the sprawling mansions that rest upon the summit of Longwood Drive to the businesses that have served the community for generations, each building has a unique past and the Ridge Historical Society (RHS) can help local residents uncover the stories of their own homes. Tim Blackburn, a home research specialist, has […]
RHS Presents Underground Railroad Program
“Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad in Chicago and Northeastern Illinois,” a program exploring the movement of fugitive slaves known as “freedom seekers” and the network of support that developed as the Underground Railroad, will be presented Fri., Feb. 17, 7 to 9 p.m., Ridge Historical Society (RHS), 10621 S. Seeley Ave. RHS will premier its […]
RHS Lecture Series Ties Current Exhibit to Home Histories, Photography, and Hetherington Design Dynasty
Experts on history, architecture, and photography will present a series of talks related to the current Hetherington Design Dynasty exhibit and three generations of Hetherington architects this month at the Ridge Historical Society (RHS), 10621 S. Seeley. Friday, November 4, 7:00 pm Researcher Tim Blackburn presents “Discover the History of Your Chicago House,” sharing information […]
RHS Open to Visitors
Ridge Historical Society (RHS), 10621 S. Seeley Ave., is now open to the public Tuesdays and Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m., as well as by appointment. Area residents are encouraged to stop by to learn more about the history of the Beverly/Morgan Park and the Ridge communities and view exhibits. The current special exhibit is […]
Pike House is One of Landmarks Illinois Most Endangered Historic Places
Landmarks Illinois announced the in April that the Eugene S. Pike House in North Beverly is one of five locations on its 2022 list of the Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois. The late 19th-century home once used as a Watchman’s Residence for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County sits at the southern […]
Local Effort Focuses on Saving the Historic Pike House
The Ridge Historical Society (RHS), with the support of the Beverly Area Planning Association (BAPA) and other community organizations, has applied to Landmarks Illinois to have the Eugene S. Pike House, a historic structure located at 1826 W. 91st St. in North Beverly included on the 2022 list of Most Endangered Historic Places in […]
The Legacy of Hetherington Homes
By Grace Kuikman Beverly Area Planning Association (BAPA) and Ridge Historical Society (RHS) are partnering to celebrate the contribution made to the built beauty of Beverly/Morgan Park by three generations of Hetherington family architects with a special exhibit at RHS opening in spring and a showcase of Hetherington-designed homes on BAPA’s Beverly/Morgan Park Home Tour, Sun., May […]
RHS Opens Doors for American Girl Doll Exhibit
By Linda Lamberty Historian Ridge Historical Society In November it was announced that American Girl dolls were among recent inductees to the National Toy Hall of Fame in Rochester, NY. The dolls, created in 1986 by Pleasant Rowland, “were recognized for their exploration of the country’s social and cultural history,” according to an article in the […]
Ridge Historical Society to Offer E-learning Options
By Linda Lamberty, Historian Ridge Historical Society Into the beginning of March, the Ridge Historical Society (RHS) was steaming forward, scheduling our popular annual Spring Bonnet Tea, five monthly crafting events geared toward children and centered around our new exhibit of American Girl dolls, and more. “Real American Girls of the Ridge” is a display of the […]