The Society's Annual House Tour is being held this year on Sunday, June 10, 2012. We alternate every year between Rogers Park and West Ridge. Odd years are in Rogers Park and even years are in West Ridge. So, we're back to West Ridge this year to visit a little-known post-war community just west of California Avenue called "Deer Park."
In 1946, the Deerfield Company announced the development of Deer Park, to be built on 25 acres of the old Illinois Brick Company property. The Chicago Tribune sponsored a contest between architects to design single-family dwellings with the grand prize being $1,000. A panel of architects and builders was assembled to judge the entries. The competition drew entries from more than 950 architects. Part of the contest included the fact that 10 of the winning designs would be built in Deer Park.
Each of the winning houses would be furnished by a different downtown department store, and each was featured in a special edition of the Chicago Tribune. And, all 10 houses were given to recent veterans.
Some of the houses will be open to inspection while the remainder will be featured for walk-by viewing.
Subject to confirmation by the Chicago Park District, the tour's starting point will be the field house of Chippewa Park, 6748 N. Francisco, which, by the way, was designed by Clarence Hatzfeld, who also designed the celebrated field house at Indian Boundary Park.
The cost for this year's tour will be $20 for pre-registered members and $25 for pre-registered nonmembers; day of tour charges will be $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers. To pre-register, call 773-764-4078, e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or go to this website and leave your name, phone number (or e-mail address), and the number of tickets you want to reserve. You will be put on the pre-registered list, and you can pay in person on the day of the tour at the pre-registered rate. You may also pre-register in person at the Society museum any day from 2-7 p.m.
