Rogers Park / West Ridge Historical Society

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Rogers Park / West Ridge Historical Society

Clark-Devon Hardware featured in new program

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The Rogers Park / West Ridge Historical Society begins its new Saturday drop-in series with Bernie Walchak talking about neighborhood icon, Clark-Devon Hardware.  Mr. Walchak will be at the RPWRHS office at 1447 W. Morse on Saturday, April 27 from noon – 2 pm.  He will be joined by his sister Shirley Walchak Slutzsky and his son Ken Walchak. They will reminisce and answers questions about the store, its history, and their experiences in the neighborhood over the years.

Clark-Devon Hardware was founded in 1924 and has been owned and operated by three successive generations of the Walchak family. The business is a fixture in Rogers Park, with its handsome lighted clock on the corner of the building (designed by former RPWRHS president, Paul Bluestone).  Bernie Walchak has lived in the Rogers Park area for all of his 88 years.  He has been associated with Clark-Devon Hardware for his whole life and still works there several mornings each week.

This series will continue on selected Saturdays throughout the year.  Check the RPWRHS web site or contact our office at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.
Last Updated on Friday, 10 May 2013 08:20
 

Roarin' Twenties Fundraiser Featured Ragtime, Comedy, Costumes - and more!

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On Sunday, April 14, 2013, the Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society  celebrated the roarin' twenties  at “ Joe's Speakeasy,” (the home of Alderman Joe and Barbara Moore, 1431 W. Fargo Avenue).

A  five-piece jazz group,  The Chi-Town Hot Shots,  started off the party by playing rag time roaring twenties kick-brass blues! Later in the day the Those Were the Days players (Chicago North) performed a hilarious Marx Brothers comedy routine.

This festive fundraising event also featured foods popular during the era, from deviled eggs to pasta, as well as classic cocktails, punch, and prohibition-style beer.

We have a slide show produced by Omar Jimenez, a Northwestern University student, and narrated by Colleen Sen. Please be patient as it downloads before playing. Click Here.

Last Updated on Sunday, 05 May 2013 23:55
 

RPWRHS Visits Chicago’s Last Churchyard Cemetery

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Have you heard the tragic tale of the real Sailor Jack, the Cracker Jack boy?

Do you know how the Chicago fire sparked romance in West Ridge?

What and where was the "Big Ditch?"

To learn these answers, please join us for a unique tour of Chicago’s only churchyard cemetery, St. Henry’s Cemetery, located at Devon Avenue and Ridge Boulevard on Sunday, September 16 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

This compact and beautiful site hosts interments of the founding families of Rogers Park and West Ridge, who provided the food and fuel during the 19th century to boost Chicago’s development into a world class city. Our guides will share photos and fascinating stories of these families and their community during this 2 hour walking tour.

Tickets are $20 to public; $15 for Society members. Register online now to reserve your tickets.

Last Updated on Friday, 03 May 2013 11:05
 

28th Annual Meeting

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RPWRHS Holds 28th Annual
Meeting, Saturday 3/23/13

The Rogers Park West Ridge Historical Society held its 28th annual meeting on Saturday, March 23, 2013, at one of Rogers Park’s interesting new eating places, the MorseL Restaurant (1406 W. Morse Avenue). More than forty members and other people interested in local history enjoyed the light refreshments and the opportunity to meet and mingle with their friends and neighbors.
 
The meeting was chaired by RPWRHS president Ken Walchak. Committee chairs gave presentations on their past and future activities. Two members of the board of directors were reconfirmed: Glenna Eaves and Colleen Taylor Sen. Founding members Kathie and Denis Paluch, who have left the board, were presented with a bouquet of spring flowers in thanks for their lasting contributions.
 
View the PowerPoint Presenation, Click Here 
 
 
Last Updated on Saturday, 11 May 2013 10:49
 

Mark your Calendar!

All events are at the Society's Offices at 1447 W. Morse unless otherwise noted.

25th Annual House Walk
Sun, Sep 08, 11:00 AM
Details will be announced.

Visit us on Facebook . . .

Join the friends of the Society in their interactions on the Society's Facebook page! Visit us on Facebook, and be sure to "like" RPWRHS today!

Show Your Support—Donate Today!

Your donation helps support the development of programs that bring the history of the Rodgers Park and West Ridge neighborhoods to life!

Just click on the "Donate" button below—PayPal's secure site will take care of the transaction, using your credit card or PayPal account.


About the Society

The Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society collects, preserves and shares the story of the diverse community of Chicago’s far north side. Established in 1975 by local residents who believed their part of Chicago was a place with much to celebrate, the Society today serves the community through its publications, architectural tours, and various educational and outreach efforts.

How to Contact Us

By Mail:1447 W. Morse Ave.
Chicago, IL 60626
By Phone:773-764-4078
By E-mail:info@rpwrhs.org

We are open weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Other times by appointment.


Board of Directors meetings are held the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Society's offices.