Rogers Park / West Ridge Historical Society

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Rogers Park / West Ridge Historical Society

June 10 House Tour of Deer Park

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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.

 

 

African Americans in Chicago

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African Americans in Chicago book signing

Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 10:30 a.m.

At the Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society, 1447 W. Morse

Join author Lowell Thompson as he reads from his new book African Americans in Chicago and discusses the rich history of African Americans in Chicago and their contributions to the city’s cultural and economic landscape.  Copies of the book will be for sale to be signed by the author.

The Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society is pleased to host author Lowell Thompson  and his presentation from African-Americans in Chicago as part of its “Second Saturday at the Society” series of programs spotlighting local authors, historians, and speakers each second Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. in the Society’s museum at 1447 W. Morse.

 

Join Us at Mayne Stage Mar. 31

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This year, the Annual Meeting is going to be held at Mayne Stage, 1328  W. Morse Ave., on Saturday, March 31, 2012, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

This 90+ year old former Nickelodeon will form the backdrop to our annual meeting.

Find out just what we've been up to for the past year. It's amazing how much is getting done thanks to our hard working, enthusiastic team of volunteers. The three hours will fly by. We'll announce our upcoming programs, discuss our plans for the future, and elect new members to the Board of Directors. 

Light snacks will be available. There will also be a cash bar.

It should be a lot of fun. Be there!!

 

 

Last Updated on Friday, 23 March 2012 13:48
 

Historical Society Presents Second Neighborhood ‘Gangsta’ Walk

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Capone era mobster and Capone antagonist, Jack Zuta, lived in West Ridge.

O

n Sunday, May 6, from 1:30 to 4:30, the Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society will hold its second neighborhood “Gangsta Tour.” From the “Roaring Twenties” onward, West Ridge was home to some of the city’s most notorious crime figures, who were attracted by the fine homes and peaceful environment. This was the stomping ground of North Side crime boss George “Bugs” Moran, Al Capone’s main rival for control of the city’s rackets.

This popular tour will see the outsides of eight homes, including Big Tim Murphy, union organizer, racketeer, and North Side gambling baron; Jack Zuta, Bugs Moran’s business manager and mob enforcer; and Joey Aiello, sworn enemy of Al Capone, and known as the toughest gangster in Chicago. RP/WRHS Board members will provide a detailed commentary on the residences and surrounding neighborhood. The total distance will be around 1.5 miles, so bring your walking shoes.

The group will meet at 1:15 at DLD Grill 6954 N. Western Avenue. Registration for the tour is limited to 20 people, so sign up soon since last year’s tour sold out fast. Registration is $24 for RP/WRHS members, $30 for nonmembers. You can sign up on the Society’s website www.rpwrhs.org or call 773-764-4078. Reserve your tickets online until May 5, or call 773-764-4078.

Last Updated on Sunday, 08 April 2012 12:03
 

February 2012 Second Saturday Lecture

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Join us on Saturday, February 11, 2012, when we hold the next in our Second Saturday at the Society series of monthly lectures. This time, Guest Speaker, Daniel Ott will speak on "Curb(side) Your Enthusiasm: Squatters Rights on Chicago Streets--The tradition of claiming 'dibs' on the parking space you just dug out."  

This is the perfect time of the year to hold this discussion. 

Daniel Ott has a website: http://snowchairs.tumblr.com

 

Last Updated on Saturday, 14 January 2012 12:54
 
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Mark your Calendar!

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

Annual House Tour
Sun, Jun 10,

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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.