Page last updated 1/27/2001
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Rogers Park / West Ridge Historical Society
To encourage and perpetuate an interest
in the history of our communities through
research, education and preservation.
Museum Location & Hours
The Society is located at 7344 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60645-5422
Hours are Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
and Thursday evening from 7 to 9 p.m.
Other days/times by appointment.
773-764-4079 - direct line or, if busy,
773-764-4078 - (also voice mail)
773-764-2824 - fax
e-mail - mjdoyle44@aol.com
home page: http://www.rpwrhs.org
Plan to visit our Historical Museum & Educational Research Center.
- over 80 treasured photographs displayed on the walls
- memorabilia displayed in showcases
- a collection of over 6,000 photos dating back to the 1870s
- historical documents, including maps, plats and deeds
- reference library for students doing research
- annual or three-year memberships available
- benefits include quarterly Newsletter and house tours
The first inhabitants, the Native Americans, loved this area and respected the lake, trees, animals and nature in general. The Pottawattomie and other regional tribes used two famous trails, known today as Rogers Avenue and Ridge Avenue.
In the 1830s the settlers came -- the Irish, English, Germans, Luxembourgers and several others. The first was Philip Rogers who traded with the Indians and eventually purchased 1,600 acres of land from the U.S. Government. His daughter, Catherine, married Patrick L. Touhy who founded the Rogers Park Building and Land Association in 1871 with major developers Greenleaf, Lunt, Morse, Farwell and Pratt. Rogers Park was incorporated as a village in 1878 and West Ridge in 1890. Both communities were annexed to Chicago on April 4, 1893.
Through the years, immigrants have added their vitality and vision, attested by the many significant educational and cultural institutions, places of worship, businesses, and community organizations that now reflect the diversity in our neighborhoods.
Contact:
Mary Jo Doyle
Executive Director
Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society
Are you interested in learning more about your local history?
Visit us soon and view outstanding photographs and impressive artifacts that bridge the gap between the past and the present.
Visit the Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society Home Page.
