Park Ridge Historical Society

History of the History On the Move Project

Photos from the Solomon Cottage, July 27, 2009

Solomon Cottage Update, July 15th, 2009

Park Ridge Historical Society Coming to The Youth Campus

Help Support Our History On the Move Project

The History of our ‘History On the Move’ Project

Early this year the Historical Society adopted the slogan ‘History on the Move’ to describe its move to a new place in Park Ridge. Our moving project includes plans to move to the historic Solomon Cottage, but it also identifies the opportunity to strengthen our mission to maintain a repository for artifacts and records of historical interest, to promote knowledge of and pride in the accomplishments and heritage of the people of Park Ridge and to celebrate the places and events in Park Ridge history which make this a special place to live.

How did we get to this point? Seven years ago, the Society’s Trustees set aside $80,000 as a ‘Building Fund,’ from the bequests of Gloria Boye and Paula Kobel, to acknowledge that circumstances might eventually dictate relocation to an alternate site. Four years ago, the Society began to explore alternates to maintaining its headquarters at 41 South Prairie Avenue.

This property, which is not owned by the Society, is within the boundaries of Target Area 4 of the Uptown Redevelopment Plan adopted by the City of Park Ridge; our home’s continued existence is somewhat tenuous for this reason alone.

As a tenant at 41 South Prairie Avenue, the Society has shouldered the entire burden of all property taxes, insurance, building and grounds maintenance, utility bills, building repairs and lease-dictated building improvements. Half of the Society’s budget has been set aside to pay property taxes alone in the last few years.

Alternate locations considered for the Society’s new home included rental space in properties owned by friends of the Society. For one reason or another, none of these alternate locations met our needs. A desirable historic property in town was not for sale, and posed challenges to access and parking.

Another option appeared unexpectedly: at the Society speaking program at The Youth Campus in April, 2004, we were warmly received by then-CEO Joe Loftus. We began a dialog with him about the history of Pennyville, Brickton, Park Ridge, and the approaching centennial year of the continuous mission of the Illinois Industrial School for Girls in Park Ridge.

Over time, we discussed a cooperative plan to enhance that community history through a closer relationship. When Joe Loftus moved on to another career opportunity, we continued our conversation with Richard DiStasio, co-chair of The Youth Campus Board of Directors, who listened to our vision of common interests. Soon after the arrival of new CEO Jim Guidi, our dialog resumed, and Dr. Guidi forthrightly invited the Historical Society to continue its mission in an unused cottage at The Youth Campus, an invitation unprecedented in its 100-year history.

The Youth Campus is classified as a Historic District by the National Park Service in its National Register of Historic Places.

This is an ideal space for preserving and honoring the history of Park Ridge. Our home in the Solomon Cottage will reflect well on the Society, which has served our city since 1971, on the historic mission of The Youth Campus, and on the larger Park Ridge community.

Please click on ‘Park Ridge Historical Society Coming to the Youth Campus’ below for more information.

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Chimney repair in progress

Before

After

"Maple Tree in front of the Cottage before and after pruning"
A noticeable improvement in visibility of the Cottage from Prospect Avenue. More photos to follow showing other views of tree trimming in and around the Cottage. We thank our friends at Autumn Tree Care Experts for their great courtesy in trimming the trees around the Solomon Cottage.

Phil and Miguel of Autumn Tree Care Experts

"Note Left 45 Years Ago by Wallpapering Team"
A very interesting historic artifact found upon removal of wallpaper in the Cottage. The two men papering the Cottage walls in 1963 left a penciled note stating that they are the grandsons of Milton H. Myers, who we know as the last surviving Civil War veteran from Brickton, Illinois.

Solomon Cottage Update, July 15th, 2009

We continue planning for renovation of the historic Solomon Cottage as the new headquarters of the Society.

Asbestos removal is now complete. The grounds around the Cottage set aside for Society use are staked (and we do have permission to use other areas adjoining these for outdoor Society events and parties). Minor repairs to the cottage chimney are planned. Trees around the cottage will be pruned following recent removal of the very large elm tree that dominated the cottage grounds around the north side.

After much deliberation, the Society Board of Trustees has crafted its ‘vision’ or program for the renovated Cottage. Architect Walker Johnson and his associate Meg Kindelin, of JL Architects, will soon receive this program, and we expect to see their conceptual plans during August. (Please visit www.jlarchitects.com to view some of the historic preservation work in progress by Walker Johnson’s team.)

After the Board selects the final layout of the building, the Society will formally begin its capital campaign to raise funds for the renovation, perhaps at an outdoor event on the Cottage grounds later this summer.

Society President Jeff Caudill at the Solomon Cottage June 12, with architects Meg Kindelin and Walker Johnson

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Park Ridge Historical Society trustees, Lauren Maloney, Mary Ann Tanquary and Paul Adlaf watch as
The Youth Campus CEO, Dr. Jim Guidi, and PRHS President, Jeff Caudill, sign the lease agreement in TYC’s Wohlers Parlor.

The Historical Society is planning to move to the Solomon Cottage on the grounds of The Youth Campus at 733 North Prospect Avenue.

What follows is an overview of Society plans, as prepared by the Youth Campus staff for press release, and guided by the Society.

Progress report: As of Wednesday, June 10th, asbestos remediation work within the Cottage was essentially completed.

Periodic reports on our historic move will appear on this page.

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Park Ridge Historical Society Coming to The Youth Campus
Local child welfare organization provides historic space for Society’s new home.

The Youth Campus (TYC) and the Park Ridge Historical Society (PRHS) have entered into a lease agreement that provides a new home for PRHS in the historic Solomon Cottage at 733 North Prospect Avenue. The building faces the street and sits south of the entrance driveway to The Youth Campus 11-acre property. The agreement marks a significant partnership of not-for-profits and commits the space as headquarters for the Park Ridge Historical Society.

“As we look to the next 100 years in Park Ridge, our compelling mission to serve needy children from this diamond in the rough facility deserves good neighbors. Park Ridge Historical Society promotes the tremendous philanthropic heritage of the city and respects our place in it. We hope to support this partnership with a strong and vibrant future,” comments TYC chief executive, Dr. James J. Guidi.

PRHS president, Jeff Caudill, says, “I know I speak for all of the members of the Park Ridge Historical Society when I say we are incredibly excited about this collaboration with The Youth Campus. This is a wonderful opportunity to herald the rich history of Park Ridge and preserve a Park Ridge landmark building.”

Guidi and Caudill signed the agreement on April 21, 2009. Unused by The Youth Campus for many years, the Solomon Cottage’s size, location and historic nature offer an excellent space for creating the new, permanent home for Park Ridge Historical Society. PRHS plans to undertake a capital campaign to renovate the building.

“The Society is grateful to The Youth Campus for inviting the Society to make a new home at this historic location in our community. The Society will enter its 39th year of preserving and honoring the history of Park Ridge in a building listed in the National Register of Historic Places, with the unique opportunity to shape this new home as a model for the collection, display and dissemination of local history,” said Paul Adlaf, PRHS Trustee.

Over 100 years ago, Julius Rosenwald, of Sears Roebuck fame, funded construction of this building, stipulating that it be named for Hannah Greenebaum Solomon, the visionary leader of what was long known as the Park Ridge School for Girls. It was the first of several buildings begun on the site in 1908 to create the environment recommended by fellow board member, Jane Addams, of small cottages with housemothers to care for needy girls. The eminent architectural firm, Holabird & Roche, designed most of the original buildings. Park Ridge resident, Ed McCabe, led the way in 1999 to achieve designation of this building in the National Register of Historic Places.

Renovation will be guided by community members and Park Ridge Historical Society advisors, David D. Hiller and Shlomo Crandus. A Park Ridge native and graduate of Maine East High School, Hiller is the new president and chief executive of Chicago-based McCormick Foundation. Crandus is currently president of the Park Ridge Library Board of Trustees and Vice President of Finance for Wheels, Inc. PRHS architect is Walker Johnson, formerly of Holabird & Root.

Hiller, says, “As somebody born and raised in Park Ridge, it is exciting and highly meaningful to me to be part of creating this new destination for bringing the history of our city alive for the new generations of our families and kids.”

The Youth Campus continues its mission to offer hope for successful lives to abused and neglected children. TYC awakens lost hope for 34 teen girls in Park Ridge Residential Treatment, nurtures new and lasting relationships for 130 boys and girls in Chicago area Foster Care families and offers support and relief to 30 Caregivers of Cook County’s medically-challenged children. The Youth Campus serves children who deserve a new start, a new home and people who believe in them.

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Check back soon for updates.