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Welcome to The Hyde Park Historical Society This little building was constructed in 1893 or 1894 by the Chicago City Street Railway. It is believed to be the only building surviving in Chicago that was part of the cable car system. At one time the railway was one of the most extensive cable car systems in the country. The line had moving underground cables, like the San Francisco system, and connected Hyde Park with the downtown area at Roosevelt Road. It, together with the Illinois Central Railroad, the Jackson Park Elevated line and lake steamers, was one of the major modes of transportation between downtown Chicago and the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Jackson Park. The Hyde Park cable car line ran along 55th Street. The cars turned south at what is now Harper Avenue to a half block past 56th street, then east to Lake Park Avenue and then north to 55th Street. The cars then turned west on 55th Street to Cottage Grove Avenue. The main powerhouse was located on the north east corner of Cottage Grove Avenue and 55th Street. The Hyde Park turnaround, which ran on a separate cable was called Cable Court. The loop was in existence for several years before the building was built. While the exact date of the station’s construction is not known, strong evidence indicates it was erected in 1893 or 1894. It is known that the right-of-way was elevated from ground level in 1893, to eliminate grade crossings and facilitate traffic flow for the fair. Construction of the building, which is rubble stone and not brick in the sections that abut the bank of the Illinois Central tracks, indicates it was built at the time of the embankment’s construction or after it, but not before. The building was in place by 1895 because it appears on a map of the area carrying that date. It is not entirely clear whether the building was originally used as a waiting room for passengers or as a rest area for employees. Whatever its intended use, within a few years the cable car system was abandoned. For a time the building served as a terminal and rest stop for the trolley system which replaced the cable cars. However, even that use was short lived and the surface rail lines and trolleys had been completely abandoned by 1906. Beginning about 1898, through 1952, the building was operated as a short order restaurant by members of the Keller family, particularly Turney Keller. Later, it was the home of “Steve’s Lunch.” operated by a Steve Megales, a Greek Immigrant. According to Clyde Watkins, a founder of the Hyde Park Historical Society, the breakfast special featured two eggs, bacon, potatoes, toast and coffee and cost $.42. By 1974 the lunch room had closed and the building was being used as a storage shed for the two-wheeled carts used for delivering newspapers. The building was clearly headed for ruin. At this point, the history of the building and the formation of The Hyde Park Historical Society converge. The idea of a historical society was initially explored by Clyde Watkins and Tom Jensen who called a public forum in the spring of 1975. Dev Bowley, Jean Block and Vicky Ranney were also among the first organizers. The society was officially chartered in January 28, 1977. At first, the Society did not have a home, but Clyde Watkins already had his eye on the building he had been fond of for many years. The Society soon purchased the building for approximately $4,000 and leased the land from the Illinois Central Railroad. Dev Bowley became the chairman of the restoration committee and brought in John Vinci to be the architect for the restoration.
There’s Art in Them Thar Revetments! with William Swislow
There’s Art in Them Thar Revetments! Via Zoom Saturday, June 27, 2020 2:00 – 4:00 pm One of the world’s most remarkable outdoor art treasures lies hidden in plain sight along Chicago’s L…
http://www.hydeparkhistory.org/2020/05/29/the-faulkner-school-more-than-a-finishing-school/
Peep, peep, peep cried the baby chicks as they skittered along the hallway, each chick followed by an enchanted ninth-grader. This was my first day at Faulkner, and I had had no experience at all w…
Stay Home and Read with the Historical Society - https://mailchi.mp/7dc9b12cdf90/stay_home_and_read
Thank you for the article, Hyde Park Herald!
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The Hyde Park Historical Society (HPHS) announced Tuesday that it is launching a community archive to collect resident responses to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Hyde Park Historical Society wants to hear from you about how you, your family, and our community are being affected by COVID-19. Please tell us your story so we can add your voice to the history of our community.
Share here: https://forms.gle/bsht7MShgEr558GT8
If you would like to share photographs or a video, or both, please email them to [email protected].
If you would like to submit a diary or journal of your experience, please email it to [email protected] or mail it to the HPHS Headquarters.
Any physical ephemera can be mailed to the Hyde Park Historical Society's Headquarters at 5529 S Lake Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60637. Anything received will not returned to the sender and will become property of the Historical Society.
*EVENT CANCELLED
Hyde Park Book Club: Monday, March 16, 2020
*EVENT CANCELLED Hyde Park Book Club: Monday, March 16, 2020 Discussions with: Carlo Rotella, author of: The World is Always Coming to an End Pulling together and apart in a Chicago neighborhood Hy…
We're looking for new board members. Is that you?
Let us know!
The Hyde Park Book Club is excited for @Lee Bey to discuss his new book "Southern Exposures" on Monday 2/17 at the historical society!
Hyde Park’s Bonnie & Clyde: Larry Baran, author of The Housewife Loved A Bandit
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Hyde Park Book Club presents: Southern Exposure:
The Overlooked Architecture of Chicago’s South Side
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HPHS Open House Schedule: January – February/March
HPHS Open House Schedule: January – February/March The Nancy Hays exhibit is still up, so if you missed the previous dates you can still see it. If you have already seen it, drop in for some…
Hyde Park Book Club: Monday, January 20, 2020
Hyde Park Book Club: Monday, January 20, 2020 Discussions with: Jackie Grimshaw, former aide to Harold Washington & Bea Lumpkin, author of:Always Bring A Crowd! and Joy in the Struggle Hyde Par…
Thank you, @South Side Weekly! We love to share the amazing work of Nancy Hays and highlight our collection.
hen professional photographers Becca and Mik Major moved into their Kenwood condo at 50th Street and Dorchester Avenue two years ago, the real estate agent told them they were following in distinguished footsteps: another photographer, Nancy Hays, had lived there before them. Up until her death in 2...
Photos of Robie House being declared a national historic landmark on November 27, 1963.
richard nickel photos of richard j. daley declaring wright's 1909 robie house (note the boarded windows in second image) a national historic landmark on november 27,1963.
i can't recall if the 1963 "robie house restoration fund" folded cards with photographic image by r. nickel and a. siskind were handed out that day.
photos courtesy of ryerson and burnham, art institute of chicago. folded card courtesy of bld. 51 archive.
This Giving Tuesday please consider supporting the Hyde Park Historical Society. Every dollar helps put on excellent programs throughout the year and care for our historic cable car building. Thank you!
Announcing the 2020 Hyde Park Book Club
Announcing the 2020 Hyde Park Book Club Monday, January 20. Author Bea Lumpkin, Always Bring a Crowd and Joy in the Struggle. Also, Jacky Grimshaw, former aide to Mayor Harold Washington Monday, Fe…
Hyde Park Historical Society Annual Holiday Party
Hyde Park Historical Society Annual Holiday Party Sunday December 15, 20192-4pm5529 S Lake Park Ave.Please help spread the joy and bring a contribution to our refreshments table! ALL ARE WELCOME!
Hyde Park History Autumn 2019
Hyde Park History vol.41 number 1-3 Autumn 2019 Welcome to the Point: The Wallach Fountain
Hyde Park Historical Society's cover photo
Nancy Hays Photo Exhibit
Additional Viewing - 2-4Pm
Sunday, November 10, 2019
Sunday, November 24, 2019
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Saturday, December 21-2019
NANCY HAYS PHOTO EXHIBIT A retrospective exhibit of Nancy Hays photographs of Hyde Park in the 1980s. October 27, 2019 at 2pm Hyde Park Historical Society 5529 S Lake Park Ave Chicago, IL…
A Conversation with Timuel D. Black, Jr. and Susan Klonsky Conducted by Jay Mulberry
A Conversation with Timuel D. Black, Jr. and Susan Klonsky Conducted by Jay Mulberry 2:00pm-4:00 pm Sunday, November 17, 2019 Hyde Park Union Church 5600 S. Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637 Recep…
Big things are happening at the Historical Society this week. In addition to Open House Chicago 2019 this weekend, we are getting our name and address gold leafed onto the door! Thanks to the SECC Chicago for the grant and Heart & Bone Signs for the amazing art and talent!
Nancy Campbell Hays:
A Retrospective Opening Reception
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Join us for Open House Chicago!
Join us for Open House Chicago! The Hyde Park Historical Society historic cable car building will be a featured stop on this year’s Open House Chicago. After 3 years of building repairs, restorati…
A NEW BLUEPRINT:
Discussing the Importance of Diversity in Preservation
A NEW BLUEPRINT: Discussing the Importance of Diversity in Preservation Featuring noted Chicago photographer and writer Lee Bey Saturday, November 2, 2019 2:00 – 4:00 pm Augustana Lutheran …
We are excited for our busy October. The Historical Society's building will be apart of Open House Chicago 2019 and the Nancy Campbell Hays Exhibition Opening is happening! Even more things are scheduled for November. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Today at Montgomery Place from 2-4pm is the Hyde Park Stories Event. Look forward to seeing you there!
Many thanks to @57th Street Wines for hosting our event this afternoon!
Excited to be hosting Hyde Park Historical Society’s panel of Independent booksellers... certain (welcomed!) obligations come with inhabiting a former bookstore.
#hydeparkchicago
Hyde Park’s Independent Booksellers: Use Them or Lose Them
Saturday, September 21, 2019 2:00 – 4:00 pm 57th Street Wines, 1447 E. 58th Street (once home to the legendary O’Gara & Wilson bookstore) Free and open to the Public Featuring: Jack Cella…
Hyde Park Historical Society: Nancy Hays Project
Dear Friends, Nancy Campbell Hays (1923/2007), a beloved Hyde Park photographer, activist and preservationist, arrived in Chicago in 1958 from NYC at the age of 35 and would remain here, building h…
Thank you, Hyde Park Herald!
We are so excited to preserve and digitize Nancy Hays' photos. Learn more about the project and how you can help at www.nancyhays.org.
Exhibit set to honor HP photographer
Celebrating Nancy Hays - A Hyde Park Legend - https://mailchi.mp/28dbba28d958/celebrating-nancy-hays-a-hyde-park-legend
Book Discussion: FADING ADS OF CHICAGO
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Happy 4th of July!
We’re at the Hyde Park 4th of July parade today. We hope to see you!
Come march with the Hyde Park Historical Society in the annual 4th on 53rd Parade
Come march with the Hyde Park Historical Society in the annual 4th on 53rd Parade Thursday July 4, 2019 from 10:30-1:30. Meet at the staging ground at 5300 S. Lake Park Avenue. The Parade route is …
5529 S Lake Park Ave
Chicago, IL
60637
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We're so excited to be selected, with 24 other historic sites, as a semi-finalist in Partners in Preservation: Main Streets. In conjunction with the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce we have the awesome opportunity to compete to win a $75,000 grant from American Express and National Trust for Historic Preservation to preserve our historic Cable Car Building. Excitingly, we are the only semi-finalist in Illinois. To win, we need your help! We need you to vote (up to five times a day!) at voteyourmainstreet.org through October 31st. Please share with all your friends!
ABC News Chicago reported on The Hyde Park Historical Society's attempts to make Guinness Book of World Records. Don't forget to vote for HPHS at https://www.nationalgeographic.com/voteyourmainstreet/#/
We're so excited to be selected, with 24 other historic sites, as a semi-finalist in Partners in Preservation: Main Streets. In conjunction with the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce we have the awesome opportunity to compete to win a $75,000 grant from American Express and National Trust for Historic Preservation to preserve our historic Cable Car Building. Excitingly, we are the only semi-finalist in Illinois. To win, we need your help! We need you to vote (up to five times a day!) at voteyourmainstreet.org through October 31st. Please share with all your friends!
American Express & the National Trust For Historic Preservation are teaming up to grant $2 million in preservation funding! Vote for BRING BACK THE CABLE CAR BUILDING IN HYDE PARK today at http://voteyourmainstreet.org
Dev Bowly Man and Vision interviews Ward Miller, Executive Director of Preservation Chicago, about Dev Bowly. Ward Miller speaks about Dev Bowly and his historic influence on the Hyde Park Historical Society and his Michigan Inns.
Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
5700 S Lake Shore DrMuseo della scienza e dell'industria
E 57th St & S Lake Shore DrMuseum of Science and Industry
5700 S Lake Shore DrThe Chicago SNCC History Project
1448 East 52nd StreetNational Museum Publishing Seminar
1427 E 60th St, Fl 2ndPersepolis Fortification Archive Project
The Oriental Institute, 1155 E 58th StUniversity of Chicago Oriental Institute
1155 E 58th St
Chinese American Museum of Chicago - Raymond
238 W 23rd St
VetCAT: A Veterans' Creative Arts Therapy Pro
4041 N Milwaukee Ave
Persepolis Fortification Archive Project
The Oriental Institute, 1155 E 58th St
