The history of Chicago parks will be the subject of the Edgewater Historical Society (EHS) general meeting to be held Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 10AM at the Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway. Chicago Park District historian, and Edgewater resident, Julia S. Bachrach will give the 2012 Wyman Lecture about the newly released second edition of her landmak book The City in a Garden, a History of Chicago’s Parks.
The Wyman Lecture is named in honor of the late Austin “Bud” Wyman, founding treasurer of EHS and a devoted leader in the Edgewater community. Noted for his generosity and wise leadership, Bud had avid interests in the environment, nature, and history as an active member of EHS, of Audubon, and a local founder of the Isaac Walton League chapter. This lecture honors his memory by presenting distinguished authors in fields of Chicago history, nature, or the environment.
Ms. Bachrach has also contibruted to or co-authored other books on Chicago history and parks. She recently showcased her Edgewater home in the EHS 2012 Home Tour, after a successful application to be on the National Register of Historic Places. She is also on the board of trustees of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Geoffrey Baer, Channel 11 program host, said “Bachrach’s telling of the tale of Chicago’s parks has all the elements of a great story. It’s filled with heroes and scoundrels, idealism, Chicago-style politics, and the sad decline caused by years of neglect. This new edition … adds a hopeful twist to the story.”
The program is free and open to the public, and is co-sponsored by the Chicago Park District. Copies of the book will be available for sale (sorry, no credit cards). Light refreshments will be provided.
Also, non-perishable food will be collected for Edgewater’s pantry Care For Real; attendees are encouraged to bring at least one item.
The Edgewater Historical Society was founded to involve the community in the research, documentation, collection, and the preservation of Edgewater history; to promote the study, sharing and enjoyment of that history; and to promote the preservation of landmarks and historical structures. The Edgewater Historical Society is organized as a 501(c)(3) corporation in the State of Illinois. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
