Heard the one about the village named after leftover dirt? That’s Chicago Ridge. This village in Cook County got its unique name from the ridges left behind. These ridges came from trainloads of dirt. The Wabash Railroad hauled the dirt away during the Columbian Exposition construction in 1893.
Chicago Ridge wasn’t always the bustling place it is today. Incorporated in 1914, it started small. Imagine wooden sidewalks and swampy areas. Early residents wanted to replace them. They desired local municipal services and accountable officials. So, they incorporated and got to work.
The village’s location is quite specific. Chicago Ridge sits about 20 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. Stony Creek meanders through it. This creek is more than just a waterway. It is a remnant of a feeder canal for the Illinois & Michigan Canal.
The arrival of the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad in 1882 boosted settlement. Later, the Chicago and Calumet Terminal Railway crossed the Wabash. This established rail yards right in Chicago Ridge.
In 1898, the Paul E. Berger Company arrived. They manufactured cash registers and slot machines. The company built housing for its employees. A small settlement grew around the factory. It included a tavern, a rooming house, and a grocery store. The first post office opened in 1900 in the Berger factory. By 1902, the Wabash Railroad had a train station here.
Chicago Ridge and Worth both benefited from a racetrack on 111th Street. Fred Herbert, a local resident, won the Kentucky Derby in 1910. The racetrack was torn down in 1911. Now, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery stands on that site.
After Oak Lawn incorporated, Chicago Ridge followed suit. An incorporated government brought improvements. Paved streets, sewers, street lights, and sidewalks arrived. Lake Michigan water was brought to the area.
Chicago Ridge experienced significant growth. From 176 residents in 1920 to 888 in 1950. The demand for housing and new expressways fueled this growth. By 1960, the population jumped to 5,748. In 2000, it reached 14,127.
Let’s talk about some notable figures. Charles Polchow was the first village president. He started village-wide trash collection at .25 per can. Eugene “Gene” Siegel was the longest-serving Village President. The Eugene Siegel Municipal Complex is named after him.
Today, Chicago Ridge is a vibrant community. It offers parks, a library, and various businesses. RidgeFest is a popular annual summer festival. It attracts crowds from all over the Chicago area. The Chicago Ridge Park District has numerous parks. They offer tennis courts and baseball fields.
So, next time you hear about Chicago Ridge, remember its unusual origin. Dirt from a distant exposition shaped its very name. This village has grown. It is now a thriving suburb with a rich history and a bright future.