The Chicago Genealogical Society recent webinar featured the Communities of Garfield Ridge and Clearing. Rob Bitunjac, president of the Clear-Ridge Historical Society and Branch Manager of the Clearing Library, discussed the history of the Chicago communities of Garfield Ridge and Clearing as well as some of the surrounding areas. Also, resources the Clear-Ridge Historical Society and the Chicago Public Library have to offer as far as genealogical research was shared. A recording of the webinar is available to CGS members in the members only section of the Chicago Genealogical Society website.

The Clear-Ridge Historical Society maintain historical files about the neighborhoods of Clearing, Garfield Ridge and the surrounding areas of Summit, Stickney and Bedford Park. We recommend visiting the Historical Society’s website to learn more and check out their great photo collection. https://clearridgehistory.weebly.com 

If you are researching these communities, they have published 3 books that maybe of interest. More information available on their website.

The History of Garfield Ridge

A Little Known History of the Land Called Clearing

Gleanings of Archer Road

*The picture is of former Chicago Mayor "Long" John Wentworth's farmhouse that he built in 1868 on the corner of what is now Archer Avenue and Harlem Avenue, taken in 1936. Courtesy of the Clear-Ridge Historical Society.