Edison Park Community Collection

Historical Note

Edison Park, located on the far northwest side of the city, is one of Chicago's seventy-seven community areas. For many years, it was home to Native American people. Europeans, including many Germans, began arriving and establishing farms in the 1830s. A railroad was built in the area in the 1850s, and it was organized in to a village in 1896. In 1910 the village was incorporated in to the city of Chicago. The community’s population continued to grow in the twentieth century as additional businesses and community organizations were established.

Scope and Content

This collection mostly consists of news clippings documenting people and organizations in the Edison Park Community. There is also a small amount of additional material such as programs, booklets, and correspondence. The majority of the material dates from 1962-1976, and there is one document from as early as 1919.

Arrangement/Series Description

The collection is arranged in 9 series. Folders within series are arranged alphabetically.

Series 1: Biographical, 1962-1976

The biographical files, the largest series in the collection, consists primarily of news clippings documenting residents of Edison Park.

Series 2: Business Establishments, 1965-1976

This series contains news clippings related to Edison Park business establishments.

Series 3: Religious Organizations, 1962-1976

This series contains news clippings on four Edison Park churches.

Series 4: Clubs and Organizations, 1949-1976

This series contains news clippings and a small number of other records from Edison Park civic and community organizations.

Series 5: Historical Sketches, 1938-1971

This series contains news clippings, short writings, and excerpts from local guidebooks on the history of the Edison Park community.

Series 6: Libraries, 1968-1975

This series contains news clippings on the Edison Park Branch of the Chicago Public Library.

Series 7: Parks, 1919-1976

This series contains news clippings on Brooks Park, Edison Park, and Olympia Park.

Series 8: Residences, 1965-1971

This series contains news clippings on the Blume home and Ebinger home in Edison Park.

Series 9: Schools, 1948-1976

This series contains news clippings on five Edison Park schools.

Subject Headings

• Community Life — Illinois — Chicago.
• Illinois – Chicago – Edison Park.
• Edison Park (Chicago, Ill.) — Guidebooks.

Container List

Series 1: Biographical, 1962-1976

Series 2: Business Establishments, 1965-1976

Series 3: Religious Organizations, 1962-1976

Series 4: Clubs and Organizations, 1949-1976

Series 5: Historical Sketches, 1938-1971

Series 6: Libraries, 1968-1975

Series 7: Parks, 1919-1976

Series 8: Residences, 1965-1971

Series 9: Schools, 1948-1976