Known as the "Village in the City," the Beverly/Morgan Park community developed as a country retreat for Chicago's social, political, and economic elite after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The area's geography also affected its development; a ridge formed by the last glacier to visit the area over 12,000 years ago placed the community at the highest elevation in the city and made it a perfect place to build large elaborate homes. With a section of the neighborhood designated as the Ridge Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places, Beverly/Morgan Park instantly stands out as a unique area of the city because of its diverse architectural styles, notable history, and strong sense of community.

Discover the history of Garfield Ridge, one of the 77 communities of Chicago. This sometimes forgotten corner of the city has a long history that is interwoven with the history of Chicago itself. With over 60 photos and maps this book, put together by the Clear-Ridge Historical Society, is the first attempt at telling the story of this historic community.