NORWOOD PARK — Before it was home to many of Chicago's city workers, policemen and firefighters, Norwood Park was its own village, known for its tall trees, lush green spaces and many churches.
Norwood Park — which became part of the city in 1893 — will celebrate its 140th birthday Saturday with an event designed to showcase the neighborhood's place in Chicago's history.
Heather Cherone and Jon Hansen discuss Norwood Park's history and how the Civil War is involved:
Former WLS personality Clark Weber will kick off the celebration at 10:30 a.m. at the Noble-Seymour-Crippen House, 5624 N. Newark Ave., which was built in 1833 and is the oldest surviving house in Chicago.
From noon to 4 p.m., the Norwood Park Historical Society will stage a re-enactment of the Civil War featuring history buffs portraying members of the 10th Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
The re-enactors will set up camp, march, host a firing demonstration and hold a presentation of arms wearing and using authentic items from the Civil War. Attendees can participate in the activities at Camp Norwood Park.
For $1, children can pick a duck from a pond to win one of a variety of prizes, including puzzles, bubbles, coloring books and stuffed animals.
An exhibit on the history of wedding dresses from each decade of the 20th century and an exhibit on the railroad fair of 1948 and 1949 will be on display from noon to 4 p.m., and guided tours of the Noble-Seymour-Crippen House will be available.
For more information, call 773-631-4633 or email info@norwoodparkhistoricalsociety.org.
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