Craftsman Bungalows Of Ravenswood Manor

Hi and Welcome to my ARTS & CRAFTS BUNGALOWS OF RAVENSWOOD MANOR tour. I’m Ronnie Frey creator of the popular Instagram account @doorwaysofchicago. I welcome you to follow me there and all my other socials like TikTok, Facebook and YouTube with the same handle @doorwaysofchicago. I also give in person tours and private tours and those can all be found on my website doorwaysofchicago.com. If you would like to reach out via email please feel free: ronnie@doorwaysofchicago.com Here in the app I have included several photos related to each stop. As you open each stop you can click on the two arrows in the upper right hand corner of the first photo you see and that will pop out the photos so you can view them full screen. I have designed a growing number of tours in this eATLAS app that span many different neighborhoods as well as downtown Chicago. I welcome you to check them out! Many of them have promo videos you can watch prior to purchasing. INTRODUCTION TO RAVENSWOOD MANOR Experience the charm and enchantment of the many Arts & Crafts bungalows, cottages and homes in the Ravenswood Manor Historic District of Chicago, a captivating neighborhood situated along the North Branch of the Chicago River. This neighborhood is a hidden gem nestled within the vibrant Albany Park community of Chicago, Illinois. This charming neighborhood is a testament to the city's rich history and the vision of William E. Harmon, an innovative real estate pioneer. Ravenswood Manor boasts a unique blend of architectural heritage and natural beauty. Dating back to the early 1900s, this neighborhood's development happened at the same time as the extension of the Northwestern Elevated Railroad Francisco stop (now known as the CTA Brown Line). In 2008 Ravenswood Manor was added to the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of its historical significance. As we explore Ravenswood Manor, you'll be captivated by its tree-lined streets, inviting sidewalks, and picturesque parks and gardens. One remarkable feature that sets this neighborhood apart is its proximity to the Chicago River's North Branch. OTHER HISTORY: The story of Ravenswood Manor begins with William Harmon, who founded Wm. E. Harmon & Co. in 1907. Before that in 1887 at age 26, Harmon approached his younger brother, Clifford, and their uncle Charles Wood with a business proposition. William felt that there was money to be made by providing a way by which people interested in owning a home could purchase one in installments, making a small down payment and paying what they could monthly. This "Easy Pay Plan" opened the possibility of home and land ownership to large groups who might not otherwise be able to do so. Clifford and his uncle both liked the idea; together they pooled $3000 to start The Harmon Company opened offices across the East and Midwest, becoming one of the largest real estate operations IN THE WORLD! As their first project, William created Ravenswood Manor in Chicago, using the “improved real estate” strategy that had become popular following the release of the 1909 Plan of Chicago. He promoted quiet, spacious, tree-lined neighborhoods as a contrast to the city’s other noisy, crowded residential areas. His advertisements called it “The First Suburb Beautiful—of the New Chicago. This innovative approach included archways, green spaces, and a modest annual fee of $2 per homeowner for neighborhood upkeep. Despite his grand vision, only 100 houses were built in both Ravenswood Manor and Ravenswood Gardens by 1914. The slow growth of the community led to the formation of the Ravenswood Manor-Gardens Community Club in 1914, which played a pivotal role in shaping the neighborhood's identity. The club later evolved into the Ravenswood Manor-Gardens Improvement Association, which exists to this day, reflecting its commitment to enhancing the community. One of Harmon's most enduring legacies was his vision for the Chicago River as a gateway to boating on Lake Michigan. While the public boat docking area he established has disappeared, some Ravenswood Manor properties still boast private docks along the river, providing a glimpse into this remarkable history.