VILLAGE OF RIVERDALE
On December 28, 1892, the Village of Riverdale was incorporated. Founded as a farming community within relative distance of the City of Chicago, Riverdale and surrounding towns formed a close knit central community. The Calumet and Little Calumet Rivers flowed through the area providing river transportation for shipping. The area being criss-crossed by railroads encouraged industry and provided jobs for area residents.
Transportion to the Chicago loop was provided by the Illinois Central Railroad, now METRA. Many downtown workers moved from the city proper to enjoy the suburban communities. The Village of Riverdale boasted of two commuter train stops, both still in service, the Riverdale Station located at 137th-138th Street and Illinois and the Ivanhoe Station, 144th and Tracy. Both were renovated several years ago. The 144th Station has a clock tower. An elevator for the physically challenged is located inside the north entrance of the Ivanhoe Station.
The Riverdale Historical Society is housed at the Riverdale Public Library. Residents interested in the history of the village should contact the library to inquire when a member of the Society will be available.
South Suburban College, in recent years, has dedicated numerous corridors to local villages. The corridors are lined with vintage photographs outlining the history of the area. The displays are located on the second floor in the Business Center. If interested, check with the college for information.
Photographs of early Riverdale are displayed in the the Board Chambers, 157 West 144th Street, as is the stained glass sign from the Riverdale Theater. These may be viewed prior to board meetings. Regular board meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.
