Givins Beverly Castle

”Ridge Historical Society

Rick Kogan, beloved Chicago newspaperman, radio personality and author, and great advocate of the City’s history, is coming to the aid of our beautiful castle at 103rd and Longwood Drive. Upon hearing that the Castle faces daunting repairs to cracked turrets and other structural problems, Kogan offered Castle representatives a voice on his popular radio program, After Hours, airing Sundays, 9 to 11 p.m., to help raise awareness. Errol Magidson, creator of both the documentary and book, “Chicago’s Only Castle,” and Roberta Chalmers, a member of the Castle Restoration Task Force and member of Beverly Unitarian Church, keepers of the Castle since 1942, will join Rick on May 5th, from approximately 9:40 to 10:20 PM on WGN 720 AM.

The castle, a charming and evocative structure, built as a home by real estate mogul Robert Givins in 1886-87, is truly unique in Chicago.

Errol Magidson, creator of both the documentary and book, “Chicago’s Only Castle,” and Roberta Chalmers, a member of the Castle Restoration Task Force and member of Beverly Unitarian Church, keepers of the Castle since 1942, will join Rick on May 5th, from approximately 9:40 to 10:20 PM on WGN 720 AM.

Magidson, a retired Distinguished Professor of the City Colleges of Chicago and adjunct professor at Saint Xavier University, will speak to the rich history of the Castle.

Chalmers, able to explain the building’s structural problems and needs, has been in the property management industry for nearly fifteen years. She says, “I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart and a passion for historical architecture. Over the years, my specialty at work has become managing vintage buildings – most often those built in the 1895-1925 period. I’ve been involved in about a dozen facade and parapet restoration projects of varying sizes and materials, from brick to terra cotta to limestone.” Roberta volunteered for the task force almost immediately. To learn more or to donate, visit givinsbeverlycastle.org or send donations to the Castle Restoration Fund, 10244 S. Longwood Dr., Chicago IL 60643. This fund is totally separate from church operations and only benefits restoration and preservation of the building.

Linda Lamberty, Historian