| Dates: | 1901-1959 |
| Size: | 1.5 linear feet in 1 box |
| Repository: | Chicago Public Library, Harold Washington Library Center, Special Collections, 400 S. State Street, Chicago, IL 60605 |
| Collection Number: | spe-p00094 |
| Immediate Source of Acquisition: | Donated by Ken DeMuth in 2018. |
| Custodial History: | Mr. DeMuth is an architect and Secretary for the Revere Park Advisory Council. The scrapbook came into the possession of the Advisory Council. |
| Conditions Governing Access: | Materials are open without restrictions. |
| Conditions Governing Use: | Please consult staff to determine ability to reuse materials from collection. |
| Preferred Citation: | When quoting material from this collection the preferred citation is: John O’Shea Scrapbook, [Page OR Folder #], Special Collections, Chicago Public Library |
| Finding Aid Author: | Johanna Russ, 2020. Updated and ingested into ArchivesSpace by Johanna Russ, 2021. |
Abstract
John O'Shea was known as the "Father of River Park." This scrapbook documents O’Shea’s life, the development of the North Center area from farms and prairies to urban neighborhood, the development of the River Park District and its parks and the Irish Catholic community on Chicago’s northwest side in the 1930s and 1940s, especially the Queen of Angels Parish and its clergymen.
Biographical/Historical
John O’Shea was known as the “Father of River Park.” Born in Ireland in 1872, he immigrated to Chicago in 1886. He worked as a bellboy at the Gault House hotel, and as a horse cart driver. He then moved to New York for a couple years, where he worked at Sherwood Press. Upon returning to Chicago in 1891, he moved to what is now the North Center neighborhood, but what then consisted of farms and prairies. He lived there for the rest of his life, and he watched the area develop into an urban neighborhood.
In 1895, he founded O’Shea Ice & Coal Company, and he and his wife and three children lived over the business at 4022 N. Western. He harvested ice in the winter to sell in the summer, and he also sold milk and alcohol to his fellow settlers. At that time, he lived primarily among German settlers.
In 1913 and 1914, O’Shea helped fight a plan to put a garbage dump near the Chicago River in the neighborhood. By 1917, he had helped establish the River Park District, one of 22 separate park districts that were consolidated into the Chicago Park District in 1934. By 1934, the River Park District oversaw Brands Park, California Park, Green Briar Park, Legion Park, Paul Revere Park, and River Park. A Commissioner of the River Park District since its inception, O’Shea was eventually made President of the District.
In addition to his commercial business and his work with the River Park District, O’Shea was also prominent in the neighborhood in other organizations such as the Cooligan Club, the Knights of Columbus, the Queen of Angels Holy Society, the Catholic Guards of America, the John O’Shea Peace Council of the American League for an Undivided Ireland and the Illinois State Council of the American Association for the Recognition of the Irish Republic, among others. O’Shea frequently led local parades, and he dressed up as Santa Claus every year for local children. He also helped run a youth baseball team. He was involved in his church, the Queen of Angels Parish. During a 1940 contest sponsored by the newspaper The American Gael, O’Shea was voted second most popular Irishman in the Chicago area. “The Father of River Park” died in 1948.
Scope and Contents
In 90 pages and 2 folders of loose items, this scrapbook documents not only John O’Shea’s life, but the development of the North Center area from farms and prairies to urban neighborhood. The development of the River Park District and its parks is covered, as is the Irish Catholic community on Chicago’s northwest side in the 1930s and 1940s, especially the Queen of Angels Parish and its clergymen.
The scrapbook includes newspaper clippings, many from the local paper, NorthCenter News. Photographs, holiday cards, and event programs are also included. Obituaries for a number of O’Shea’s friends, associates, family members, and others also appear.
Arrangement
Pages are arranged in the original order in which they were bound. Items that had come loose from the scrapbook are foldered together at the end.
Related Collections
Subject Terms
- Chicago Park District (Chicago, Ill.)
- Irish Americans--Illinois--Chicago
- North Center (Chicago, Ill.)
Collection Inventory
This inventory was based on an original descriptive inventory provided by the donor.
| Box 1 | Page 1 | Blank |
| Box 1 | Page 2 | John O'Shea, Re-Election promotional pieces for River Park District Park Commissioner, 1921, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 3 | Newspaper clippings of O'Shea River Park District commissioner election endorsements from NorthCenter News and unidentified publication, undated. |
| Box 1 | Page 3 | Masthead from Ravenswood News, 1936 |
| Box 1 | Page 4 | Blank |
| Box 1 | Page 5 | Typed letter, election endorsement from John O'Shea Non-Partisan Campaign Committee [for election to River Park District board], 1921 |
| Box 1 | Page 6 | Newspaper clipping, "O’Shea Father of River Park: Career is Woven with Neighborhood Progress," Publication unknown. Article on O’Shea’s career describing offices held, business interests, children Dan, Margaret and Catherine, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 7 | Newspaper clipping, "John O’Shea Elected President of River Park: Led fight to prevent present from being used as City Dump," NorthCenter News, 1936. |
| Box 1 | Page 8 | Blank |
| Box 1 | Page 9 | Newspaper clipping, "'Giddap' Builds City, Horse Car Driver Muses: John O'Shea Recalls Lure of $1.75 Wage," Chicago Sunday Tribune. Describes O’Shea’s work as a driver for horse drawn street cars, 1931 |
| Box 1 | Page 10 | Newspaper clipping, "California Park at California and Irving park Boulevard," The Lincolnite. Describes July 4th program and O’Shea’s flag raising ceremony, 1924 |
| Box 1 | Page 11 | Newspaper clipping, "Ahead of the Times: The Mildly Low-Down," publication unknown. O’Shea recalls his youth working as an ice man harvesting ice blocks from the frozen river, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 12 | Blank |
| Box 1 | Page 13 | Newspaper clipping, "O'Shea Night, Belle Plaine Club to Honor Commissioner on Thursday, September 25," NorthCenter News, 1930 |
| Box 1 | Page 14 | Blank |
| Box 1 | Page 15 | Newspaper clipping, [Article on John O'Shea], Lake View West End Improvement Asso'n News Reporter, 1922. |
| Box 1 | Page 15 | Photograph, “Surprise Party on Mrs. B. McDowell given by Children, Nieces & Nephew - June 13, 1925." O’Shea, front row, 3rd from left, 1925 June 13 |
| Box 1 | Page 16 | Newspaper clipping, "Paul Revere O’Shea Heads Western Ave Parade," publication unknown, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 16 | Photograph, eight riders on horseback on unknown city street, possibly part of a parade, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 16 | Color cartoon of officer writing speeding ticket, “Sorry Dad, Regulations you know," in typescript, "You better take it easy, John," undated |
| Box 1 | Page 17 | Newspaper clipping, "O'Shea's play at Campbell & Irving Park; Fighting Irish play 3 games in 4 days," NorthCenter News, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 18 | Valentine greeting card, signed, “To Patrick, from your Dad,” undated |
| Box 1 | Page 19 | Newspaper clipping, [St. Patrick's Day announcement], NorthCenter News. St. Patrick's Day party invitation, celebration at the Lions Club, 1940 Irving Park Blvd., 1929 |
| Box 1 | Page 20 | Newspaper clipping, "New Priest: Cardinal ordains young priest; says first mass Sunday," publication unknown. About Rev. Richard J. Bermingham, Our Lady of Mercy Church, 4432 N. Troy St., undated |
| Box 1 | Page 20 | Clipping, "Wedding Bells ring for Miss [Lillian] Bermingham and E.T. McBreen," publication unknown, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 21 | Newspaper clippings, "Part of happy democratic Xmas party crowd;" "Kiddies pack sidewalks at Northcenter Theatre;" "'Too much harmony' comes to N'center: New Year Eve Show;" NorthCenter News. Articles feature John O'Shea dressed as Santa Claus, 1933 |
| Box 1 | Page 21 | Photograph, O'Shea as Santa Claus, surrounded by children, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 22 | Blank |
| Box 1 | Page 23 | Newspaper clipping, "O’Shea Speaks at Park Celebration: 10,000 attend California Park celebration," NorthCenter News. Story on Fireworks and Celebration at California Park. Names of attending Park Commissioners, 1926 |
| Box 1 | Page 24 | Blank |
| Box 1 | Page 25 | Newspaper clipping, "A.A.R.I.R. to Hold Convention in New York," The Irish American. Story on John O’Shea’s attendance at the American Association for Recognition of the Irish Republic in New York, 1935 |
| Box 1 | Page 26 | Newspaper Clipping, "Parade Opens Queen’s Fete: Carnival Week will start with floats and bands," publication unknown. Story on annual Queen of Angels carnival, John O'Shea serving as grand marshal, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 26 | Photograph, two men, one in costume, possibly John O'Shea as early settler, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 27 | Photograph, same costumed man from p. 26, with a second man, driving a stage coach, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 27 | Photograph, children and teens on horseback, likely for a parade, boy dressed as Uncle Sam, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 28 | Newspaper clipping, "A.A.R.I.R. Chicago, Ill.," publication unknown. Story on St Patrick’s day celebration, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 28 | Photograph, John O'Shea shaking hands with unidentified man, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 28 | Photograph, John O'Shea with three unidentified nuns and one unidentified man, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 29 | Newspaper clipping, "Obituary for Michael D. O’Shea," Chicago Daily Tribune, 1958 |
| Box 1 | Page 29 | Photograph of John O'Shea at 1933 Century of Progress World's Fair, 1933 |
| Box 1 | Page 29 | Photograph of unidentified man at 1933 Century of Progress World's Fair [Mike Rogers?], 1933 |
| Box 1 | Page 29 | Photograph of John O’Shea and unidentified man in front of garage, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 29 | Photograph of unidentified men camping along water, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 30 | Club Register, The Cooligan Club. Brief character statements and humor for club members including John O’Shea, 1936 |
| Box 1 | Page 31 | Newspaper clipping, "Rustic Bridge for Legion Park," publication unknown, 1934 |
| Box 1 | Page 31 | Certificate declaring John O'Shea elected Park Commissioner for River Park District, 1916 |
| Box 1 | Page 32 | Newspaper clipping, "Mike Rogers, 75, Guest at Irish Birthday Dinner," publication unknown. Hosted by John O'Shea, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 32 | Photograph of Mike Rogers, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 33 | Photograph, two women and John O’Shea on horseback in uniform. On verso, “Dedication, Brands Park,” undated |
| Box 1 | Page 34 | Photograph, John O’Shea seated in uniform on speaker platform with three unidentified men. On verso, “Dedication, Brands Park,” undated |
| Box 1 | Page 35 | Newspaper clipping, "5000 Pledge Loyalty to U.S.," Herald & Examiner. Story on Portage Park Citizens Day event, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 35 | Photograph, John O’Shea speaking at microphone in front of US flag, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 36 | Photo Cards, monochrome photos of two children, Mary Ann and Tommy [Possibly niece and nephew], undated. |
| Box 1 | Page 37 | Newspaper clipping, "Boys and girls! Are you in this Picture? Free Theatre Tickets!" NorthCenter News, 1936 |
| Box 1 | Page 37 | 3 Photographs, John O'Shea dressed as Santa Claus with children and others, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 38 | Blank |
| Box 1 | Page 39 | Newspaper clipping, "'Who’s Who' in Northcenter," NorthCenter News. Biographical story on John O’Shea, describing O’Shea’s business circular from 1901 and formation of River Park District. [See Loose folder 2 for circular], 1937 |
| Box 1 | Page 39 | Photograph, John O'Shea driving excavation equipment, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 40 | 2 Photographs, John O'Shea dressed as Santa Claus, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 41 | Newspaper clippings, "The World’s Champion Santa Claus," Standard Opinion, 1937 |
| Box 1 | Page 41 | Photograph, John O'Shea dressed as Santa Claus with two unidentified men, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 42 | Christmas card, exterior, "My mother and dad," interior, "wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy prosperous new year, Maryann McBreen," 1936 |
| Box 1 | Page 42 | Cartoon, a police man giving Santa Claus a speeding ticket, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 43 | Christmas greeting, from employees of River Park District, 1937 |
| Box 1 | Page 43 | Christmas card from daughter Marguerite, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 44 | Newspaper clipping, "In De Paul’s Gallery of Beauty," featuring Amber Donahue, Chicago Daily News, 1933 |
| Box 1 | Page 44 | St. Patrick's Day greeting card, from niece Patricia, 1938 |
| Box 1 | Page 45 | 5 Photographs, unidentified. Likely of family members. One appears to be John O'Shea, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 46 | Newspaper clipping, "St. Pat. Official. John O'Shea judge at Horse Show and St. Patrick Party," NorthCenter News, 1938 |
| Box 1 | Page 47 | 2 Photographs, unidentified groups, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 48 | Newspaper clipping, "Arrange Irish Dinner," Standard Opinion, 1938 |
| Box 1 | Page 49 | Newspaper clippings, "Save The Lawn Prize Winner. Marguerite O'Shea winner in 'Save the Lawn' Contest," publication unknown, 1938 |
| Box 1 | Page 50 | Newspaper clipping, "Irish Celebration Set for August 14 at Riverview Park," publication unknown, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 51 | Two fabric ribbons for “Irish Day” at Riverview Park. One marked “Arrangements Committee," One marked "County Kerry," 1938 |
| Box 1 | Page 52 | Invitation to 50th Wedding anniversary mass for Mr. & Mrs. Reinhard Jelkes, 1943 |
| Box 1 | Page 52 | Photograph, presumably of the Jelkes, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 53 | Blank |
| Box 1 | Page 54 | Newspaper clipping, [John O'Shea on horseback, parade leader at dedication at Western and Cuyler], NorthCenter News, 1944 |
| Box 1 | Page 54 | Photograph, O'Shea on horseback, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 54 | Photograph, William J. Tuohy speaking during campaign for Cook County State's Attorney, 1944 |
| Box 1 | Page 55 | Certificate stating O'Shea elected Park Commissioner of River Park District, 1933 |
| Box 1 | Page 56 | Newspaper clipping, "O’Shea Leads in Popularity: Father Keane in second place; Terrence Moran in third place: Contest arousing widespread interest all over Chicago," The American Gael, 1940 |
| Box 1 | Page 57 | Newspaper clipping, "John O’Shea Leads Irish ‘Pop’ Contest: L.V. Man leads contest to measure esteem in Gaelic circles," unknown publication, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 57 | Newspaper clipping, "St. Patrick and the Shamrock," by John O'Shea, unknown publication, 1940 |
| Box 1 | Page 57 | Letter from Mr. Kolmar to O'Shea congratulating him on winning #2 most popular Irishman, 1940 |
| Box 1 | Page 58 | Newspaper clipping, "Father Keane most popular: Irish Hold Election," Herald-American, [1940] |
| Box 1 | Page 58 | Greeting card, from Bill Eaton, congratulating O'Shea on winning #2 most popular Irishman, [1940] |
| Box 1 | Page 59 | Newspaper clipping, "Biographies of Candidates in Popularity Contest: John O'Shea, Michael J. Doyle, Rev. James R. Keane, Terence F. Moran, John McGinnis," The American Gael, [1940]. |
| Box 1 | Page 60 | Photograph, Reverend John J. Doody, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 61 | Architectural Rendering, exterior monochrome print of watercolor style rendering of "Proposed church for Queen of Angels Parish, Rev. John J. Doody, D.D. Pastor; McCarthy, Smith and Eppig Architects, [1939] |
| Box 1 | Page 61 | Printed Thanksgiving message announcing completion of new church building for Queen of Angels, 1939 |
| Box 1 | Page 62 | Newsletter clippings, [Eight images of church construction progress], Queens Voice. Includes Father Doody (pastor) and John O’Shea, 1939 |
| Box 1 | Page 63 | Rendering, Exterior artist’s rendering of Queen of Angels, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 63 | Photographs, Reverend Henry P. Cunneen, Reverend Jas. J. Fitzgerald, Reverend Eugene V. Mulcahey, Reverend J. McCarthy, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 64 | Newspaper clipping, "Gabby Center of Rousing Welcome," unknown publication. Photograph and caption of Chicago Cubs manager, Gabby Hartnett, in crowd after winning National League Championship, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 65 | Photograph of California Park building entrance with names of Commissioners on sign, including John O’Shea, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 66 | Flier, Farewell Dinner in honor of John O'Shea, 1939 |
| Box 1 | Page 66 | Newspaper clipping, "Farewell Dinner," unknown publication. Given to honor O'Shea's retirement from the Park District, [1939] |
| Box 1 | Page 66 | Photograph, O'Shea with two unidentified men, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 67 | Event program, Hawthorne School assembly, schedule includes John O'Shea to speak as a "pioneer resident of Lakeview," 1939 |
| Box 1 | Page 68 | Newspaper clipping, "Old Timer Reunion Thursday; Corned Beef Cabbage is on Menu," NorthCenter News. Written by John O’Shea, details history of old cottage that stood on the corner Campbell & Irving Park, which became part of Revere Park, 1940 |
| Box 1 | Page 69 | Newspaper clipping, [Article on model of neighborhood created by Coonley Grammar School students, visited by John O'Shea], NorthCenter News. Includes history of Coonley School, 1941 |
| Box 1 | Page 70 | Newspaper clipping, duplicate of p. 69. Newspaper clipping, "John O'Shea," publication unknown. Describes St. Patrick's Day message from O'Shea, 1941 |
| Box 1 | Page 70 | Newspaper clipping, "John O’Shea Cavalcade of Transportation, Subway," NorthCenter News. Describes event held at opening of subway, 1943 |
| Box 1 | Page 71 | Blank |
| Box 1 | Page 72 | Clipping, "Father Cunneen leaves Queen of Angels," Queens Voice, Queen Of Angels Church, 1937 |
| Box 1 | Page 73 | Clipping, "Father McCarthy leaves," Queens Voice, Queen Of Angels Church, 1942 |
| Box 1 | Page 74 | Newspaper clipping, "Chicago Priest Hero in Solomon Battle: Parish Proud of 'Father Jim'," unknown publication. Article recounts events regarding Rev. James J. Fitzgerald on August 7 in the Solomon Islands during World War II, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 75 | Blank |
| Box 1 | Page 76 | Newspaper clipping, “With their Hearts still Young and Gay," The Chicago Sun. Old Settlers reunion, Harms Park, 1945 |
| Box 1 | Page 76 | Photograph, John O'Shea and Katherine Bialk at reunion, 1945 |
| Box 1 | Page 77 | Blank |
| Box 1 | Pages 78-79 | Newspaper clipping two page spread, "Operate or Die Bandit Pair Captured: Detroit Police seize desperadoes with 'girl friend,'" Atlanta Georgian. Article on robbery and shooting at 4623 N. Western Ave on night of May 3, 1939, 1939 |
| Box 1 | Page 80 | Newspaper clipping, "Jaunty in an Irish Jaunting cart…" Chicago Herald American. Caption about cart being presented to Museum of Science and Industry and O'Shea driving Irish Queen contestants, 1947 |
| Box 1 | Page 81 | Newspaper clipping, "Santa Goes to School," Chicago Sun. O'Shea as Santa Claus visits Scammon Elementary School, 1947 |
| Box 1 | Page 82 | Newspaper obituary clippings, "Evelyn Beatty Tierney," Chicago Sunday Tribune, 1945 |
| Box 1 | Page 82 | Newspaper obituary clippings, "Former Alderman Albert F. Schulz Rites Tomorrow," undated |
| Box 1 | Page 82 | Newspaper obituary clippings, "Services for Thomas R. Casper," undated |
| Box 1 | Page 82 | Newspaper obituary clippings, "Timothy Long, old settler, passes on," 1942 |
| Box 1 | Page 82 | Newspaper obituary clippings, "Funeral Rites Saturday for F.J. O'Malley," Chicago Daily Tribune, 1959 |
| Box 1 | Page 82 | Newspaper obituary clippings, "Michael D. O'Shea," Chicago Daily News, 1958 |
| Box 1 | Page 83 | Newspaper obituary clippings, "Tribute to George McGrath," undated |
| Box 1 | Page 83 | Photograph, [George McGrath] |
| Box 1 | Page 83 | Newspaper obituary clippings, "Funeral Rites Monday for T.R. Caspers," undated |
| Box 1 | Page 83 | Newspaper obituary clippings, "St. Vincent De Paul Society president Alex Ferguson," Queens Voice, 1939 |
| Box 1 | Page 83 | Newspaper obituary clippings, "Alex Ferguson," [1939] |
| Box 1 | Page 83 | Funeral program, Dr. George W. Billig, 1942 |
| Box 1 | Page 83 | Printed poem, "The Fighting Irish," about Notre Dame, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 84 | Newspaper obituary clippings for Father John J. Doody, 1941 |
| Box 1 | Page 85 | Obituary clippings, "In Memorial of Rev. Father John J. Doody," by John O'Shea, Queen's Voice, [1941] |
| Box 1 | Page 85 | Obituary clippings, John Joseph Casey, 1943 |
| Box 1 | Page 86 | Obituary clippings and announcements, "Rev. Terence O'Brien, Twenty years pastor of St. Columbkille's Church to be buried today," 1942 |
| Box 1 | Page 86 | Obituary clipping, "Sister M. Lucia claimed by death," The Southern Messenger, 1949 |
| Box 1 | Page 86 | Obituary clipping, "In Loving Memory, Gertrude Crane," 1957 |
| Box 1 | Page 87 | Obituary clipping, "Death of Frances Martell is mourned throughout the U.S. and also in Ireland: De Valera represented at the funeral," unknown publication, 1942; |
| Box 1 | Page 87 | Obituary clipping, "Capt. William J. Grace of Chicago, advocate of Irish cause, is dead at age of 58," The Gaelic American, 1948 |
| Box 1 | Page 88 | Newspaper clipping, "3 Shopping Weeks Left," NorthCenter News, 1947 |
| Box 1 | Page 88 | 2 photographs, O'Shea dressed as Santa Claus, with child and toys, undated |
| Box 1 | Page 89 | Duplicate of p. 81: Newspaper clipping, "Santa Goes to School," Chicago Sun. O'Shea as Santa Claus visits Scammon Elementary School, 1947 |
| Box 1 | Page 90 | blank |
| Box 1 | Loose folder 1 | Newspaper clipping, “$1,000 Cleared at Lincolnite Ball,” The Ravenswood [ ]. Article on Lincolnite Charity Ball held at River Park fieldhouse. O’Shea appears in photograph, 1930 |
| Box 1 | Loose folder 1 | Newspaper obituary clipping, “Julia McBreen nee O’Shea,” Chicago Sunday Tribune, 1949 |
| Box 1 | Loose folder 1 | Newspaper clipping, [Article on the American League for an Undivided Ireland, covering tribute speech on occasion of John O’Shea’s death], The Gaelic-American, 1948 |
| Box 1 | Loose folder 1 | Newspaper obituary clipping, “James H. Frawley,” Chicago Daily Tribune, 1948 |
| Box 1 | Loose folder 1 | Newspaper clipping, “And now they’re apartment hunters,” North Side Sunday Star. Wedding announcement for Mary Tracy and Joseph Cunneen, 1942 |
| Box 1 | Loose folder 1 | Newspaper clipping, “Replies to Letter on Divided Ireland,” Chicago Daily News, 1949 |
| Box 1 | Loose folder 1 | Newspaper obituary clipping, “PFC. Edward H. Kiewitz,” NorthCenter News, 1949 |
| Box 1 | Loose folder 1 | Newspaper clipping, “Picnic turns back time to Fair of 1893,” Chicago Daily Tribune, 1951 |
| Box 1 | Loose folder 1 | Photograph, unidentified monument and American flag, undated |
| Box 1 | Loose folder 1 | Photograph, John O’Shea, Century of Progress Chicago World’s Fair. Duplicate of p. 29, 1933 |
| Box 1 | Loose folder 1 | Photograph, John O’Shea with horse, undated |
| Box 1 | Loose folder 1 | Photograph, John O’Shea portrait, undated |
| Box 1 | Loose folder 1 | Letter from Anthony J. Lavelle to NorthCenter News editor Wermick. Describes effort to name a new park on bank of Chicago River between Montrose and Irving Park after John O’Shea, 1948 |
| Box 1 | Loose folder 1 | Advertising leaflet, “Nixon & Prassas’ addition to New Ravenswood Park: A unique subdivision of beautiful homes.” Features image of John O’Shea and other River Park Commissioners, undated |
| Box 1 | Loose folder 1 | Photographic reproduction of autographed image of Éamon de Valera, Irish politician, undated |
| Box 1 | Loose folder 2 | Chicago Park District envelope, “Marie to read,” undated |
| Box 1 | Loose folder 2 | Blank letterhead for “Marie Valentin,” undated |
| Box 1 | Loose folder 2 | Advertising circular for John O’Shea, “Dealing in beer, ale, porter, weiss beer, wines and liquors…15-17 Irving Park Blvd.,” 1901 |
| Box 1 | Loose folder 2 | Newspaper clipping, “John O’Shea Council to honor its founder,” Ravenswood-Lincolnite, 1949 |
