Park Ridge in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Park Ridge Camp Fire Girls
(Organized 1913)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, July 9, 2025
1. Park Ridge Camp Fire Girls Marker
Erected 2007 by Park Ridge Heritage Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Parks & Recreational Areas • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1926.
Location. 42° 0.518′ N, 87° 49.847′ W. Marker is in Park Ridge, Illinois, in Cook County. It is on Butler Place near Courtland Avenue. The marker one of about 40 stones encircling the Camp Fire Girls Fountain in Hodges Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Park Ridge IL 60068, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Alfonso Ianelli (here, next to this marker); Milestones of History (here, next to this marker); Sgt. Emmons Harries (within shouting distance of this marker); Pvt. Henry J. Ziegenbein (within shouting distance of this marker); Pvt. Richard F. Boettcher (within
this page online
More about this marker. According to Park Ridge History Center, this fountain from 1966 replaced an original version first unveiled in 1926. Both of the fountains were designed by Alfonso Iannelli, a Park Ridge-based sculptor and designer whose home and studio were in Park Ridge, and who designed the Pickwick Theater, a downtown Park Ridge landmark. The fountain was restored in 2007 and this marker was one of close to 40 granite stones that were added to encircle the fountain, including 34 called "Milestones of History" related to key moments in the history of Park Ridge.
Also see . . .
1. Camp Fire Girls Fountain brochure. This brochure from the Park Ridge History Center shares the history of the Camp Fire Girls Fountain and its 2007 restoration.
Excerpt: "The existing fountain in Hodges Park was dedicated on June 5, 1966, replacing an earlier(Submitted on July 12, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)fountain erected in 1926. Both the 1926 and 1966 fountains were designed by the acclaimed sculptor and designer Alfonso Iannelli (1888-1965), whose home and studio were located for fifty years in Park Ridge. The fountains were built to honor the Camp Fire Girls of America. Founded 1910 in Vermont, the Camp Fire Girls were organized in Park Ridge by 1913."Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, July 9, 20252. Park Ridge Camp Fire Girls MarkerThe Camp Fire Girls marker is one of about 40 granite markers added around the Camp Fire Girls Fountain in 2007.
2. About Camp Fire. The organization once known as Camp Fire Girls still exists today as a coed organization called Camp Fire.
Excerpt: "In 1909, Charlotte Gulick held a small summer camp for her daughters, three of their close friends, and a young woman with disabilities. There was no way she could have known that, from this her camp would grow into a movement that would survive two World Wars and three global pandemics. It would see women and other marginalized people win the right to vote; and help shape artists, activists, rock stars and rocket scientists."(Submitted on July 12, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 115 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 12, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Some better pictures of the fountain and its surroundings. • Can you help?
