Southeast Ravenswood Association Records

The Southeast Ravenswood Association was organized in 1983 to serve residents of Chicago's North Side in the area from Irving Park Road (4000 North) to Montrose Avenue (4400 North) and Ashland Avenue (1600 West) to Ravenswood Avenue (1800 West). Membership was open to anyone living, owning property, or owning a business within these boundaries.

The organization was previoulsy known as the Ashland/Paulina Forty Hundred Association. They changed their name to reflect an expansion in the boundaries of the area they served.

The initial organizing of the Association was spearheaded by Carlos Lozano. Meetings were conducted at the Bethany United Methodist Church of Christ at 4250 N. Paulina Street where the minister, Reverend Allan Walker, actively supported the Association’s activities.

According to their by-laws, the Southeast Ravenswood Association's purpose was to: "encourage a sense of community and develop a neigborhood spirit; provide an open forum to discuss community matters and their resolution; provide a united effort in the securing of city and neighborhood services; develop and preserve an appreciation for the historical significance of the area; encourage preservation, restoration, and beautification of the neighborhood; promote an appreciation of the cultural diversity of the neighborhood; and establish means to provide for the welfare of the community."

Their work included neighborhood clean-ups; engaging with local schools, businesses, and city agencies; providing information on crime and safety in the neighborhood; and organizing block parties, holiday parties, and other events.

Carol Abarbanell was a founding member of the Association and was elected to several leadership positions.

Sources:

Note from Carol Abarbanell and Ross Harano, August 2023.

Southeast Ravenswood Association By-Laws, 1984.