Alderman Harry Osterman
A resolution 4 8TH WARD
adapted by The City Council of the City of Chicago, Illinois
Presented by Alderman Osterman on Wednesday, December 18,2019
WHEREAS, Marjorie Fritz-Birch, an Edgewater community preservationist, has been a strong and effective advocate for preserving the historic fabric of her community through her service as a board member ofthe Edgewater Historical Society (EHS); and
WHEREAS, Marjorie Fritz-Birch serves as a board member ofthe Edgewater Glen Association (EGA) which is active in gardening, housing issues, community education and safety issues; and
WHEREAS, Marjorie Fritz-Birch is a force of nature, a prolific supporter of civic causes and has secured thousands in donations or goods for numerous community non-profit organizations, including EGA, EHS and Care For Real, and other Edgewater community groups; and
WHEREAS, Marjorie Fritz- Birch was the devoted daughter and caretaker of her beloved mother, Mrs. Jean Fritz, who passed at the age of 99 on January 23, 2018 in the love-filled Des Plaines home where Marjorie was raised. Mrs. Fritz served as a juror on the Chicago Seven Conspiracy Trial which started in September 1969 and ended in February 1970, and celebrates its 50th Anniversary this 2019 year; and
WHEREAS, Marjorie Fritz-Birch discovered her mother's personal daily journals kept throughout the trial to highlight her mother's journey and document her mother's experience as a juror in one of the highest-profile cases in American history. At age 20, Marjorie, often attended the trial and witnessed her mother's struggle after a difficult verdict; and
WHEREAS, Marjorie Fritz-Birch, curated an exhibition of her mother's trial entitled "The Chicago Conspiracy Trial: One Juror's Ordeal" with memorabilia, letters, and photos at the Edgewater Historical Society and Museum and the Edgewater Public Library.
5533 NORTH BROADWAY • CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60640 • 773-784-5277 • Fax 773-784 5033
Aldeeman Harry Osterman
4 8TH WARD
WHEREAS, Marjorie Fritz-Birch raised public awareness on how this historical trial raised profound questions about First Amendment rights and exposed a culture clash in America of epic proportions through numerous news stories, in media outlets including the Chicago Tribune and numerous television and radio appearances; and
WHEREAS, Marjorie Fritz-Birch, to preserve an important chapter in American history, donated her mother's journal, letters, and other memorabilia to Loyola University's Women's Leadership Archives; and
WHEREAS, Marjorie Fritz-Birch, spent her entire career in the film industry, in a 30 year partnership with her late husband, Bill Birch, a renowned Chicago cameraman, who was himself the son of successful news cameraman, Harry Birch, who founded the Cameramen Guild Local 666. Working together in their film company, Wm H. Birch & Associates, which produced documentaries, commercials and worked on iconic movies such as The Blues
Brothers.
WHEREAS, Marjorie Fritz -Birch turned 70 years young on September 20, 2019.
Harry Osterman, Alderman 48th Ward
5533 NORTH BROADWAY • CHICAGO. -ILLINOIS 60640 • 773-78 1-5277 • Fax 773-784-5033
THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED, That a suitable copy ofthis resolution be prepared and presented to Marjorie Fritz-Birch.
