Rex Parker, a former Park Ridge alderman and artist, joins State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) in celebrating the 115th anniversary of the Village Press.State Senator Laura Murphy, a Des Plaines Democrat, joined Rex Parker in celebrating the 115th anniversary of the Village Press.

“It is always a pleasure to celebrate our community’s successes and rich history,” Murphy said. “Though the Village Press called Park Ridge home for only a short time, it went on to win acclaim at the 1904 World Exhibition. The memory of the Village Press lives on through its publications and the type designs of its founder, Frederic Goudy.”

The Village Press was established in Park Ridge in 1903 by Frederic W. Goudy and was modeled on the ideals of William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement. The McLean County Museum, located in Goudy’s hometown of Bloomington, will honor Goudy’s work and the 115th anniversary of the Village Press with an exhibit titled “Frederic Goudy: Titan of Type” this fall including a series of 35 posters designed by Park Ridge artist Rex Parker to honor Goudy’s achievements.

In the photo to the right, Rex Parker, a former Park Ridge alderman and artist, joins State Senator  Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) in celebrating the 115th anniversary of the Village Press.