The history of Edison Park can be traced to 1834, when John and Katherine Ebinger arrived with their family from Germany. The settlement was originally named Canfield. It claims to be the first in the area to have electricity, and was renamed Edison Park in 1890.
Incorporated into Chicago in 1910, there was a construction boom after World War I. Located between the Des Plaines River and the Chicago River the area served as a local watershed divide. Like nearby Portage Park, Edison Park was a common portage for early travelers, who would carry their canoes across it.
The park of the same name serves as a cultural and community and arts center offering classes in arts and crafts, programs, and summer play camps for preschool children, and activities for parents and seniors.
