What do you think of when you hear the name Ridglea? I personally think of the words home, family, safe and neighborly. Interesting fact, I take different routes through Ridglea Hills almost every single day on my way home. Sometimes it’s to admire the houses and landscape and sometimes it’s just to see who might be in their front yard so I can get in a quick hello to a neighbor, new or established. The diversity in age, occupation and background is fantastically intriguing, and it all comes together, right here in Ridglea where it feels just like home. I was born on Tamworth Road, moved to Kirkwood, to Darwood (in Ridglea North) and now have lived on Brants Lane for 18 years now. My dad Steve Wilson grew up in Ridglea and his parents Earl Wilson and Nancy Luther Holmes did as well.  The Ridglea name spans across 3500 homes and has some distinctly beautiful, noted areas such as Ridglea Hills, Ridglea North, Ridglea Country Club Estates, Ridgehaven, Ridglea Crest and Ridglea Addition. 

As a 4th generation Fort Worthian, and even “Ridglean”, I take great pride in the roots of this neighborhood inside the fifth largest city in the United States. Fort Worth, Texas, had the largest population increase as a city gaining 19,170 people. That’s a staggering number! It scares some of us long-time locals, but can you blame them? It’s where I’d want to be too! We accept it, embrace it and guide our new residents in the Fort Worth way of life. We are and always have been a hospitable, humble and gracious city that works together to keep our city safe, clean, welcoming, and philanthropic. We offer some of the finest museums in the nation. One of the largest and most contributing Stock Shows in the United States. Our very own Fort Worth Zoo was recently voted number one in the nation. Heck, sixty percent of the nation’s currency is made right here in li’l ole Fort Worth Texas. That’s just fascinating don’t you think? In fact, did you just catch the recent read in one of our city’s magazines that Ridglea was voted best neighborhood association for 2023? You’re darn right we are! Anyone that lives on this beautiful west side could easily explain why.

Let’s jump back in time for a quick history of Ridglea. Brothers Arlie Clayton (A.C.) and John Turner (J.T.) Luther, also the founders of Ridglea, were by way of a small town just west of Nashville, called Burns, Tennessee. The name Ridglea is derived from the picturesque rolling hills and my family’s farm there. It was initially started as a sawmill by their parents in the 1800s. From that growth, the family purchased cattle, thus launching the Ridglea Angus Farms. The brothers expanded their growth and got into land development and were recruited to Texas in the early fifties by some well-known oil tycoons that had learned of their success in their property development.  The brothers then came west to Fort Worth and purchased two-thousand acres of land, and Ridglea was brought to life, where the West begins. A.C. had dreams of a neighborhood with a country club, banks and markets and a fine theater to take the family to see a show.  His focus was west of Westover Hills along the boulevard which was vastly growing. Rolling hills and trees surrounding spring-fed ponds were dammed up to become lakes that we now know as Luther Lake and Bal Lake. Homes were built around the lakes and businesses were developed along Camp Bowie Boulevard. The Historic Ridglea Theater was built and launched in 1950 and boasts stunning hand-painted murals by Italian artists that were flown over for just that. Ridglea Country Club was built soon after and was recognized as one of the finest private membership clubs in Texas. Boasting 2 golf courses, 2 clubhouses and an enormous pool for families to gather and businessmen to entertain clients. The twelve-story Bank of America building just north of the club, came into play where some of the wealthiest and most successful businessmen officed and banked. I hope you have seen or get to experience the architecture and build of these places, as they are sturdy as they were the day they were built. 

The Luther brothers’ vision and accomplishments are what make this community what it was, and still is for over 65 years now. It has been carried forward with elegance and reverence. You see, back in the 50s a firm handshake was a binding contract, and your word was your bond. Homes and businesses were built with integrity, precision and made with quality, long-lasting materials. Gosh, I love the houses and the red tile roofs along the boulevard with their signature Luther pink and green. Many of the Luther buildings boast that signature long brick and have that timeless mid-century look to them, with clean lines and geometric windows and rooflines. Good, honest families fill the neighborhoods, and you still see so many kids playing in the yards and riding their bikes around the block just like we did when we were kids. Good intention for the neighborhood and our neighbors. Careful planning and execution go into the annual events where all are welcome to bask in the joy we continue to share with each other. From the Independence Day Parade and incredible fireworks show that is personally funded by the residents of the lake and neighborhood association, to the Halloween in the Hills block party, the Easter Block party and quarterly social events. Our elementary school Ridglea Hills Elementary has been recognized as one of the best public schools in the metroplex. The winter holidays are particularly jaw-dropping, as visitors come from far and wide to admire the spectacular lights on Luther Lake. We are all in the know and continually working together to keep Ridglea the BEST neighborhood in Fort Worth.  I love that, and A.C. and J. T. would be so proud. 

So why am I on this cover? I wonder myself but am certainly humbled. A little about me. I work for the amazing Churchill family and serve as the GM of Fort Brewery, a full-scale Brewhouse with a phenomenal food menu and wine list that is up there with some of the finest in Fort Worth. I have been in the hospitality business my entire life as I love being of service to others. Maybe you have seen my massive charcuterie boards or events I have coordinated across the metroplex. I find happiness in exploring new businesses around Fort Worth, especially new restaurants and meeting the chefs behind the menu. I love being involved in any way shape and form to nonprofit organizations. I have assisted in our city’s fundraising alongside Jan Simus Curry (a longtime Ridglea resident) for the Fort Worth SWAT Team, The Ballet Concerto, Punching Out Parkinsons, and 65 Roses for Cystic Fibrosis. I have a son named Hudson who proudly serves in the US Armed Forces and currently is stationed in Hawaii. My sweetheart Drew and I have 4 dogs named Ridglea, Noodle, Piper and Hank. We also have a pet squirrel named Booger. I know, I know what some of you are thinking… it’s comical and a little crazy, but to us it’s pure joy. 

I wish my Bah-bo (A.C.) was here to truly tell the story of Ridglea. This isn’t about me by any means. I am simply an advocate to keep the story of its roots deeply planted and the vision strong and true to its foundations. I love Ridglea, all it stands for and represents in this gorgeous city. I have no doubt it will continue to thrive in the years to come as I know the residents love it as much as I do.