Efforts Among Women and Minorities to Improve Chicago
The history of late nineteenth century Chicago typically focuses on white, middle-and-upper class men who built businesses that fueled the city's growth. CAF's tours regularly explore the notable structures and architects connected to those businessmen. This tour takes a different approach – it focuses on African-Americans, Jews, and women who worked for social and civic reforms during the period from 1871-1920. From Jane Addams to Mary Richardson Jones to Hannah Greenebaum Solomon, they also built this city through their reform efforts.
This two and a half hour bus tour of the near west and south side features the homes, synagogues, churches and parks associated with reformers who contributed to the growth of Chicago by working for changes that made the city a cleaner, safer, more livable place for all classes.
Sites visited include Prairie Avenue, home to early members of the Chicago Women's Club that focused on the protection of women and children; Quinn Chapel, home church of abolitionist reformers Mary Richardson Jones and site of the 1899 National Association of Colored Women (NACW)1st Biennial meeting; Sinai Temple, associated with social reformer Hannah Greenebaum Solomon, and more.
Of special interest in this Burnham Plan Centennial year is a stop by a rare existing example of a residence designed by Burnham & Root.
CAF also offers a walking tour of Graceland Cemetery, Women of Influence, that highlights the accomplishments of women in Chicago's early urban development.