Browse Items (1847 total)

Sensational newspaper headlines like “Disgusting Rowdyism” and “A Murderous Mob” emphasize the volatility of the urban underclass in late nineteenth century Chicago. At the same time, the press ran articles that touted morality and education as…

From the Club’s inception, Annual Announcements listed the officers, committees, and lecture program of the Chicago Woman’s Club. Note that Prison Reform emerges as a topic of interest as early as 1877. The Club’s well-decorated rooms at the Art…

The Constitution printed in the Annual Announcements outlined the process of gaining membership into the Chicago Woman’s Club. In 1885, prospective club members needed explicit endorsement from two club members, a majority vote of acceptance, and an…

In the late nineteenth century, middle class women were responsible for maintaining safe homes and protecting children and husbands from immorality. As wives and mothers, women reformers also made it their duty to also make Chicago a safe and…

Historian Maureen Flanagan argues in "Seeing with Their Hearts" that women reformers in Chicago shared a united vision of a better Chicago. They believed in a city of safe homes, clean streets, and social justice. The 1912 President’s Report…

Despite attempts to appear unified, the Chicago Woman’s Club was occasionally wracked by controversy. During the 1901-1902 year, an anonymous letter arrived at the CWC accusing officers of fraud. After consulting with handwriting specialists, the…

As the first act of “practical work” initiated by the CWC, clubwomen lobbied for day matrons to be placed in police stations for the protection and care of incarcerated women. Clubwomen continued to advocate for night matrons to be stationed in jails…