The Doors of Hull House

In the late 1800's and early 1900's, the slums of Chicago were flooding with European immigrants. The rapid increase in population left the streets littered with garbage and sewage. Working mothers would leave their young children tied to the leg of a table during the day and children as young as fourteen worked in sweatshops.

Jane Addams was the daughter of a wealthy business man. She attended college and studied medicine. Like many educated women of her generation, after college she was left wondering what she should do next. After visiting Toynbee Hall in London, she knew her answer.

Jane Addams and Ellen Star opened Hull House in 1889. One of the first things they provided was day care for working mothers, a kindergarten, and a boys' club for older youth. By 1911, Hull House had grown to 13 buildings. They had a gymnasium, nursery, meeting clubs, post office, theater, cafeteria, libraries and even an art gallery. They provided classes in English, Latin, geometry, chemistry, physics, mandolin, law, dancing and sewing. People of every race, creed, and language were treated with respect when they walked through the Hull House doors.

She is the person I admire most in history.