As founder and director of Hull House, 800 S. Halsted, Chicago, Ms. Addams interacted daily with her immigrant neighbors. Dozens of classes and clubs met weekly at Hull House for the purpose of community building. Ms. Addams listened to her neighbors' stories and visited their homes and workplaces. She built their concerns into strategic efforts for the abolition of child labor, for factory laws, for the reform of the courts, for juvenile justice, for women's suffrage, and for peace and bread in a troubled world.
Ms. Addams' contributions to the foundations of the science of
sociology
and to the first department of sociology, University of Chicago, are
pivotal
American intellectual achievements for this century.
Gifted as a speaker and writer, Jane Addams used her influence in national and international diplomacy and mediation throughout the World War I period. As co-founder and first president of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931, the first woman to be so honored. Her writings and political achievements portray her keen intellect and deep understanding of the human condition. In the fields of sociology, education, labor, suffrage, human rights, social work, urban affairs, labor, health, youth and aging, her eloquence and insight move us forward today.
Another great Illinois educator, John Dewey, was the good friend and
associate of Jane Addams. Dr. Dewey was a frequent participant at Hull
House. He modeled his classes at the Laboratory School, University of
Chicago,
after the children's activities at Hull House. Dr. Dewey named his
daughter
Jane to honor this good friend and great citizen of Illinois and of the
world.
Helpful books for adult readers :
The works of Jane Addams, University of Minnesota listing.
Deegan, M. (1988). Jane Addams and the Men of the Chicago School, 1892- 1918. New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers.
Lasch, C. (Ed.). (1965). The Social Thought of Jane Addams.
New York: The Bobbs Merrill Company.
Classic photos of Hull House activities in the 1920's:
Johnson, M. (Ed.). (1989). The Many Faces of Hull House: The
Photographs
of Wallace Kirkland . Urbana and Champaign: The University of
Illinois Press.
For intermediate/middle school readers :
McPherson, S. (1933). Peace and Bread: The Story of Jane Addams.
Minneapolis: CarolRhoda Books, Inc.
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