Description

Description: Touted as the “mother” of social work, Jane Addams (1860-1935) boldly signed this brief typed letter dated July 7, 1933 to a Mr. Flexner of Chicago. The letter reads: “My dear Mr. Flexner: We still have several hundred mothers and children whose one hope is a two weeks’ vacation at the Bowen Country Club. In the past your generosity has enabled us to carry thru our summer health program. We greatly hope that you will again wish us to share in meeting the needs of these mothers and children.” A postscript reads: “P.S. In 1930 you kindly sent us $10.00.”

Typed on an 8 3/8″ x 4 1/2″ sheet of official Hull-House stationery. Item #A01815

Addams was an advocate of women’s suffrage and world peace. Her essay “Utilization of Women in City Government” argued that such governmental departments as sanitation and education were connected to traditional women’s roles in the home. Thus, women had more knowledge on these issues than men and needed to be able to vote in order to improve their communities. Addams and her friend Ellen Gates Starr founded Hull House in Chicago in 1889, a settlement house that became famous for its innovative social, educational, and artistic programs. She was also a co-founder of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in 1920. Addams was the first American woman awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (1931) and is credited with the creation of social work as a profession.

Condition: Mailing fold lines, mounting remnants on verso, otherwise very good condition.