Lea Demarest Taylor (1883-1975)
"An adventure of faith"
Lea Demarest Taylor
PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH
The purpose of this research is to examine the most critical period of Chicago Commons Settlement House from its founder, Graham Taylor, to his daughter, Lea Demarest Taylor in 1921 and her leadership through the 1960s.
Although often overshadowed by her famous father by the media and in academic scholarship, there are rich collections of primary and secondary sources available to shed light on this important organization.
WHY STUDY THE CHICAGO COMMONS?
Over 30 settlement houses existed in Chicago in the late 1800s, at the height of the movement. However, few have endured including Hull House, which closed in 2012.
One settlement house, the Chicago Commons, continues to be a vibrant organization in Chicago even though its past is very closely aligned with Hull House.
NEWS AND EVENTS
-
Conference Presentation: ARNOVA Annual Conference, November 21-23, 2019, San Diego, CA The Not So Common Life: Lea Demarest Taylor and the Chicago Commons Settlement House
-
Presenter for the 2018-2019 Chicago Urban History Seminar Series, March 14, 2019, Newberry Library
-
Conference Presentation: Urban Affairs Association Annual Conference April 4-6, 2018, Toronto, ON “The Not So Common Life: Lea Demarest Taylor and the Chicago Commons Settlement House”