Little Known Facts, Least Often Remembered Events, and Infrequent Topics of Conversation of the American Recreation Movement

by Dianne Philibosian
and George Welton
California State University-Northridge

HULL HOUSE

The problems of immigrants, refugees, illegal aliens, juvenile delinquents, gangs, human rights, housing, urban renewal, unemployment, working conditions, sanitation, prostitution, drug addiction, alcoholism, "latch key" children, and health care are all critical issues in any urban community. These were first recognized by cities as early as the late 1800's.

Initially they were addressed by neighborhood settlement houses in the form of recreation and community services. By 1911 four hundred and thirteen (413) houses existed from New York to Los Angeles. Thirty-eight (38) were in Illinois. The most famous, Hull House, founded in 1889 was situated in Chicago's worst slum.

Under the leadership of its founder, Jane Addams, Hull House grew to include a staff of twenty (20) residents. Most of these staff members were college educated women although the group was somewhat diverse and included a physician. Residency was for a minimum of six months after a six week trial period. Residents of Hull House seemed to be particularly industrious both in word and action. They directed a variety of activities including the supervision of 100 weekly volunteer teachers, lecturers, and club directors, as well as authoring numerous social and political statements.

Specific human services and facilities established included garbage removal, street maintenance, a public bath house, a dispensary and clinic, and a low cost coffee house and lunch room. For working mothers there was a free kindergarten and day nursery. Hull House also established the first public playground in Chicago.

The House was active in the labor movement and the fight against municipal political corruption. It successfully organized local garment workers in 1891 and 1892, but was unsuccessful in a bid to oust incumbent politicians in 1896 and 1898.

To preserve the human values and culture of immigrants it sponsored a number of ethnic societies, as well as a host of social and cultural clubs for children, youth and adults. Among its several dramatic and musical associations was the Hull House Mandolin Club. Other activities included classes in crafts, home-making, and hobbies. There was an Art Gallery, Labor Museum, library, game room, and bowling alley.

Formal education and college extension classes were taught gratuitously by residents and cost the public fifty (50) cents for each course. There were classes in English, a study room, and a special school for sick and disabled children. During the summer months there were picnics, weekly car rides to the parks, a boy's camp, and vacations sponsored by "Fresh Air" agencies.

At the hub was Jane Addams. She displayed tireless leadership characterized by a genuine caring for people. Hull House thrived as an example of ". . . what may be done by and through a neighborhood of working people when they are touched by a common stimulus, and possess an intellectual and social centre about which they may group their various organizations and enterprises." (Hull House Maps and Papers, p. 207).

Illinois Parks and Recreation 33 July/August 1982