first woman lawyer

Myra Colby Bradwell was the first woman lawyer in Illinois.

Born in 1831, she married James Bradwell, a law student who was accepted to the bar in 1854. At that time one could learn law by attending law school or studying it under the supervision of a practicing attorney.

Since women were prohibited from attending law school, Bradwell studied law as an apprentice in her husband’s office. At age 38 she passed the Illinois bar examination with high honors. However, the Illinois Supreme Court denied her admission to the bar because she was a married woman. She took her case to the U.S. Supreme Court, but in 1873 the high court denied Bradwell on account of her sex. Meanwhile, she published a weekly newspaper called the “Chicago Legal News” which she started in 1868. Besides reporting and commenting on proposed legislation, legal opinions and news, she used the paper to support women’s rights and other progressive movements. One of her achievements was drafting and successfully lobbying for passage of the Illinois Married Woman’s Property Act of 1869 which permitted women to own property and control their own earnings. In 1872 Illinois passed a bill that granted freedom of occupational choice to both male and female citizens. But Bradwell decided she would not beg for admission to the bar again. She continued her work as publisher of “Chicago Legal News.” Twenty years after her application (1890) the Illinois Supreme Court admitted her to the bar based on her original documents of 1869. A few years later the U.S. Supreme Court granted her license to practice law. She died in 1894 and is buried at Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago.

07/29/2009

Welcome to the latest newsletter from Working Women’s History Project (WWHP).

I invite all of you to join WWHP at our upcoming “Women and the Law” event. To get more details check out the article and flyer in the pages of this newsletter.

I’d like to point out some important issues facing women today and actions that you can take.

While attending the National Organization for Women’s (NOW) annual conference which this year was held in June in Indianapolis, Indiana NOW joined in a coalition in front of a local CVS on June 18th. The protest mentioned that CVS was aware of the problems yet continued the practice of selling out – of – date items, including formula, medicine and food. Also, at the protest I participated in there was also a call for the CVS to unlock condoms. (protests were held around the country).

It is a good policy to check out the expiration date of anything you purchase from any store you shop at. For more information and what actions you can take go to Coalition Protest CVS drugstore practices which showed protests held in several cities.

At the end of the NOW conference one of the resolutions passed was to rededicate the organization to work on passage of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) with support for the three state strategy and the “do over” strategy. The three states method would be the continuation to ratify the ERA under the prior bill which fell three states short of ratification after a time – limit for ratification was passed on the bill. The point here is to declare that a time limit is unconstitutional, which only the court can decide.

Representative Carolyn Mahoney (D – NY) reintroduced the ERA to start the process over in July of 2009. Maloney stated, “Women have made incredible progress in the past few decades, but laws can change, government regulations can be weakened, …The only way for women to achieve equality in the United States is to write it into the constitution.”

For further information you can go to Alice Paul Institute which gives an excellent history on the ERA.

Health care reform. This issue really gets me heated when I hear politicians against single – payer and wanting the government out of the lives of its citizens. I do not want the insurance company to dictate who I see, or anything else. To see what you can do, go to Women Employed website, Call, Visit or write your congress person that you are watching and that you do not want a water-down bill.

There are other issues of importance as well. What I would like to see is people opening their homes for discussion of topics ranging from Housing to text books, Do stay up – to – date in your local area for any steps to erode or enrich the rights of workers and women as well as what is in the news on the national level.

VFA Wants You!

The Veteran Feminists of America (VFA) is a nonprofit organization composed of veterans of the second wave of feminism – the women’s movement of the 1960s and ‘70s. The goal of VFA is to honor and remember the spirit of and struggle for equality for women. In order to preserve the legacy of the movement, VFA is dedicated to recording histories, celebrating achievements and forging bonds between fellow activists. Most important, going forward, VFA aims to continue to fight on behalf of women and ensure that future generations understand the past and work to improve the future.

VFA was formed in 1992 after Jacqui Ceballos and other second wave activists saw a need for organizing women who had been involved in the women’s movement. It grew from the efforts of a few who wanted to record the history of early feminists before their stories were lost. The founding members were Ceballos, Mary Eastwood and Catherine East.

VFA has held numerous reunions honoring more than 600 pioneering feminists, and continues to reach out to more and more fellow activists. Membership in VFA is open to anyone who was active in the women’s movement before 1975. For more information and a membership form, go to the VFA website at www.vfa.us or write to VFA at P.O. Box 60112, Lafayette, Louisiana 70596.

Join VFA and help keep the fight alive!

Studs Terkel 1912 -2008

copywright Chicago History Museum

 http://www.chicagohistory.org/museumnews/studs/portlet-content/intro-body-paragraph?searchterm=Studs+Ter

by Joan McGann Morris

One of Chicago’s own, Studs Terkel passed away on October 31, 2008 at the age of 96, but his work will carry on. He was a journalist/ actor / radio host/ historian /writer and activist with a tape recorder. Working Women’s History Project, along with many other groups, owe a great debt to Studs for his example and great body of work, which masterfully used first hand interviews and oral history to chronicle the stories of ordinary people who have made a difference.

Stud’s may not have invented oral history, but certainly raised it to an art form. Studs’s work is well known— Early in his career, in 1953 “Studs Place,”His radio interview shows on WFMT FM and interview based books formed the standard which others follow throughout the country. His interviews later became the basis for an astounding 18 books: starting with “Giants of Jazz” in 1957, “Division Street: America” 1967 “Hard Times” in1970, and his well-known “Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do” in 1974 were only a few which he gave ordinary working people a voice. “His “The Good War,” remembrances of World War II, published in 1985 won the Pulitzer Prize. Whether it was with celebrated, like Mahalia Jackson or the uncelebrated school teacher, or paper boy, I think Chicagoans particularly all felt like Studs was their neighbor and on their side. He continued writing and working his whole life, finishing his last book “Touch and Go: A Memoir in 2008.” *
Working Women’s History Project has a particularly personal connection to Studs. Our founder and current board member, Yolanda (Bobby) Hall and her husband, Chuck Hall knew Studs and his wife, Ida and shared many struggles over the years.“Studs was a big friend of the Chicago Friends of the Lincoln Brigade, of which Chuck was Chairman.” Bobby remembered. Indeed, Working Women History Project is greatly indebted to Studs. As Hall states, “Studs many interviews of working women and union women can be considered an important legacy for our group.”A large part of our Working Women’s History Project’s mission is to record the history of working women throughout Chicago who have fought for labor, civil rights and social justice. We have often used Stud’s method of taping first hand interviews to transcribe their stories in their own words—oral history. These interviews form the basis of articles and plays in which we try to bring the lives and work of these women to life. We, along with many others, will miss Studs greatly, but his work will carry on.
• More on Studs Terkel and a complete list of Terkel’s books can be found on.

Tamera Guilinger: Making Her Hammer Heard on WWHP Board

By Joan McGann Morris Posted April 6, 2007

Recently, Tamera Guilinger was elected unanimously as a member of the Working Women’s History Project’s (WWHP) 2007 Board. She adds a new refreshing distinctive voice, as a proud member of the Chicago Regional Carpenter’s Union, Local 839 of Hoffman Estates, member of Sister’s in the Brotherhood, Chicago NOW, Coalition of Labor Union Women and as member of Chicago Women of the Trades. She comes to us with a rich background and many accolades, including the most recent cover of National Homebuilders Women Build Magazine.
She grew up in northern Ohio and is the second oldest of six children. She was inspired to be a carpenter by her grandfather and economic necessity. Her grandfather, a carpenter, always surrounded her with tools and a strong work ethic. She was pursuing a degree in Physical Education in Indiana but had to leave college due to lack of funds. Then, knowing the construction trade would pay well; she saw the opportunity to work for a woman owned, women-run construction company and began working for Ship Construction Company in May of 1985. From there, her experience and training grew. “ My pursuit of a degree in Physical Education has provided me the platform for physical ability and mental steadfastness to work beside my brother and sister union carpenters” As a woman in a traditionally male trade and as a lesbian, she understands those who are often marginalized and has a strong commitment to giving women a strong voice. In July of 1993, she moved to Hanover Park, Illinois for a better life and to join the Carpenter’s Union. She says, “My drive is to represent women in the skilled trades in their union.” She feels it is important for women to be involved in the decision making process of their unions. Tammy believes, “The advantages of union membership and activism are displayed every time I cash my paycheck, and every hour I work towards my pension. It is 8 for 8, eight hours of pay for eight hours of work. The union provides cutting edge, continuing education for all our members to strengthen our skills. Through this educational process, we are creating a large pool of highly trained and skilled workers with an up to date skill set that the contractors are looking for today. Continuing education strengthens not only our membership but our economy as well.”

Side by Side: Great Expectations of a Young Latina

by Luz Loera Posted August 8th, 2006

luzeve1Lado a Lado: Una Gran Expectacions de una Joven Latina. Luz Loera.

Translation by Evelyn Constanza

Click “more” to see in both English and Spanish!

Side by Side: Great Expectations of a Young Latina

by Luz Loera Posted August 8th, 2006

My name is Luz Loera. I am a twenty years old Latina and speak both English and Spanish. I grew up in the south side of Chicago, Little Village I am the first out of seven in my family to graduate high school and go to college. I had a daughter when I was nineteen and have managed to work and take care her on my own.

Currently, I am attending DeVry University and am majoring in Health Information Technology. I decided to return to school after several jobs I had were a disaster. One was at a restaurant near the downtown area. It helped that I spoke both English and Spanish. I worked five to six days a week without a scheduled break or a lunch. I had to eat lunch whenever I had the chance. There were only three women working there including myself. The majority of the customers and employees were men, and many were very disrespectful, even the ones who didn’t work there! I had no insurance, and wasn’t allowed to miss a day of work. I did a lot of work and for not enough pay. I was hired as a cashier. However, I also took orders, made them, packed them, and answered the phones and waited on people. There were always a lot of customers. It was a lot of work for just one person to handle, especially in lunchtime. . I really hated that job, and it was one of the reasons why I quit and returned to school full time.

After I graduate and receive my degree in Health Information Technology, I expect to be able to get a good job with good wages and benefits. I want a flexible schedule, so that I can take my daughter to the clinic if it is necessary. But, most importantly, I want respect on the job.

*“Side by Side” is a new column in our newsletter to express the views of young Latinas, which is also translated to reach a wider readership. The article and translation can be read in full on our website.

luzeve1Lado a Lado: Una Gran Expectacions de una Joven Latina. Luz Loera.

Translation by Evelyn Constanza

Mi nombre es Luz Loera. Soy latina y tengo veinte anos de edad. Hablo ambos idiomas espanol e ingles. Creci en el sur de la Ciudad de Chicago llamado “little village”. Soy la primera de siete hermanos en mi familia que se gradua de la Secundaria y que asiste a la Universidad. A mis diecinueve anos de edad tuve una nina y he sabido llevar el control de trabajar y cuidar a mi hija.

Actualmente, asisto ala Universidad Devry y mi Maestria esta basada en “Informacion Tecnologica en Salud”. En todos mis trabajos era un desastre y por eso decidi regresar ala escuela. Uno de mis trabajos fue en el area del centro y el haber sabido dos idiomas fue de gran ayuda para mi. Yo trabajaba de cinco a seis dias a la semana sin tomar descanso, nunca tuve un horario fijo para comer siempre tenia que hacerlo cuando hubiera una oportunidad. Eramos solo tres mujeres trabajando, la mayoria de los clientes y empleados eran hombres y muchos de ellos eran irrespetuosos inclusive los que no trabajaban ahi. Aparte de no tener beneficios no podia perder ni un solo dia y era demaciado trabajo por un pago minimo. Mi puesto era cajera pero a la vez tenia que tomar, hacer y empacar ordenes,contestar telefonos y recibir a los clientes. Siempre habia demaciado trabajo que manejar para una sola persona. Yo realmente odiaba este trabajo, y esta fue una de las rasones por la cual renuncie y regrese a la escuela por tiempo completo.

Despues que me gradue y reciba mi diploma en “Informacion Tecnologica en Salud.” Espero consegir un buen trabajo con buen salario y buenos beneficios, quiero un horario flexible asi podria llevar a mi hija a la clinica si fuera necesario, pero lo mas importante quiero que me respeten en mi trabajo.

Katie Jordan:
2006 Recipient of the WWHP’s Mother Jones Award Winner

Katie Jordan, President of CLUW, Coalition of Labor Union Women, Chicago Chapter, UNITE HERE, was honored by the Working Women’s History Project at their 2006 Gala held at Roosevelt University. Jordan was this year’s recipient of the WWHP’s Mother Jones Award for her lifelong fight for working women’s rights.

Jordan was born in a tiny town in Tollette, Arkansas and then was raised in Mineral Springs, which barely had a thousand people. Jordan said her mother always taught her “to always respect other people and demand respect for yourself.” She moved to Hot Springs at 15, worked, went to school, married and had three children. Later, she became their sole support along with one of her brothers. Jordan moved to Chicago in 1960, where a nephew joined the Jordan household. There, she got a job at Lytton’s Department store, where she became their first African American woman tailor, fitter. In 1963, Lytton’s became a union shop as part of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers. Jordan quickly gained the respect and trust of her co-workers as someone who would always tell them to hold their heads up and speak out for what’s right. And in 1977 as shop steward, Jordan fought and won a battle for equal pay for the women fitters. In 1976, she became a member of CLUW, the Coalition of Labor Union Women, which is -the only national organization that unites women from all unions. Later, she succeeded Johnnie Mae Jackson as CLUW’s Chicago Chapter’s President. She feels that if women are taught and given a chance, there is nothing women can’t accomplish. She sees the Chicago CLUW’s particular role is in educating women and encouraging them to become leaders. The union gives women that chance to succeed and support their families. The Working Women’s History Project was honored to give Katie Jordan this year’s Mother Jones award.

Contents:
1. Chicago Artists Month 2005
2. Glenwood Avenue Arts Festival
3. Iron Chef, Iron Schmeff: Meet the IRON POET!
4. Cross Border Labor Organizing:
2 Events hosted by UE
5. Call for Papers to Conference, Spring 2006
6. Luis Rodriguez speaking in Chicago Nov. 16 – 2

1. Chicago Artsts Month 2005

Chicago Artsts Month 2005 is dedicated to 3 of Chicago’s accomplished artists who recently passed away: Carlos Cortez, Ed Paschke and Allen Stringfellow.

Carlos Cortez is known by many as an artist, a poet, a labor journalist, a social activist, a conscientious objector and an Elder in his community. His life work was dedicated to the struggle for equal rights and social justice for all people. The small press in his home-studio printed thousands of wood and linoleum prints that have become an essential part of Chicago history. Carlos was also a founding member of the Chicago Labor & Arts Festival, and gave unstintingly of his wisdom, good humor, and his art.

Ed Paschke’s colorful and confrontational paintings have been exhibited in and collected by museums throughout the US and Europe since the 1960s. He graduated from the School of the Art Institute and was a professor at Northwestern U for 26 years. In 1999, Chicago magazine named Pashke one of the most important Chicagoans in the Twentieth Century.

Allen Stringfellow, a founding member of the South Side Community Art Center, is best known for his bright colors and rich textures in his collage and watercolor work created during his sixty year career. Known for wearing his signature color, red, Stringfellow drew his subject matter from his experiences of church, jazz and street life.

The Mexican Fine Arts Center celebrates Carlos Cortez’ work with a retrospective of his work this month. Their Day of the Dead exhibit features ofrendas honoring the memory of Cortez, Paschke and Stringfellow. The South Side Community Art Center offers an exhibit beginning Oct. 22, Images of the Past, which features Allen Stringfellow, Charles White and Margaret Burroughs among others who have made profound contributions to the national artistic landscape. The Chicago Printmakers Collaborative celebrates their 15th anniversary with an exhibit in the Chicago Cultural Center of 25 artst printmakers affiiated with the workshop the collaborative offers. A special treat: Tony Fitzpatrick and Deborah Maris Lader lead a tour of the exhibit and a discussion of the work.
2. Glenwood Avenue Arts Festival

Occurring at the same time as the Chicago Arts Festival activities,
The Glenwood Ave. Arts Festival kicks off 7 pm Friday night, September 30 with a big bash at the Heartland Cafe, featuring good food and great music along with a group exhibit of local artists featured in the Festival. The festivity continues throughout the weekend for the two blocks between the Heartland (at Lunt) and Farwell. The street will be blocked to automobile traffic and will have a a stage at each end, with vendors in booths and under tents lined up the length of the Festival. A “Kidfest” will involve youngsters in interactive art programs as well.

As noted below, in the message from Sharon Hyson, Sharon will be leading a Rogers Park Open Studio walk, showcasing artists throughout the neighborhood in galleries, cafes and private studios. The artists include Diana Berek, Richard Bough, Bill Boyce, Tara Noftsier, Tony Ortscheid and Angela Scalisi.

The booths and studios will be open from 11 AM to 5 PM October 1 and 2.

Wednesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Tucked away in east central Illinois is a quaint, historic, rural, farm town that broke from tradition. At the turn of the 19th century the town boasted several professional women: a doctor, a dentist, ministers, and a professional photographer.In 1920, when only five percent of all doctors in the United States were women, Oakland had one. Again, in the mid-1900s, the community accepted women in non-traditional roles: a doctor, several ministers and a newspaper editor.

An exhibit sponsored by the Oakland Historical Foundation and supported by the Illinois Humanities Council, “WORKING WOMEN,” DOCUMENTS THESE AND THE MORE TRADITIONAL ROLES FOR WOMEN.

Between now and August 15, 2004 the public is invited to discover who these women were and to see the tools and equipment they used in their occupations. The exhibit is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or by appointment, either for individuals or groups by calling 217-346-2289.

“Women have long contributed to the economic vitality of their families and communities, often in ways unnoticed by standard histories. From the earliest days of Oakland women have been entrepreneurs,” explained Foundation president, Traci Montgomery. “They have been business owners, partners with their husbands, and have found ways to market or use their homemaking skills to earn money.”

Besides featuring the above unusual women, 14 other careers are exhibited: housekeeper and servant; laundress; boarding house owner; farmer; milliner and dressmaker; teacher; daycare worker; store clerks; office clerks; restaurant workers; nurses; librarian; postal clerks and beautician.

An Old-Fashioned Independence Day celebration on July 3 will include opportunities for children and curious adults to try their hand at the various occupations featured in the exhibit.

“Working Women” is not the only reason to visit the town. Oakland has two other historic sites to tour. The Dr. Hiram Rutherford Home and Complex, run by Landmarks, Inc., features his 1840s frame home and doctor’s office, a barn with Mail Pouch advertising painted on it, a depot, and a tobacco shed. Just north of town is a village comprised of log buildings, named Independence after the original name for Oakland. A private home, a log building dating from the 1830s, is also often open to the public during citywide events.

Oakland also has three antique shops on the picturesque town square and an art gallery. The colonial-styled Inn on the Square is a bed and breakfast with a full restaurant, specialty shops and antique shop. A deli, D & Z, is also located on the square. The deli and one of the shops are located in Dr. Viola Beck’s former Victorian home and office. A more rustic overnight experience can be had at the campground at Walnut Point State Park just five miles north of town.

Oakland is located near the junction of State Roads 133 and 49 in Coles County. There is easy access through the gently rolling prairie from Interstates 57 or 70. The town is about an hour from Champaign-Urbana, Decatur and Terre Haute, Indiana; and is about 30 miles from Charleston. Contact the Oakland Community Calendar Committee at 217-346-2735 for more information about upcoming events and area attractions.