THE book about Evanston.
75 stories. 18 authors.
Encountering
Evanston
History
The articles were composed by 18 different writers.
Most were award-winning journalists for the Evanston RoundTable newspaper for many years; others are noted local historians.
Historic Events and Happenings
There are stories about the digging of the canal to dispose of sewage; the merging of the suffrage and temperance movements and the dispute between Frances Willard and Ida B. Wells; the life-saving efforts of the crews from Northwestern University and Garrett Biblical Institute; the design and beauty of many homes and buildings; the evolution of music, drama and religious institutions; the repeal of the ban on alcohol sales; the two elections of Evanston’s first Black alderman; the rise of Amazingrace out of anti-war protests in 1970; and the civil disobedience that led to Evanston’s homeless shelter.
An Imperfect City
Evanston’s schools have been ranked number one in the nation; its architecture has been touted as among the most beautiful in the world; its hospitals have been at the forefront of discoveries and innovative procedures; its social service organizations are examples for the nation. Yet, for many years, housing, the schools, the hospitals and some social service organizations were segregated, and there was often a separate, parallel structure for Black residents. Evanston is continuing to address past discrimination.
The Fabric of Evanston
Early on, Evanstonians had a humanitarian spirit, finding unique and creative ways to enrich and improve the lives of residents. A remarkable number of organizations founded more than a century ago continue to the present, with names and missions updated to reflect changing needs. Other organizations followed, addressing newly presented challenges. Many of these organizations have become national models.
From a Methodist town that banned alcohol, Evanston has evolved into a thriving multicultural community where friends and colleagues can talk about the concerns of the day over a glass of wine or a beer.
Who Wrote This Book?
The authors are Mary Helt Gavin, Larry Gavin, Victoria Scott, Ellen Galland, Mary Mumbrue, Janet G. Messenger, Shawn Jones, Morris (Dino) Robinson, Anne Bodine, Judy Chiss, Matt Simonette, Heidi Randhava, Libby Hill, Lori Osborne, Les Jacobson, Joi-Anissa Russell, Ned Schaub, and Natalie Wainwright.
With a few exceptions, the authors were reporters for the Evanston RoundTable newspaper and wrote extensively about the city, the schools, the arts and the many important issues facing the community. Collectively, they have received more than 150 awards for the journalism. Three of the authors are noted local historians.
All of the authors are Evanstonians and have been actively engaged in the community. Over the years, they have seen, studied, cringed and seethed at, assessed, loved and written about the mosaic that is Evanston. They offer this book for readers to encounter the past and perhaps to look at Evanston in a new way.
