The history of West Chicago often highlights its railroad heritage and industrial development, yet the contributions of women were equally vital in shaping the community. From early pioneers and educators to philanthropists and business owners, women played significant roles in fostering the town’s growth and enriching its cultural fabric.

Early Pioneers and Community Builders

Mary McConnell and Mrs. Joseph McConnell: Partners in progress, these women collaborated with their husband, Dr. Joseph McConnell, to plat the Town of Turner in 1857. Their efforts expanded the town’s boundaries and supported its development. Demonstrating extraordinary generosity, they donated land for St. Mary’s Catholic Church in 1868, despite not being Catholic, and provided land for Oakwood Cemetery in 1858, creating the town’s first burial ground.

Shaping Education: Teachers and Administrators

Arvilla Currier came to West Chicago with her family as a child. In 1854 she began teaching at Gary’s Mill School which was located near where Currier School is now; that school was built in 1994 in her honor.
Harriet Yakeley: As the second principal of the Turner School, built in 1873, Yakeley revolutionized education in West Chicago. She introduced the first high school curriculum, establishing a foundation for the town’s educational future.
Carrie Roundy and Addie Evenden: Graduating in 1878 as the first high school class, these women went on to teach in West Chicago, dedicating their lives to education. In honor of Roundy’s contributions, the Carrie E. Roundy Kindergarten was built in 1952, commemorating her legacy.

Philanthropy and Legacy

Celia Kruse: A cultural benefactor, Kruse donated her family’s 1916 home to the West Chicago Historical Society in 1979. This act of generosity provided the town with the Kruse House Museum, which preserves and showcases West Chicago’s history for residents and visitors alike.
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument at Oakwood Cemetery is the city’s only memorial honoring war dead. It was erected in 1914 by the West Chicago Woman’s Club, particularly to honor those killed in the Civil War.

Beyond Traditional Roles: Women in Business and Community Organizations

Mrs. Jane Seanor Ripley was a pioneering businesswoman in West Chicago's early history. She co-owned and managed the Ripley House Hotel, a prominent three-story establishment known for its excellent hospitality and community contributions. After her husband William relocated to San Francisco in the 1880s, Jane took full responsibility for the hotel's operation, earning a reputation for running a first-class business despite the societal challenges of the era.
She provided shelter and care for stranded train passengers and injured railroad workers, often going above and beyond to meet community needs. Later in life, Jane supported the troops during World War I, earning recognition from the American Legion for her service. Despite facing personal tragedies, including the loss of children and grandchildren, Jane remained a steadfast leader and community supporter until her passing in 1921.
During World War I local women chipped in at home to help West Chicagoans fighting in the War. In 1917 our local American Red Cross chapter and the Woman's Relief Corps launched a quilt fundraiser. Inspired by instructions in The Modern Priscilla magazine, chances to win the quilt were sold for 25 cents each, and 400 donors had their names embroidered on it. The quilt raised $100 to send Christmas gifts to West Chicago servicemen.
The Woman’s Club: In 1929, the Woman’s Club established a permanent library space on the second floor of City Hall, enriching the town’s cultural and educational resources. Led by Harriette Hills who helped collect 6,000 books, the Woman’s Club diligently donated their time to help the public check out books and organize the library. This initiative reflects their dedication to enhancing community life.

Conclusion

While often overshadowed by the dominant narratives of railroads and industry, the contributions of women in West Chicago are woven into its history. As educators, philanthropists, business owners, and community leaders, their efforts helped shape the town’s character and ensured its growth and prosperity.

Their legacy lives on in the institutions and spaces they helped create, and their stories remind us of the critical role women played in building the West Chicago we know today. Visit the museum to explore more stories of remarkable women and their enduring impact on the community.