Author Description

The 75 articles in "Encountering Evanston History" start with the removal of Indigenous tribes, the founding of Northwestern University and the coming of early settlers, and then take readers through the development of the City, its infrastructure, educational and public safety institutions, its businesses and its social and cultural fabric. 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 fi rst Black alderman; the rise of Amazingrace out of anti-war protests in 1970; and the civil disobedience that led to Evanston's homeless shelter. 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 hospitalsand some social service organizations were segregated, and there was often a separate, parallel structure for Black residents. Evanston is continuing to address past discrimination.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. The 18 writers are Evanston residents - historians and award-winning journalists - who love this city. 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 look at Evanston in a new