So We All May Be Heard

Kathryn Winslow: Extraordinary Friendships Led to Her Remarkable Life

Kathryn Winslow Her name was Kathryn Winslow. She was a novelist, businesswoman, a publicist for a World’s Fair, and a reporter and columnist for the Chicago Tribune. She was also the first woman honored by the Illinois Woman’s Press Association as its “Woman of Achievement.” The author of three books, the first Big [...]

The Era of the Book Bazaar

Maude Swalm Evans During the 1920s, Chicago newspapers often featured the activities of the Illinois Woman’s Press Association in their “Women’s Club Page.” Two such events during this time hosted by IWPA’s active membership included an Easter “Charity Bazaar” which was held at the Blackstone Hotel. The Association collected autographed books from Illinois [...]

Devoting Her Life to the Welfare of Humanity

Jessie A. Ackerman was featured in Prominent Women of Illinois published in 1932 by the Illinois Woman’s Press Association. She was often referred to throughout her life as the most traveled woman in the world by her peers. From those travels she worked as a social reformer, authored books, was a journalist and lectured advocating [...]

The Novel Achievement of Clara Louise Burnham

Clara Louise Burnham Clara Louise Burnham was born in Newton, Massachusetts, on May 26, 1854. She was one of six children of music educator and composer Dr. George F. Root, (Sheffield Berkshire County, Massachusetts) and his wife, Mary Woodman (Boston, Massachusetts). Early in Clara’s childhood Dr. Root moved his family from Newton to [...]

A Woman of Insight & Integrity

Helen Ekin Starrett Helen Ekin Starrett was exactly the type of woman who lived her life to the fullest. In constant motion as a wife and mother, she also took on the roles of author, editor, publisher, inventor, educator, reporter, respected business woman, Temperance member, volunteer and mentor. A long-time suffragist, she was [...]

So We All May Be Heard… Achieving Lifetime Status

Marlene Cook, IWPA President (1985-1989) As the historian and archivist of IWPA, I enjoy researching, discovering and writing about the women who have made contributions to the Illinois Woman’s Press Association. Writing about those who have long passed away and left us a trail of historical facts often provides me with imprints of [...]

Annie and Charles: The Sergels of Chicago

Annie Myers Sergel’s spirit of harmony and cooperation garnered her respect and sincere affection within the Illinois Woman’s Press Association. On many occasions, Annie, along with her husband Charles, delighted in hosting soirees and dinner parties for IWPA events in their Chicago home. Such was the reputation of the Sergel’s as entertainers that invitations to [...]

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