Women for Evanston Youth traces its history back to the spring of 1911, when a group of women vitally interested in children and youth met to plan the organization and draw up a constitution. The first name was Mothers’ Club of Central School, which was the only school in North Evanston and was situated at Central and Stewart, now a city park. This school was later called Crandon School and was in use until 1928.  

 

1911-

– At the first meeting the mothers brought jams and jellies for the teachers’ lunches

– Secured a fresh air room at school

– Encouraged school instruction in music appreciation

 

1912-

– Urged nature study in the schools

– Kept children at school during meetings: 5 cents a child

 

1913-

– Worked for free textbooks

– Worked for playgrounds

– Cooperated with YMCA on a committee to judge films

 

1914-

– Named changed to North End Mothers’ Club

– Sewed for Belgian babies at meetings

 

1915-

Reading circle in the homes of mothers led to a door-to-door collection of books for the school library

 

1916-

– Began garden contests for children

– Mothers asked to chaperone tennis courts

– Began dancing classes for children

 

1917-

Sent Christmas gifts to Chicago School for the Crippled Children

 

1918-

Donated books in school libraries to be part of city library

 

1919-

Planted first community Christmas tree in Ackerman Park

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1920-

Suggested social standards for high school

 

1921-

Sponsored a school milk fund for children

 

1922-

– Planned and organized the first Fourth of July parade and fireworks

– Gave $1000.00 to school libraries

 

1923-

Raised the dues from 25 cents to 50 cents

 

1924-

Held its first annual luncheon at Covenant Church. Cost: 75 cents

 

1925-

– Cooperated with Miss Ward and Dean Dennis of Northwestern in starting the Children’s Theater

– Set up a $100.00 loan fund for teachers, which was loaned at once to a teacher who was ill, and also donated $10.00 to a Christmas fund for her

– Sponsored a mosquito abatement effort

 

1926-

– Brought a post office to North Evanston

– Sent a letter to the mayor about speeding cars in the vicinity of Lincolnwood and Central

– Donated money to aid in the work of Judge Bartelme

– Had six delegates at a caucus to nominate candidates for the school board

– Worked to ban objectionable literature from the newsstands in North Evanston

– Bought moving pictures equipment for the schools and musical instruments to be rented to the children

 

1930-

Won first prize for its float in the Fourth of July parade.

 

1935-

Past presidents were declared honorary members. 

 

1936-1952-

During these years the club was as busy as ever. The parent-teacher groups in the North Evanston schools were included in the club, and their activities under the guidance of the older organization were numerous. Close cooperation between the school and home was realized, help was given to the needy, safety of the children was of increased concern, more recreational facilities were provided.  Everything possible was done to assure good health and greater educational advantages for the children.  

 

1953-

The idea of the scholarship fund was discussed with Dr. Michael of Evanston Township High School and won his approval. $1000.00 was placed in the fund in May. The Senior Girls’ Honor Award is given annually to the senior girl who ranks first among the members of her class in all-around womanly qualities, including intellectual ability, steadfastness of character, capacity for leadership and distinguished service, both to school and community. Each senior girl nominates by written ballot one girl. These nominations are submitted to the high school Committee of Awards and the honor girl is announced at commencement. The award provides a given amount each year until graduation from college. It is gratifying to know that every honor girl so far has continued to graduation.  

 

1958-59-

A bridge marathon was organized to promote acquaintance and to aid our scholarship fund. 

 

1967-

The children’s dancing classes were expanded to include 6th grade children as well as 7th and 8th graders. 

 

1972-

After many years, the North End Mothers’ Club Charitable Trust Fund was established to provide income for the Senior Girls’ Honor Award established in 1953. Also, a one-time award of $100.00 was given to each of the four schools at Evanston Township High School. 

 

1973-

Contributions to various local organizations were made from the profits from the benefit, dancing classes and the bridge marathon. Each year the Policy Committee determines which worthy organizations will be the recipients. 

 

1974-

A nursing scholarship was awarded to an Evanston Hospital and a Saint Francis Hospital student. One student from each School of Nursing is chosen each year. 

 

1977-

When the number of schools at Evanston Township High School was changed from four to two schools a one-time award of $200.00 was given to an outstanding girl graduating from each of these to schools.  

 

1978-

The one-time award winners and the nursing scholarship winners will receive $400.00. Each of the Senior Award recipients will receive $500.00 annually as long as she remains in college. The remaining funds will be divided equally among the four current Senior Award recipients. 

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1982-

Evanston Township High School changed to one school, eliminating one-time award winners. Amounts for remaining awards increase as funds become available. Senior award listed as North End Mothers’ Club Award for the first time on awards night program. Nursing scholarships increased to two at Evanston and St. Francis Hospitals. 

 

1984-

University of Illinois Nursing School becomes affiliated with Evanston Hospital after Evanston Hospital closes its own school. One nursing scholarship is granted to Kendall College student.  

 

1985-

Senior award winners receive $2000.00 each; nursing scholarship receive $600.00 each.  

 

1986-

– Policy is established for nursing awards: Nursing students are to be selected from ETHS graduates or from residents of Evanston or those training in Evanston Hospitals. 

– Plaques awarded to NEMC for first place entry in Fourth of July parade and from Boy Scouts of America for continuing support.

 

1987-

Nursing scholarships continue with one for St. Francis student and one for University of Illinois student. 

 

1989-

Criteria changed for selection of Senior Girls’ Honor Award, including minimum grade point average. 

 

1991-

First male receives nursing scholarship. 

75th anniversary of first dancing classes. 

Celebration of 80 years of service to the community and philanthropic contributions to organizations that benefit youth.

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2022-

Named changed to Women for Evanston Youth

 

[Recent years to be added soon...]

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Evolution of our ideals 

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These are only a few of the many achievements of Women for Evanston Youth during its existence. Today, the organization concentrates its activities on scholarships funds for ETHS seniors, Fortnightly dance classes, and community grants. Most of the projects it sponsored through the years in health, recreation, safety and education have become established through law or custom. The Club has continued to evolve, following the precepts of those farseeing dedicated mothers. Below, we share the evolution of the “Original Ideal”, as recorded in the minutes of the first meeting, with the “Objectives” as stated in 1966 and then in the current by-laws.  

 

1911

1. To promote acquaintance

2. To foster friendships 

3. To establish helpful relations between school and home

4. To advocate simple wholesome standards of life

 

1966

1. To promote acquaintance

2. To foster friendships 

3. To establish helpful relations between school and home

4. To benefit youth wherever possible

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2020

1. To provide educational scholarships

2. assist worthy students

3. aid educational institutions, civic enterprises and undertakings

4. further the development of friendly community services for the benefit of youth