The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago was renamed The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

A Chicago institution's most recent name change is the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, previously known as the "Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago." The name change occurred in 2017, and the lab was renamed to recognize Shirley Ryan's philanthropic contributions to the organization.

The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC), 345 East Superior Street, Chicago, was founded in 1954 and has a rich history as a pioneer and global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation. It quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to patient care, focusing on restoring function and maximizing independence for individuals with complex conditions such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, and amputation.

RIC's interdisciplinary team of experts developed groundbreaking therapies and rehabilitation programs, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the field. The institute's commitment to research and education further solidified its reputation as a center of excellence, attracting top talent and fostering collaboration among doctors, clinicians, scientists, and engineers.

In 2016, Shirley Ryan and her husband, Patrick G. Ryan, made a record donation to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. The donation amount was not disclosed, but it was the largest in the organization's 63-year history. Rumors suggest it was over $1.5 million.

In 2017, RIC underwent a transformative change in its name and facilities. The newly christened "Shirley Ryan AbilityLab," a state-of-the-art, 1.2-million-square-foot facility, opened its doors, representing a new era in rehabilitation medicine. The name change honored the remarkable contributions of Shirley Ryan, a tireless advocate for people with disabilities and a driving force behind the institute's growth and success.

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Shirley Ryan's connection to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago began with a personal tragedy. In 1961, her then 13-year-old son, Patrick Ryan, sustained a severe brain injury during a swimming accident. This life-changing event led Shirley Ryan to seek the best possible care and rehabilitation for her son, ultimately bringing her to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

Inspired by Patrick's transformative care at RIC, Shirley Ryan became a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families. She recognized the critical need for comprehensive rehabilitation services and cutting-edge research to improve outcomes for those with complex conditions.

In the following years, Shirley Ryan became deeply involved in RIC, dedicating her time, energy, and resources to advancing its mission. She served on the RIC Foundation Board of Directors for over 35 years, including 14 years as its chair. During her tenure, she spearheaded numerous fundraising campaigns, securing millions of dollars to support research, education, and patient care programs.

Shirley Ryan'Ryan'son extended beyond financial support. She played a pivotal role in shaping RIC's strategic direction, advocating for innovative approaches to rehabilitation and pushing for the development of new therapies and technologies. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and deep understanding of patients' families helped establish RIC as a global physical medicine and rehabilitation leader.

This life-changing event fueled her passion for improving the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. She became a tireless fundraiser, advocate, and visionary leader, pivotal in securing the resources and support needed to build the world-class facility that now bears her name.

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab represents a culmination of RIC's legacy and Shirley Ryan's unwavering commitment to advancing the field of rehabilitation. The facility's design integrates research, education, and patient care, reflecting a new model for delivering comprehensive and personalized rehabilitation services.

The Patrick and Shirley Ryan Family made Northwestern University's largest single gift, $480 million, in 2021. The gift will accelerate biomedical, economic, and business research breakthroughs, enabling the University to redevelop Ryan Field and construct a best-in-class venue for the Northwestern community.

Beyond its cutting-edge facilities, the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab upholds RIC's tradition of excellence in research and education. The institute's scientists and clinicians are at the forefront of developing new therapies and technologies to improve outcomes for patients with complex conditions. Through its educational programs, the AbilityLab trains the next generation of rehabilitation professionals, ensuring that the field continues to evolve and innovate.

Extensive landscaping and green space at the street level and throughout the upper spaces afford access to gardens. A green roof system tops the building. These features promote a healing environment and provide practical benefits, such as the absorption of heat on the roof and the diversion of rainwater from entering the city sewers.

With an average stay of 24 days, inpatient rooms were designed to provide visual access to restrooms, places for personal keepsakes, and sweeping views of the city oriented to encourage movement and progress. What a beautiful single room.

Water therapy has a specially equipped swimming pool and waterproof wheelchairs and equipment.

Each of the five ability labs — 1) "Think + Speak," 2) "Legs + Walking Lab," 3) "Arms + Hands Lab," 4) "Strength" Endurance Lab," and "5) "Pediatric Lab" — provide for both active and visible "front" stage" patient work with clinicians and researchers, as well as private, heads-down "backstage" space for analysis and planning.

An innovative "Wet Lab" allows researchers to study diseases, conditions, and injuries that can only be solved at the cellular level. Scientists can increase the number and speed of discoveries because they are co-located with clinical teams and patients.

In summary, the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, now the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, has a storied history of innovation, leadership, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. The institute honors Shirley Ryan's conRyan'sions, whose tireless advocacy, visionary leadership, and management abilities have shaped its trajectory. The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and unwavering dedication to a noble cause.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D. 

The Museum of Science and Industry has been renamed the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago.

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

In a move that will forever etch the name of a visionary philanthropist into the annals of Chicago's revered cultural institutions, the Museum of Science and Industry (Museum of Science and Industry.) is set to undergo a transformative rechristening, paying tribute to Kenneth C. Griffin's generosity and foresight. 

This esteemed recognition follows a historic $125 million donation by Ken C. Griffin, the founder and CEO of Citadel, a leading global investment firm, and Founder of Griffin Catalyst, which encompasses Griffin's philanthropic and community impact efforts, focusing on identifying critical areas of need and delivering meaningful and scalable results that transform lives and better communities. 

The donation in 2019 is the largest in the museum's history. To celebrate its first official day as the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, the Museum will offer free admission on Sunday, May 19, 2024.

The Museum of Science and Industry changed its name to honor the philanthropist Kenneth C. Griffin.

Griffin's remarkable contribution is a testament to his unwavering commitment to advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. 

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STEM education is an interdisciplinary approach to learning that focuses on the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the 21st-century workforce and solve complex, real-world problems.

STEM education will profoundly impact the museum's ability to inspire future generations of innovators, thinkers, inventors, and leaders. This landmark donation will enable Museum of Science and Industry. to expand its reach, enhance its exhibits, and foster a culture of curiosity and discovery, cementing its position as a premier destination for scientific exploration and learning.

In recognition of Griffin's extraordinary philanthropy, the museum will henceforth be known as the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, a fitting tribute to a champion of education, innovation, and progress. This naming honor acknowledges Griffin's transformative gift and serves as a lasting reminder of his dedication to empowering individuals and communities through the power of science and education.

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"We are incredibly grateful to Ken Griffin for his historic and generous investment in our Museum, our mission, and our long-term future," said Dr. Chevy Humphrey, President and CEO of the Griffin MSI. "This gift helps us create exhibits of the future geared toward the next generation of scientists and leaders; it allows us to dig our heels in deeper to support science education in local schools and neighborhoods in new, more profound ways; and it enables us to carry out our mission to inspire the inventive genius in all of us."

As the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry embarks on this exciting new chapter, it does so with a renewed sense of purpose and a deepened commitment to its mission of inspiring and educating the public about the wonders of science and technology. Griffin's generosity will have a lasting impact on the museum's ability to spark imagination, fuel curiosity, and shape the minds of tomorrow's leaders, ensuring that the museum remains a beacon of innovation and discovery for generations to come.

The donation has helped the institution launch several new immersive experiences, including the Griffin Studio, a one-of-a-kind digital space. It also aided the renovation of the Henry Crown Space Center.

The gift supported a new home for the SpaceX Dragon Spacecraft. This mission-flown Dragon spacecraft undertook two missions to deliver cargo and scientific experiments to the International Space Station (ISS)
in 2017 and 2019.

"The renaming provides an opportunity for us to celebrate the Museum's legacy and embrace its future," said David Vitale, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. Board Chairman.

Kenneth C. Griffin - Chicago Philanthropy.

• Griffin had contributed millions to the Art Institute of Chicago, public education, the Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, the Chicago Public Library, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Griffin also contributed to the Museum of Contemporary Art, the "Evolving Planet" at the Field Museum of Natural History, and endowed professorships at the University of Chicago. 

• In October 2006, the Griffins and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation funded and supported the opening of Woodlawn High School, a new charter school in Chicago.

• In 2007, Griffin donated to the Art Institute of Chicago a $19 million addition designed by Renzo Piano.

• In October 2009, Griffin and his wife founded the Kenneth and Anne Griffin Foundation. The foundation's contributions include $10 million for the Chicago Heights Early Childhood Center, $16 million for Children's Memorial Hospital, and total funding for the University of Chicago's Early Childhood Center.

• In December 2016, Griffin gave $12 million to the Chicago Park District to help fund separate paths for cyclists and pedestrians along the city's 18-mile lakefront.

• In November 2017, the Kenneth C. Griffin Charitable Fund made a new $125 million gift to support the Department of Economics of the University of Chicago, which he was honored with the department being renamed the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics.

• A $16.5 million donation allowed the Field Museum to purchase a cast of the largest dinosaur ever discovered in 2018, a 122-foot-long Argentinian titanosaur named Máximo.

• In October 2019, the Kenneth C. Griffin Charitable Fund announced a $125 million gift to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, the largest gift in the museum's history. The museum intends to change its name to the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. 

• In 2024, Kenneth C. Griffin donated $125 million to the Museum of Science and Industry. The museum's name was changed to Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

The Fortnightly Club of Chicago, for Women, was founded in 1873.

The Fortnightly Club of Chicago is a venerable and esteemed private women's club, founded in the year 1873 by Kate Newell Doggett (1828–1884) was an American botanist and suffragist, with the express purpose of providing a convivial and intellectually stimulating environment for women to engage in academic discussions, cultural enrichment, and community service. The club's nomenclature, "Fortnightly," is a nod to its original meeting schedule, which took place every fourteen days, or fortnightly, hence the name. It is the oldest women's association in Chicago. The club aims to enrich the intellectual and social lives of its members. In 1874, Doggett translated the French book The Grammar of Painting and Engraving into English.

Throughout its illustrious history, the club has been a bastion of intellectual and artistic pursuits, attracting a membership comprising some of Chicago's most accomplished, discerning, and philanthropically inclined women. The club's activities foster a sense of community, camaraderie, and cultural sophistication among its members, who gather regularly to engage in lively discussions, lectures, performances, and other events that showcase the city's rich cultural heritage.

Literary reviews and discussions are a hallmark of the club's programming, with members delving into the works of celebrated authors, poets, and playwrights, both past and present. Additionally, the club features lectures on various subjects, including art, history, science, and technology, delivered by experts in their respective fields. Musical performances, concerts, and recitals are also an integral part of the club's cultural offerings, showcasing the talents of local and international artists.

Philanthropy and community service are core components of the club's mission. Members actively support local arts organizations, educational initiatives, and social service projects that benefit the greater Chicago community. The club's commitment to giving back is reflected in its numerous charitable endeavors, impacting countless individuals and families throughout the city.

Membership in The Fortnightly Club of Chicago is by invitation only, extended to women who share the club's values, interests, and passion for lifelong learning. Members include professionals, artists, writers, and community leaders who are united by their desire to engage in stimulating conversations, expand their knowledge, and contribute to the betterment of society.

The club's clubhouse in the heart of Chicago is a warm and welcoming gathering place for members who share ideas, exchange perspectives, and forge lasting friendships. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and dedication to community service, The Fortnightly Club of Chicago remains a beloved and respected institution cherished by its members and the community at large.

Notable members Included Jane Addams, founder of Hull House and the first Juvenile Court in the nation; Bertha (Mrs. Potter) Palmer, society figure, art collector, and head of the Board of Lady Managers at the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893; and Dr. Sarah Hackett Stevenson, the first female member of the American Medical Association. 

The Fortnightly owns and meets in this stately landmarked Helen and Bryan Lathrop House at

120 E. Bellevue Place in Chicago's Gold Coast community. FortNightlyChicago.org

The club's activities include:

• Literary reviews and discussions
• Lectures on art, history, and science
• Musical performances and concerts
• Philanthropic activities and community service

The Fortnightly Club of Chicago is very active today. Its focus is on fostering a sense of community and intellectual exploration among its members.

Membership:

Membership is by invitation only and is extended to women who share the club's values and interests. Members include professionals, artists, writers, and community leaders.

Meetings:

The club meets regularly at its clubhouse in Chicago, with meetings often featuring guest speakers, performances, or discussions on topics of interest to members.

Philanthropy:

The club is involved in various philanthropic activities, including supporting local arts organizations, educational initiatives, and community service projects.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

The Tunnels of Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), Chicago, Illinois.

NEIU HISTORY
The University traces its history to Chicago Teachers College (now Chicago State University), which, as Cook County Normal School, was founded in 1867 to train elementary and high school teachers. The Chicago Teachers College (CTC) established the Chicago Teachers College (North Side) branch in 1949. The school relocated to the present site at North Park, Chicago, in 1961 and changed its name in 1965 to Illinois Teachers' College: Chicago North, when control of CTC passed into the hands of the State of Illinois.

In 1967, the Illinois Legislature acted to remove the title of "teachers college" from all state colleges and universities, and the college became Northeastern Illinois State College.

Northeastern Illinois University, 5500 North St. Louis Avenue, North Park Community, Chicago, Illinois.

In 1971, the school became Northeastern Illinois University after it was granted university status and was given a mandate by the Illinois Legislature "to offer such courses of instruction as shall best serve to qualify teachers for the schools of the State; and to offer such other courses of instruction, conduct such research and offer such public services as are prescribed by the Board of Governors of State Colleges and Universities or its successor."

In January 1996, Northeastern Illinois University established its own board of trustees.

THE TUNNELS OF NEIU

The basement tunnels that connect Lech Walesa Hall to the Student Union and other buildings on campus make traveling easier at NEIU. Students and staff can access specific tunnels to skip the cold walks between buildings.

Discovering the tunnel connecting Lech Walesa Hall (LWH) to the cafeteria took half a semester. The first time we attempted to go through the entrance, we turned right back around. We'll admit to being afraid of walking through the unknown space and getting in "trouble."

A Tunnel at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), Chicago, Illinois.

One occasion, we saw a group of students walking to the tunnel entrance. We were very blatantly following them. Despite this, our curiosity to discover where the tunnel led was stronger.

The offices and lounge area became apparent in the distance when we reached the first crossroad. It was like we had discovered another world. The cafeteria came into view as we walked and passed the second crossroad.

Since then, using the tunnel between LWH and the cafeteria has become a part of our daily routine.

The best way to travel through the tunnels is with an expert or a buddy. Our expert, Catherine Duffy, NEIU's Program Administrative Assistant, was more than willing to give us a tour of the tunnels. We met Duffy while walking through the tunnel closest to the cafeteria and into the Office of Student Employment hall.

We also met Beverly Projansky, Staff Clerk in the Office of Student Employment. Projansky, an NEIU alumna from the graduating class of 2000, recalled the blizzard of '99. "It was great for students if you figured out the tunnels," she said. "You would cross from Lech Walesa Hall through the Student Union to avoid going out."

Most students have become familiar with the shortcut during the harsh winter months.

Duffy walked us through the LWH tunnels leading into the cafeteria. The first connection is uninterrupted until you reach the first crossroad. On the left, you will see a short hallway with some organization offices; on the right, you'll see the maintenance hall. "It's not a good idea to mess around in the tunnels. Even contractors get lost," said Duffy.

If you continue straight, the Student Health Services office is on the right, and the leadership and organization offices are on the left. The lounge is just ahead, and more student organizations and media offices are tucked inside.

Although most tunnels contain storage and electrical rooms, Duffy gave us helpful hints. From the basement of Building C, students can ascend the building by taking the elevator or going up the stairs. "The elevator stops working after 5:00 PM," said Duffy. "And there is a receptionist on every floor."

The opposing tunnel of the Office of Student Employment holds the mailroom, shipping and receiving center and the Production Technical Services. On the first floor, you would find yourself in buildings E and F near the Art Gallery outside FA and by the Stage Center Theatre.

Students Erica Vergara and Jennifer Alvarez visited NEIU before their admittance.

"I knew about the tunnels since high school," said Alvarez of her past high school visits to the University.

Walking through the tunnels is quite the experience. You'll notice a change in temperature and tunnels that become narrow from protruding vents. If you travel through the tunnels, notice the signs outside doors and hallways. Signs that read "Authorized Personnel Only" should be respected.

The tunnels are convenient to those who already use them, so become acquainted with the tunnel system, save time, and follow them.

By Natalie Sanchez and Viviana Serrano

OTHER PEDESTRIAN TUNNEL SYSTEMS

University of Minnesota: named the Gopher Way. The University's tunnel system began in the 1920s when the first one connected the Nolte Center and Northrop Auditorium. SEE MAP. 

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Their tunnel system, officially established in 1954, is extensive and well-documented, connecting many campus buildings.

Purdue University: Their tunnel system, developed primarily in the 1960s, became integral to campus connectivity and even includes a "tunnel tour" program.

University of Massachusetts Amherst: Construction of their tunnel system began in the early 1960s, expanding over time and becoming a prominent feature of campus life.

Chicago Pedway: The Loop's Underground Pedestrian System began in 1951.

https://drloihjournal.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-pedway-chicagos-loop-underground.html

Edited by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Dr. Bertha Van Hoosen, the first woman to head a medical division at a coeducational university, Loyola University Medical School.

Born on March 26, 1863, Bertha Van Hoosen spent her early years on her parents' farm in Stony Creek Village, Michigan. Free to roam about and observe the life cycle of the animals on the farm, she later recalled that the toughness of farm life gave her a practical, realistic outlook. As a young girl, she attended several public schools close to her home before graduating from high school in Pontiac, Michigan, at age 17. Following the example of her older sister Alice, she enrolled in the literary department at the University of Michigan in 1880. She met two women who had decided to study medicine here, and their enthusiasm inspired her to follow in their footsteps. Despite her parents' refusal to finance her education, she enrolled in Michigan's medical department after receiving her bachelor's degree in 1884. To pay her way, she earned money teaching calisthenics at a high school, serving as an obstetrical nurse and teacher, and demonstrating anatomy. Four years later, she graduated with her doctor of medicine degree.

Dr. Van Hoosen accepted a series of residencies, first at the Woman's Hospital in Detroit, then at the Kalamazoo, Michigan, State Hospital for the Insane, and finally at the New England Hospital for Women and Children in Boston. She felt ready to begin private practice after four years of additional hospital training.

With money saved from her previous jobs, young Dr. Van Hoosen opened a private clinic in Chicago in late 1892. Like most new practices, hers grew slowly. To keep the practice afloat, she taught courses in anatomy and embryology at the Woman's Medical School of Northwestern University. At the same time, she continued her postgraduate training, accepting a clinical assistantship in gynecology at the Columbia Dispensary in Chicago (later reorganized as the Charity Hospital and Dispensary), where she received further instruction in surgery and obstetrics. As her medical expertise grew, Dr. Van Hoosen's private practice flourished, and she was in great demand as a teacher. 

Dr. Bertha Van Hoosen

In 1902, though her appointment was opposed by the male faculty, she was made a professor of clinical gynecology at the Illinois University Medical School, a position she held until 1912.

In 1913, Dr. Van Hoosen was appointed head of the gynecological staff at the Cook County Hospital, thus becoming one of the first women in the United States to receive a civil service appointment. In 1918, she was awarded a prestigious post as head of obstetrics at Loyola University Medical School, making her the first woman to head a medical division at a coeducational university. Dr. Van Hoosen continued to maintain her private practice and to serve as an attending physician at several additional Chicago hospitals.

Dr. Van Hoosen devoted herself to treating women and children throughout her career. In addition to helping develop better methods of prenatal care, she lectured widely on sex education as a member of the Chicago Woman's Club Committee on Social Purity. In addition, she pioneered the use of scopolamine-morphine anesthesia during childbirth. Popularly known as "twilight sleep," this form of anesthesia rendered patients unconscious without inhibiting their reflexes. Dr. Van Hoosen delivered thousands of healthy babies and published a book and several articles detailing her research.

Dr. Bertha Van Hoosen's Surgical Training.

An outspoken feminist, Dr. Bertha Van Hoosen grew increasingly vocal over the medical establishment's discriminatory treatment of women. Barred from membership in the Chicago Gynecological and Obstetrical Society and discouraged by her isolation within the American Medical Association, she called for a meeting of medical women in Chicago. Their panel led to the formation of the American Medical Women's Association in 1915, with Van Hoosen as the organization's first President.

In 1947, Bertha Van Hoosen, M.D., published an autobiography detailing her pioneering role in medicine and her abiding interest in women's health issues. After more than sixty years, she had done much to advance the position of women in medicine—training physicians, fostering closer ties among her women peers, and serving as a model for those striving to enter fields previously closed to women. In addition, Dr. Van Hoosen could reflect on a rewarding career teaching and practicing obstetrics.

Throughout her career, Dr. Van Hoosen trained several dozen women surgeons. She maintained close ties to her female colleagues, offering surgical assistance to her female peers throughout the United States and her travels through Europe and Asia. 

After retiring from practice in 1951 at age 88, she died of a stroke on June 7, 1952. She is buried at Old Stoney Creek Cemetery in Rochester Hills, Michigan.

Dr. Bertha Van Hoosen's Illinois State Historical Society marker is located in the
South Lobby of the Fine Arts Building at 410 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago.
GOOGLE MAP

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Jesse W. Fell was a successful businessman, advocate for education, and close friend of Abraham Lincoln.

Jesse W. Fell played a significant role in the development of Illinois in the early 1800s. He was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, on November 10, 1808, and moved to Illinois in 1831. He initially settled in Bloomington, where he opened the first law office in the city.

Jesse W. Fell

In the early 1830s, Fell was appointed Commissioner of Schools in McLean County. This position introduced him to buying and selling land, which he enjoyed much more than being a teacher or a lawyer. He also developed a love of plants and trees, and he became known as "The Tree Planter" for his efforts to beautify the area.

Jesse Fell and Abraham Lincoln first met in 1834 while attending a session of the Illinois state legislature at Vandalia. Fell was a lobbyist for his newly adopted McLean County, while Lincoln was a legislature member. The two men quickly became friends, and their paths would cross frequently over the years, as they were both involved in politics and the law.

John T. Stuart was a prominent lawyer and politician in Springfield, Illinois, in the 1830s. He was also active in politics. In 1837, Stuart formed a law partnership with Abraham Lincoln. The two men became close friends and worked together for several years. Stuart was a mentor to Lincoln and helped him to develop his legal skills. Stuart and Lincoln were both at that time members of the legislature from Sangamon County. The two men roomed together in the winter of 1834-35, and Jesse Fell lived in the same house. Lincoln and Stuart fascinated Fell, who noted the sharp contrast between Stuart's attractive person and polished manners and Lincoln's big-boned, angular, wrinkled face and direct ways. Stuart introduced Fell to Lincoln, and the two became almost at once great friends. Their friendship transcended all differences of creed, education or destiny. 

In the late 1830s, Fell was especially active during the Illinois land boom. He co-founded the town of Clinton, Illinois, with James Allin and worked to create DeWitt County. He also established Livingston County.

Fell and Lincoln worked together on several projects. Fell was involved in the founding of several towns in Central Illinois, including Clinton, Pontiac, and Normal.

He was active in the Whig Party in the 1840s. Fell became very involved in politics during the mid to late 1850s and helped to organize the Illinois Republican Party in 1856.

Fell played an essential role in Lincoln's political career, and he urged Lincoln to challenge Stephen A. Douglas to the famous series of debates in 1858. He also played a crucial role in managing Lincoln's presidential campaign.

In addition to his business interests, Fell was a strong advocate for education. He was instrumental in the founding of Illinois State Normal University, which opened in 1857. Its name was changed to Illinois State University in 1967. He donated land for the campus and served on the board of trustees for many years.

Illinois State Normal University

After the Civil War, Fell continued to be involved in business and civic affairs. He died on February 25, 1887, at the age of 78. He is buried in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, located at 302 East Miller Street, Bloomington, Illinois, 61701.

BOOK: The Life of Jesse W. Fell, by Frances Milton I. Morehouse, 1916

Copyright © 2023 Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D. All rights reserved.

The Newberry Library and Walter Loomis Newberry's History.

Walter Loomis Newberry died on November 6, 1868, during a return trip from France for medical treatment. His bequest of $2.1 million ($46 million today) would eventually result in the foundation of the Newberry Library on July 1, 1887.

Walter Newberry was a businessman and philanthropist who was a prominent figure in the early development of Chicago, Illinois. He was born in East Windsor, Connecticut, on September 18, 1804, and moved to Chicago in 1833. 

Walter Loomis Newberry (1804-1868)

Newberry quickly established himself as a successful businessman with interests in land development, banking, shipping, and railroads. He was also a civic leader, serving as an alderman on the Chicago Common Council and President (1863-1863) of the Chicago Board of Education.

Newberry was a generous philanthropist, and he donated large sums of money to support education, culture, and social welfare causes. In 1887, his will established the Newberry Library, a research library that is one of the leading independent research libraries in the Nation. 

Postcard of the Newberry Library in Chicago from Washington Square (aka Bughouse Square) c.1910 from the "I Will" series of postcards, Acmegraph Company, Chicago, ca.1910.

Today, the Newberry Library, at 60 West Walton Street, Chicago, stores tens of thousands of digital files from its collection, which consists of over 1.6 million books, 600,000 maps, and 1,300 distinct archival collections containing approximately 5 million manuscript pages. The number of digital image files stored by the Newberry Library is not publicly disclosed, but it will likely be in the millions.

Early Interior of the Newberry Library, Chicago.

Newberry was also a patron of the arts and sciences. He was a founding member of the Chicago Historical Society and the Chicago Academy of Sciences. He also donated money to support the construction of several public buildings in Chicago, including the old Chicago Main Public Library and the Chicago Art Institute. 

Newberry was one of the founders of the First Chicago Bank, which morphed into (The First National Bank of Chicago in the 1860s, which financed the Civil War; Union National Bank in 1900; Metropolitan National Bank in 1902); and today it is the Chase Bank.

The Newberry Library was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965.

Newberry died at the age of 64. He is buried in Graceland Cemetery, 4001 North Clark Street in Chicago.

Newberry's legacy continues to benefit the city of Chicago and the world. The Newberry Library is a vital resource for scholars, students, and the general public.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

The 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions at the World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago, Illinois.

The World's First Parliament of Religions was a historic interfaith gathering held in Chicago, Illinois, from September 11 to 27, 1893. It was the first large-scale gathering of representatives from the world's religions, and it helped to promote religious tolerance and understanding.

On the platform of the Parliament of Religions 1893 (left to right), Virchand Gandhi (Jainism), Anagarika Dharmapala (Buddhism), Swami Vivekananda (Hinduism), G. Bonet Maury (Christianity).

The Parliament was organized by the World's Congress Auxiliary to the Columbian Exposition, which was a world's fair held in Chicago to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas. The Parliament was held in the Art Institute of Chicago building before the Art Institute moved in, and it featured over 700 delegates from over 20 different religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism.

1893 World's ParliamenWorld'sligions, The Buddhist High Priests of Siam.

The Parliament was a major success attracting over 750,000 visitors. It helped to promote religious tolerance and understanding around the world. It also helped to inspire the development of new interfaith organizations, such as the Parliament of the World's Religions, which still exists today.

1893 World's Parliament of ReliWorld'sDancing Dervishes.

Here are some of the key speakers and events from the 1893 World's Parliament of Religions:

• Reverend John Henry Barrows: The general chairman of the Parliament, Barrows was a Unitarian minister who was passionate about promoting religious understanding. He gave the opening address to the Parliament, calling for a "world faith" that would unite all people of all religions.

• Swami Vivekananda: A Hindu monk, Vivekananda was one of the most popular speakers at the Parliament. He gave a passionate speech calling for a "harmony of religions" and a "brotherhood of man" His speech was a significant turning point in how Hinduism was perceived in the West.

• Mohammed Abduh: An Egyptian scholar and reformer, Abduh was one of the leading voices of Islam in the 19th century. He gave a speech calling for a "reinterpretation" of Islam to make it more relevant to the modern world.

• Henry Steel Olcott: A co-founder of the Theosophical Society, Olcott was a leading figure in studying comparative religion. He gave a speech in which he argued that all religions are essentially the same and that they all aspire to the same goal.

• Bishop Charles Henry Brent: An Episcopal bishop, Brent was one of the most vocal advocates for religious tolerance at the Parliament. He gave a speech calling for a "new world faith" that would unite all people of all religions.

The 1893 World's Parl"ament of Religions was a landmark event in the history of interfaith diaWorld'sIt helped promote religious tolerance and understanding worldwide. It inspired the development of new interfaith organizations. The Parliament's legacy continues today, encouraging people to work for peace and understanding betParliament'snt religions.

1993 World's Parliament of Religions, Chicago, Illinois.

The 1993 World's Parliament of Religions was a gathering of religWorld'saders and scholars from around the world, held in Chicago, Illinois, from September 4-10, 1993. It was the second World Parliament of Religions, following the first in 1893. The Parliament's theme was "A Global Ethic: Building a Just and Peaceful World."

Over 8,000 people from over 100 countries attended the 1993 Parliament to celebrate, discuss and explore how religious traditions can work together on the critical issues which confront the world. They repreWorld'svarious religious traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, SikWorld'saoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Baha'i. Each area had a series of workshops, panels, and lectures. There were also performances by artists and musicians from different religious traditions.

2023 World's Parliament of Religions, Chicago, Illinois.

The 2023 Parliament of the World's Religions will be hosted from Monday, August 14 through Friday, August 18, at the McCormick Place Lakeside Center, Chicago, Illinois.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Abraham Lincoln's Plank on Education

When Lincoln prepared his first circular to be distributed among the voters of Sangamon County, Illinois, in the summer of 1832, he worked a plank[1] on education into his political platform. The following excerpt shows his interest in the subject when he was only twenty-three. 

Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in.

"Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or sys· tern respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in. That every man may receive at least a moderate education, and thereby be enabled to read the histories of his own and other countries, by which he may duly appreciate the value of our free institutions, appears to be an object of vital importance, even on this account only, to say nothing of the advantages and satisfaction to be derived from all being able to read the Scriptures and other works both of a religious and moral nature, for themselves. 

For my part, I desire to see the time when education─and by this, morality, sobriety, enterprise, and industry─shall become much more general than at present, and I should be gratified to have it in my power to contribute something to the advancement of any measure which might have a tendency to accelerate that happy period." 

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

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[1] Lincoln's plank on education was a platform for the Republican Party in the 1860 presidential election. The plank called for universal education, meaning that all children, regardless of social class or race, should be able to attend school. The plank also called for establishing public schools, which would be funded by the government. Lincoln's plank on education was a radical idea at the time, as most children in the United States did not attend school. However, Lincoln believed education was essential for a democracy to function correctly. He argued that an educated citizenry would be better equipped to make informed decisions about government and to participate in civic life. The Republican Party's victory in the 1860 election helped to pave the way for establishing universal education in the United States. In the years following the Civil War, many states passed laws that established public schools and required children to attend school. Today, education is considered a fundamental right in the United States, and all children can attend school.

The "Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab Kit," the Most Dangerous Toy in the World.

Marshall Field & Co. State Street Store sold the U-238, Christmas 1950, as informed by a former Toy Dept. employee.

The U-238 Atomic Energy Laboratory kit for children was produced by Alfred Carlton Gilbert and is still listed as 'the most dangerous toy in the world.' It included three sources of radiation and four uranium ores that are also radioactive. The kit, which first went on sale in 1950, came with an instruction booklet, a pamphlet on how to prospect Uranium, and various tools that enabled children to dive deep into the world of atomic chemistry. 

A little history about Alfred Gilbert. First known as the Mysto Manufacturing Company, the company was founded in 1909 in Westville, Connecticut, by Alfred Carlton Gilbert, a magician, and his friend John Petrie to supply magic shows. 

Gilbert invented the Erector construction toy concept, first released by Mysto Manufacturing Company as the Mysto Erector Structural Steel Builder in 1911.
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In 1916, the company's name was changed to "A.C. Gilbert Company." 

Beginning in 1922, Gilbert made chemistry sets in various sizes and similar sets for other sciences, adding investigations into radioactivity in the 1950s with a kit featuring a Geiger counter and radioactive samples. 

Gilbert began making microscope kits in 1934. In 1938, Gilbert purchased American Flyer, a struggling manufacturer of toy trains, and Gilbert re-designed the entire product line, producing 1:64 scale trains running on an 'S' gauge track. At the same time, Gilbert introduced a line of 'HO' scale trains, primarily marketed under the brand name Gilbert HO.

After WWI, Gilbert released the Atomic Energy Lab in 1950. The kit allowed children to create and watch nuclear and chemical reactions using radioactive material. A line of inexpensive reflector telescopes followed the Sputnik-inspired science craze in the late 1950s.

"Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab Kit."

The most dangerous toy in the world.

The set originally sold for $49.50 ($630 today) and contained the following:

1. Battery-powered Geiger–Müller counter.
2. Electroscope.
3. Spinthariscope.
4. Wilson Cloud Chamber.
5. Four glass jars containing uranium-bearing ore samples (autunite, torbernite, uraninite, and carnotite from the "Colorado plateau region") served as low-level radiation sources of Alpha particles (Pb-210 and Po-210).
6. Beta particles (Ru-106).
7. Gamma rays (possibly Zn-65).
8. "Nuclear spheres" are used to make a model of an alpha particle.
9. Gilbert Atomic Energy Manual — a 60-page instruction book.
10. Learn How Dagwood Split the Atom — comic book introduction to radioactivity.
11. Prospecting for Uranium — a book.
12. Three C batteries.
13. 1951 Gilbert Toys catalog.

  Chicago Tribune, Wednesday, May 17, 1950

Atomic Kits for Kiddies, Latest in Toys.

New Haven, Conn., May 16 [Special] — Now it's a toy for the kiddies ─ atomic energy, that is.

A toy manufacturing company disclosed today the atomic energy commission has sold it a quantity of what the Commission said is harmless, altho radio-active isotopes, for inclusion in an atomic energy kit for budding physicists.

A spokesman for the company said it plans to retail the kit under the name of "U-238 Atomic Energy Laboratory." The outfit will include, in addition to the isotope, a sample of uranium ore, a book of instruction, and working reproductions of such scientific devices as a Geiger counter, a spinthariscope, and a cloud chamber.

MORE FOR TEENAGERS

"This outfit is more for teenagers than for kiddies," the spokesman said. "We expect it to do a great deal to promote the understanding of atomic energy." The same company has manufactured chemistry sets.

A boy owner of an atomic energy laboratory will be able to hide his isotope under a rug and locate it by the Geiger counter, it was said. He can put the isotope in a dark room and, with the aid of a spinthariscope, watch the manifestation of atomic disintegration thru the appearance of sparks.

The spokesman said the AEC and postal authorities have given approval for the manufacturing and distribution of the kits. The company is the A.G. Gilbert Manufacturing Company.

HALF-LIFE ISOTOPES

The AEC said in Washington DC that the isotopes sold to the toy company are known as "Zinc 65" with a "half-life" of 250 days.

The meaning of the term half-life was not explained. The AEC said it understood the company proposes to make toys in which children can watch atomic disintegration.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

The House of the Good Shepherd was Founded in 1859 in the Town of Lake View, Illinois.

The Sisters of the Good Shepherd's original building was located on the West side on Price Place. In 1907 they moved to 1126 West Grace Street (at Racine Avenue) in the Town of Lake View, Illinois, The Town of Lake View was officially annexed to Chicago on July 15, 1889.

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Addresses for shelters are hard to find today, as they are deemed dangerous for women and children sought by their spouses or stalkers. 

Today, Lakeview (not Lake View) is one of Chicago's 77 communities with four neighborhoods; (1) Lake View East, (2) North Halsted, (3) West Lakeview, and (4) Wrigleyville.

The House of the Good Shepherd opened a Technical School for Girls of Color with 25 students in 1911, which was later closed in 1953. 

The Grace Street facility was deemed unsafe and a fire hazard in 1970. The rebuilt facility was opened in 1975, and they opened a domestic violence shelter in 1980 with a Children's Center the same year.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.