Evanston, Illinois

June 13, 1860

How I can seem to see it all-even to the sunshine sifting [flickering crossed out] down through the branches! The garden-walks, our room, Mother's room-they are almost before my eyes this moment-I think of them not mournfully or tearfully as on last Monday (a week ago,) after school, but happily & with a "lonesome" sort of smile on my lips.-And after tea-I know how everything will go on-I can see them all in the beautiful Evanston-"to my thinking" the loveliest residence place in the world.

The Willard family moved to Evanston, Illinois from their home in Janesville, Wisconsin in 1858.  In Evanston, Frances Willard attended the Methodist secondary school at North Western Female College and eventually became more involved in the women’s suffrage movement and other social reforms.  Frances Willard’s first years in Evanston fulfilled her dream of further education and encouraged her commitment to women’s education.

Evanston provided the social and political landscape to further Frances Willard’s education, suffrage, and temperance goals.  From her entry to the city as a student, to her career as a public speaker and writer, Frances Willard bloomed into the famous women’s suffragist known around the world.  Her proximity to Chicago and other social reformers granted her the audience to engage in women’s education and political activities.

This journal entry highlights her early perceptions of Evanston.  She remarks on the city fondly, calling it “the beautiful Evanston,” and “the loveliest residence place in the world.”  Frances Willard entered the city as a student at the North Western Female College where she trained as a teacher.  Willard went on to teach in secondary schools in the North East before returning to Evanston as a teacher at Evanston College for Ladies, which eventually merged into Northwestern University.

September 16, 1861

Mollie L- calls Evanston dull & its events prosy & common-place! How different from this it seems to me, & the reason is that in my heart there is the keenest kind of living. So much happens there-outside things wake up so many thoughts- are signs so significant, that I grow discouraged, trying to write my Life. I've commenced my story. I feel brave and confident. This little hint is all I shall give concerning what I now derive a large share of my comfort from. 

Frances Willard continued her personal and professional growth during her life in Evanston, Illinois.  The city represented opportunities for achievement and audiences to share women’s rights issues.  Her increased network of women in the city expanded her influence beyond the classroom and into the social fabric of Evanston.

During her first years in the city, Frances Willard remained steadfast in her excitement of Evanston.  This journal entry expresses her love of the city, explaining the many available activities, her fullness of heart with her life there, and considers Evanston “the keenest kind of living.”  This response to her friend’s lack of enthusiasm stems from Willard’s love of the city and from the opportunities that existed there compared to her life in Janesville, Wisconsin.

Frances Willard’s introduction to Evanston influenced her life’s work immensely.  The City of Evanston provided the refined training and tools that Willard needed in order to successfully complete her personal and professional goals.  These early influences in the city lit the flame of social reform that Willard remained committed to throughout her career.