Frances E. Willard

World renowned social reformer Frances E. Willard (1839-1898) lived in Evanston all her adult life.  Through her efforts, the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union became the largest women’s organization in the U.S. before 1900, and mobilized countless women to take on a wider role in the world through temperance activism.  Her “Do Everything” reform agenda included advocating for women’s suffrage, the 8-hour work day and age-of-consent laws. Her presence in Evanston made the community a player on the national reform stage, and gave local women a glimpse of a larger world. For more information about Willard, visit www.franceswillardhouse.org. Her home in Evanston is a museum filled with artifacts from her life, well worth a visit itself.