Clara Ingram Judson (1879-1960) grew up in Evanston. She was probably best known as a children’s author and editor, but she also was a public speaker on family finance, and a public school and Sunday school teacher. She published Bed Time Tales in 1913 and Flower Fairies in 1915, followed by 78 more books, including a biography of Frances Willard called Pioneer Girl.
Significance
Children’s author, public speaker (post WWI as an authority on family finance). Taught public school and sunday school from 1898-1900 in Indiana 1913 published ‘Bed Time Tales’ Member Theta (later WICI) Sigma Pi, 1948 received it’s headline award. Recipient of Laura Ingalis Wilder Award (posthumously) 2nd recipient EVER. 1920s wrote 4 books for adults on household budgeting and became a consultant to 2 banks. 1928 had her own weekly radio program as one of the early women broadcasters in Chicago. 1939 (38th book) “Pioneer Girl” about Frances E willard. 1940s “They Came From” series published re: Immigration. Ultimately wrote 17 biographies. The only Hoosier writer ever to receive 2 citations in Indiana University’s Author’s Day ceremony (1958 & 1960)true as of May 1960. Called “Evanston’s First Lady of Literature” by 1951 Evanston Review.