Elnora Smith (1894-1958), a graduate of Western Michigan College, arrived in Evanston in 1923 to teach at district 75 (now 65) schools. During this time, Smith was the Physical Education supervisor of all District 75 schools, but later oversaw a larger staff of teachers. Smith held this position for 35 years. Additionally, Smith was also known as a “playground architect” advocating for safer playground equipment and the establishment of more safe playgrounds in Evanston. In 1961 a park, focused on offering safe equipment for younger children, was dedicated in her name. Furthermore, during WWII Smith was given a leave of absence from her District 75 position in order to run the Evanston Rationing office, a critical organization during wartime.
Elnora Smith
Name: Elnora Smith (Elnora Smith)
Birth Date: 1894
Birth Place: Schoolcraft Michigan
Death Date: July 2, 1958
Burial Place: Schoolcraft Michigan
Summary
Education: Western Michigan College
Sources: Evanston History Center Bio Files, Evanston Library Archives