Name: Mary Gardner (Spencer)
Death Date: December 23, 1920
Summary
Mary Spencer Gardner founded the King’s Daughters in 1893, a service organization for young women wanting to do charity work. Their first projects included sewing clothing for needy families and holding fundraising events to support other charitable organizations. In 1895 the group opened the Fresh Air Home for Girls. Begun as a place for a summer respite for young working girls from Chicago, the home eventually became a full-time residence and school for girls ages 12 to 18. The home was in operation until 1949.
Children: Four: Mrs. George Sloat; Mrs. Ernest Rogers (Allie); Jennie; and Flora
Sources: Evanston History Centre Subject Files. Evanston Women.: Newspaper Clippings "Fete for King's Daughters to Be a Benefit" IRENE POWERS Chicago Daily Tribune (1872-1963); Sep 3, 1953; ProQuest Historical Newspapers Chicago Tribune (1849 - 1986)pg. B6 SOCIETY. Chicago Daily Tribune (1872-1963); Jun 1, 1895; ProQuest Historical Newspapers Chicago Tribune (1849 - 1986)pg. 9 SUMMER HOME FOR GIRLS. Chicago Daily; May 31, 1896; ProQuest Historical Newspapers Chicago Tribune (1849 - 1986)pg. 48