Mary Oldberg (1876 – 1968) was a prominent civic leader during her 60-year residency in Evanston. Throughout this time Oldberg founded the Council of Social Agencies (United Community Services), was the President of the District 76 Board of Education (1925-1940), became a trustee and the Vice President of the Evanston Public library for 37 years, as well as maintained leadership and membership roles in a variety of welfare projects and organizations in Evanston and Chicago. Oldberg focused her attention on creating lasting change for welfare reform and health awareness through a variety of campaigns she headed as a part of the Woman’s Club of Evanston and in the Council of Social Agencies. For instance, her recurring Christmas Seals Committee was established as a charitable organization addressing the tuberculosis crisis. Oldberg remained civically active in Evanston until her death in 1968. She is memorialized as a pioneer for health and welfare reform in Evanston through a park honoring her and her husband a renowned musician and professor at Northwestern University.
Mary Oldberg
Name: Mary Oldberg (Sloan)
Birth Date: 1876
Death Date: April 23, 1968
Death Location: 3202 Otto Lane, Evanston Il
Burial Place: Memorial Park
Summary
Children: Richard, Karl, Eric, Elsa
Years in Evanston: 68
Sources: Evanston History Center Bio Files, Evanston Library Archives