Ellen Gates Starr

What happened to Ellen Gates Starr, the sprightly young woman who cofounded Hull-House with Jane Addams in 1889? Starr mastered the art of bookbinding and built a cherished circle of friends. Motivated by her faith, she became a dedicated reformer and labor activist. She lived and worked at Hull-House for forty years. Yet, despite all of this, she is a largely forgotten figure. Based on Starr's letters and writings, Suellen Hoy presents a moving portrait of a spirited, independent woman, who as she aged made the most of her unexpected and unenviable circumstances. In the end, this small yet significant work contributes to a better understanding of the history of women and the history of Chicago.