Housing

As Chicago experienced unprecedented growth in the late 19th century, the city became one of the world’s largest industrial centers. Hundreds of thousands of European immigrants lured by the “American Dream” settled in Chicago. Rather than finding “streets paved in gold,” most soon found themselves living and working in overcrowded, squalid, tenement districts. Hull House, Jane Addams’ famous settlement house, was the mecca for Grace Bagley and other progressive reformers who sought to improve these detrimental conditions.

Grace Bagley was very displeased with conditions at the large tenement house owned by her husband in an Italian enclave about a mile east of Hull House.  She soon took over its management. She studied Italian and established close bonds with the tenants. Grace hired Mrs. Annie Carlo, a midwife nicknamed the “Queen of Little Italy,” to help manage the facility. The two formed an unlikely alliance with the Gray Wolves, aldermen of dubious repute who wielded great political power in this neighborhood, known as the Levee.

Grace Bagley was soon considered a leading expert on housing conditions and reform in Chicago.  She lobbied the City Health Department and civic leaders for improved sanitation in an effort to lower rates of diphtheria, typhoid and tuberculosis and other diseases.  She gave frequent lectures and served on a committee that prepared an exhibit on Chicago that was displayed at the Tenement House Exhibit held in New York City in 1900.  The exhibit drew thousands of visitors and helped lead the way for legislation for tenement reforms.