Breath of Fresh Air

Summer in Chicago’s tenement neighborhoods was a time of heat, humidity and disease. The Hinsdale Fresh Air Association was founded in 1891 by Rev. William Channing Gannett, in cooperation with several other west suburban Unitarian churches. Groups of women and children from settlement houses on Chicago’s West Side were brought to Hinsdale for a two week stay during the summer months. While there, they were given fresh milk and good food while spending time outside in the healthy ‘country’ air. Grace Bagley served as secretary of the Fresh Air Association during her time in Hinsdale.