Lunt Park in Evanston IL, is dedicated to the city’s “First lady” Cornelia Lunt (1843-1934). Lunt was the daughter of Northwestern University founder Orrington Lunt. She came to Evanston in 1871 after graduating from Dearborn Seminary. Widely known as the leading lady of Evanston, Lunt served on the Northwestern University Board of Trustees and was active in the University Guild, serving as its first President. Her father’s home “Anchorfast,” which became her home after his death, was the center of Evanston’s social life for many years. She was the founder of the Fort Dearborn Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, serving as its first Regent and later honorary Regent for many years.
Mary and Arne Oldberg Park, located in Evanston IL near Northwestern University is dedicated to the couple, who made a significant mark in the Evanston community. 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.
The Carlson Greenhouse, located at Lighthouse Beach in Evanston IL is named for Margery Carlson, a world-renowned botanist and conservation advocate (1892-1985). Carlson lived in Evanston from 1930 until her death in 1985. She taught botany at Northwestern University and was a research associate at the Field Museum, helping build its plant collection through her travels around the world. Later she was involved with the Illinois Nature Conservancy, helping to preserve Volo Bog, Illinois State Beach, and Matthiessen State Park. She was active in Evanston throughout her life, promoting Victory Gardens during WWII and helping create the Lighthouse Nature Center.
McCulloch Park, in Evanston IL, is named for one of the most prominent among 20th-Century suffragists, Catharine Waugh McCulloch (1862-1945). McCulloch began her legal career in 1886 and was the first woman in the U.S. to serve as a Justice of the Peace. She was legal advisor to the National WCTU and the National Woman’s Suffrage Association, and was partner with her husband in their Chicago law firm. When the campaign for Illinois suffrage ended successfully in 1913 (largely through McCulloch’s tireless efforts), she was greeted by a torchlight parade of happy supporters when she arrived home in Evanston.
Renamed in 2020, this park is named in honor of suffrage activist Elizabeth Boynton Harbert and Betty Jean Payne, a leader of several women's organizations in Evanston. In 1876, Elizabeth Boynton Harbert organized the Pro and Con Club for the purpose of discussing women’s suffrage. Harbert had participated in the founding of the American Woman’s Suffrage Association and was a close associate of Susan B. Anthony. She also wrote the “Woman’s Kingdom” column for the Inter Ocean, a leading Chicago newspaper. She later published the monthly newsletter, “The New Era,” where she expressed her expansive views on women’s rights. Harbert was also a founder or founding member of a number of women’s associations. Betty Jean Payne (1938-2017) resided in Evanston for over 70 years. During this time she dedicated herself to creating community programs and leading a variety of causes in order to improve the safety and economic wellbeing of her community.
Butler Park in Evanston IL is named in honor of Dr. Isabella Garnett-Butler (1872-1948). Garnett-Butler was born in 1872 to one of Evanston’s earliest African-American families. Garnett received her medical degree in 1901 from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Chicago and returned to Evanston in 1904. Recognizing that hospital care for African Americans was very limited, she and her husband, Arthur Butler, opened the Evanston Sanitarium and Training School in 1914 in their home at 1918 Asbury Avenue. After Butler died unexpectedly in 1924, Garnett continued to manage the hospital. In 1928, Garnett joined the staff of the new Community Hospital and the two organizations merged. She served as superintendent at Community Hospital until 1945.
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Elnora Smith Park, in Evanston IL, is named for Elnora Smith (1894-1958). Smith was a Physical Education teacher in Evanston, who also dedicated a majority of her life to advocating for safer playground equipment and the establishment of safer parks in Evanston, IL. Additionally, Smith was a key member in the Evanston Rationing office during WWII.
This park is named in honor of Evanston education advocate Leah LoMar (1922-1968). LoMar was a well-known figure in the establishment of Parent – Teacher Association (PTA) chapters throughout Evanston and founding the Chute Middle School and Dawes School PTA. She also held Presidential seats in the Dawes and Nichols PTA, as well as a Vice Presidential seat at Chute.
Vera Megowen (1894-1987) was a professional chef who trained at the Cordon Bleu. She opened her first restaurant, the Vera Megowen Restaurant, in 1926 and from that time until her retirement in 1973, was involved in the restaurant industry. Megowen was also known for her philanthropy, generously supporting many local organizations and funding the creation of the Merrick Rose Garden and restoration of the old Fountain Square fountain. She is remembered through an Evanston park dedication in her name.
Reba Place Park is named after Reba Poor Dickenson. Reba is the daughter of John Poor, who had dedicated a street to his daughter called Reba Place. Since then, many religiously affiliated organizations have been created with the name such as the Reba Place Fellowship, Reba Place Church and Reba Place Development Association.
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Evanston is home to over a dozen parks named after women. Evanston women have made significant impacts in the Evanston community and beyond, and the dedication of these parks throughout the city continue to honor their influence and celebrate their achievements. For more information on these extraordinary women and others like them who have called Evanston IL home, go to https://evanstonwomen.org/.
