Frances Willard Historical Association

Came here sober. Left here sober. Experience was exactly as anticipated ¹⁰⁄₁₀.

Showed up with my Girl Scout troop for a scheduled and confirmed tour on Sunday but the guide did not show up. Our girls were really disappointed and so were their parents who had arranged their busy weekend schedules to accommodate this event. It wasn’t much fun for the troop leader and myself either who suddenly had to figure out a last minute activity for a group of 8 and 9 year-​olds who had been dropped off for the tour. My daughter loves history and really wants to go on our own but I think we will find other options with more professional staff.

History buffs, listen up.
A friend of mine from DC is an author. He has written several interesting books, but his focus on the breweries of DC brought him to Evanston to brush up on his temperance history.
Frances Willard was a key player in the temperance movement.
We met up at the gorgeous, green, Victorian house on a Sunday for a private tour.
For $ 10 a person, you are told the story of Frances Willard, and her family — while walking the halls of the very house she lived in.
Many of the rooms have original or period furnishings, original wall paper has been uncovered, and to my delight — her private library still contains many of the books she once read. There are photographs of the original interiors taken during Willard’s lifetime. It is interesting to see how little, or how much has changed.
The guide was very knowledgeable, and gave the tour at a nice pace. Not to fast, not too slow. I felt like I left with a wealth of knowledge. The team that takes care of the Frances Willard House is obviously very dedicated — and active.
Volunteers don’t get enough credit! Kudos Frances Willard Docents!
Being an Museum employee myself, I admired their professionalism, and attention to their cause.
Not only is this tour a look into the life of Ms. Willard, but it also provides an overview of society at the time she was alive and working for her cause. While the story has roots in the Willard family, the story of Temperance is also interesting.
Frances Willard was a true pioneer. I’d suggest making this a part of your Museum tour schedule in Chicago. Evanston is only a short train ride from the city, and it is definitely more intimate than the Art Institute or the Field Museum.
Ironically, we went out for a drink after. I think Frances secretly liked that.