Hull-House; A viable option today?

The Hull-House settlement tour today was one of those tours that I felt provided me with so much information and interesting topics that I scarcely know where to begin on this week’s blog. I could write and write and write on this topic (so I think I know what one of my mid-term paper’s will be on!). 

I think it’s best to begin with what I admire about the work that the settlement did, and what it offered to their community. They offered kindergartens and day care for children, art classes for adults, a place for social gatherings and even housing. And all out of their own pockets (and any contributions received at the house itself). From the extracts we were told to read this week I could discern no personal motives in this act other than the realisation that immigrants and poor people needed help to feel like a part of America and not to just be another poor person who couldn’t afford to work and live (an idea I felt was portrayed somewhat by Zorbaugh in The Gold Coast).   

I never knew such places existed (even if the original concept came from London!) and I am glad they did. They offer a view of 19^th century Chicago that promises so much more than just slums (such as Little Hell) and the idea that children as young as 6 were working in factories. Of course these things were facts of the time, but the idea that there was an alternative, no matter how small, offers some light in the bleak images painted by some of our previous readings. 

In class Professor Macek asked us if we thought settlements would offer a solution to urban problems of today. Although this may sound like a weak argument, I believe that there are just too many people in cities for this to make any substantial impact, and the cost would be too great to offer the sorts of entertainment and diversion that modern society craves (TV, video games, cinemas; I doubt a small art gallery would satisfy the entertainment needs of the average 21^st century person). Modern day settlements would also be easy targets for criticism. Age-old complaints against the benefits system and the “socialist” policies of government would be increased two-fold by the implementation of settlements such as Hull-House – especially if, like Hull-House, they were catered specifically for immigrants who were trying to assimilate into American Society. The controversies surrounding immigration, and the disdain already held for those who are taking away ‘American jobs’ would just intensify. 

I’m not sure an expansive plan such as Burnham’s would solve the urban problems of today, but I suppose there is no such single solution to all the urban problems facing society. Jane Addams did not have all the answers, I am not suggesting that, but I think it was right that she and the other reformers are honoured in the Hull House Museum and they should be remembered for the admirable work they attempted to bring to the city of Chicago.