Onward Neighborhood House records, 1937-1966

Old Resource ID was OnwardHouse

Onward Neighborhood House was established in 1926 as a community center serving the near northwest neighborhoods of Chicago, by a group of volunteers from the Glencoe Union Church and the Winnetka Congregational Church. It was named after the Onward Presbyterian Church, which served as its first home. The purpose of Onward Neighborhood House as stated in its motto, was to be "a friendly place where life may abundantly develop and grow in the warmth and light of a Christian atmosphere of mutual helpfulness." Its early activities included the continuation of church programs such as Sunday School and Vacation Bible School as well as the introduction of new community oriented projects. The House formed clubs for its participants, including special interest and age-group clubs. Onward House sponsored and housed numerous neighborhood activities such as picnics, banquets, and theater outings. Its staff hoped to help neighborhood residents by offering first aid, finding interpreters for newly arrived immigrants and by referring people to city agencies.

As the programs expanded, the House needed new facilities and turned to the Chicago Congregational Union for help. In 1928, the Chicago Congregational Union, together with the Presbyterian Extension Board, provided the funds for a new building located at 600 N. Leavitt. These two organizations took over its operation.

The programs offered by Onward House were modified as the needs of the residents and the neighborhood it served changed. During the Depression of the 1930s, Onward House focused on food distribution and counseling. In the 1950s, the neighborhood continued to deteriorate and was designated a conservation area by the City of Chicago. The residents, having no other social agencies to which they could turn, brought serious problems to Onward House. The agency hired a professional staff of social workers and a consulting clinical psychologist. Programs were developed around four main areas: family, group activities, community, and informal education. Group activities continued and consisted of clubs, classes, sports and arts programs. For the family, Onward House provided counseling and referral services. Community programs included membership in both neighborhood and area-wide improvement organizations. Informal education included tutoring projects, special exhibits, and discussion groups.

In 1953, the Presbyterian Extension board decided to withdraw its support from Onward Neighborhood House, and its share of the property was purchased by the Chicago Congregational Union. This change made little difference in the administration of Onward House, which had been run by an independent board of directors drawn from churches and the business community since its incorporation as a not-for-profit corporation in December, 1943. Financial support for Onward House comes from the United Way, the United Church of Christ and individual contributions. Onward Neighborhood House continues to serve the West Town area offering services for children, teens, seniors, families and the community at large.

This collection contains records of Onward Neighborhood house from 1937-1966.

Case records are restricted.

Case records are restricted.

Onward Neighborhood House records, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Names
  • Hull-House (Chicago, Ill.).
  • Onward Neighborhood House. -- Archives
• SubjectCommunity centers.
• Geographic Coverage
  • Illinois--Chicago--Near North Side.
  • Illinois--Chicago.