Fri Feb 03, 2012 at 10:35:06 AM EST
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Hull House in Chicago, an organization founded 120 years ago by Jane Addams closed its doors on Friday, January 27 after running out of money.
The Hull House was a gateway to thousands of immigrants and poor where housing assistance, job training, language courses and child care was provided. More than 300 employees were affected and their insurance ended almost two weeks ago -- a surprise to the employees. They received final notices and final paychecks and packed up and left amidst tears and memories.
The Hull House itself which is a national historic landmark opened in l889, originally designed to provide services to immigrants and the poor. It provided citizenship classes, art classes, a gym and social programs -- inter alia. I took an art class there in the '70s when it was open to all for a small sum.
Agency officials have said it is millions of dollars in debt and the decision to close came after managers and trustees worked for two years, to reduce operating costs and improve services. The Board Chairman Stephen Saunders, did not return phone calls.
(I hope nothing is amiss in its closing!)
From a Tribune article by Tammy Webber of the AP.
I really miss my Curves classes which closed a few weeks ago. I miss the women and the intimacy. I've joined the Y - but it's so damn noisy and full of energy. It tires me out just to walk to my exercise class. Suppose I'll get used to it. Not the same in any respect with the Hull House closings - and all things end - but this economy is playing out in oh so many ways - large and small - hurtful ways and not only monetarily. |
| Xanthe :: Closings - This n That |
| There was a brief scene in the documentary Jimmy Carter - Man of Plains that choked me up a bit. He walked through the plane he was on and shook the hands of every passenger - he is looking frail to me but somehow an energy light shines through. One of the passengers put her arms around herself and turned her face to the window as he put his hand out. Without any kind of hesitation he gently touched her shoulder and moved on. I felt sad for him. He is not a living president that is afforded much respect by the media, for instance. Hagiography has place for only the one I guess - Ronald. Then, I thought - well what if bush came by and put his hand out on a plane you were on. Mightn't you do the same. Courtesy often kicks in automatically with me - so who knows. But look - how likely is it bush would shake hands on a plane -- in coach no less. People often say Carter is a better past-president than he was in the White House. I don't know honestly - I don't know his legacy. I do know this: He didn't play the DC game and make lots of money when he got out of office.
I'm off on a foggy day to the bank - out of one and into another account. Very scary as I do not put money in my savings anymore - but certainly take it out. It reminds me of what I believe that lout Limbaugh said about SS:
They should have saved [instead of relying on SS.]
Yes - I'm a profligate for sure, living the high life here in my working class suburb, shopping at the Thrift Store and going out for breakfast at least once a month. Maybe there's a tv show here like the Khardashians. Thrift Store Babies. And let's not forget that the 1% stole almost one-half of my moderate portfolio. And guys - they ain't through with us -- there's more blood to squeeze out of us for sure. So much for saving, Rush, you shoddy piece of noise.
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