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F ront Runners Junior League members at the Founder's Lunch in 1925. a century of progress CHICAGO'S JUNIOR LEAGUE CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF CHARITY AND SERVICE. by jeff keleher I 12 michiganavemag.com t was in 1912 that the Junior League of Chicago began its righteous campaign for the well-being of the city's peo- ple. Back then, most recent debutantes were encouraged to look for a suitable husband, but socialite Lucy McCormick Blair Linn bucked these expectations. Following her debut, Linn began working in the dilapidated Settlement House on Goose Island, an area so poverty stricken that the locals called it "Little Hell." Spurred on by her experiences and the work of suffragist Jane Addams, Linn corralled a dozen like-minded crusaders at the his- toric Hamilton McCormick mansion and began the Junior League of Chicago. In the 100 years since, the Junior League has brought hope and advocacy to the grimmest corners of the city. Highlights from its long list of achievements include opening the first pediatric psychiatry center in the nation and providing a place of refuge for the children affected by the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. In recognition of a century of indelible goodwill, the Junior League is embarking on a yearlong procession of charitable and community events, culminating with the Centennial Gala at the Four Seasons in June. As it cele- brates 100 years of unbridled benevolence, the ladies of the League surely have their eyes gazing forward, anticipating a new century of generosity. The Centennial Gala takes place on June 28 at the Four Seasons Chicago. Tickets are $500. 120 E. Delaware Place, 312-664-4462; jlchicago.org MA photography by chicago Daily news negatives collection/chicago history museum