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Illinois Training School for Girls

Ariel view of the school ca 1970s. A map of the site ca 1912 is here. The "school" opened in 1894, was closed in 1978, later removed, the land converted into a housing subdivision. A small cemetery used by the school, with 56 graves still exists on the site of the original school. In 1900 the school described as "for the confinement, education and reformation of girls between the ages of 10 and 16 years who have been convicted of offenses punishable at law." Other references state the school was also used to confine girls who were mentally handicapped or sexually active. Children born out of wedlock were also sent to the school, many never reunited with their mothers. Many alumni described the school as a cruel prison, with locked doors and barred windows. Girls described being sent to the “hole” and of being beaten for minor offenses, as well as rape and sexual abuse by staff and other girls. Chicago journalists accused the institution of using handcuffs and whips for discipline. The term inmate used in census records for its "guests" seems to confirm a prison-like atmosphere, though the school did offer training in classic "women's work" - sewing, cooking, hairdressing, typing, stenography - and later some non-traditional roles like an electrician program.

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