February 2015 Luncheon Meeting

Speaker: Anita Mechler

“A Rich Source of Chicago and US History: The Union League Archives!”

“Can’t find Anita? She’s in the Archives!”

As Head Librarian and Archivist at the Union League Club, Anita will deliver a well-illustrated historical talk from a different perspective: a group of successful business persons with money, talent and a burning loyalty to their city and their country. Hear, for example, why Chicago’s World Columbian Exposition of 1893 was considered (even by neutral observers), to be a Union League Club affair, including crucial contributions from Harlowe Higinbothan. Al Capone was done in by the Secret Six: 6 strong men whose names have never been officially revealed to this day, but, there they are, 5 of the 6, in Club history! Learn about the Club’s deep involvement in WWI, spelled out in a priceless WWI Scrapbook, lovingly saved by Anita from certain death, (red rot, brittle acidic paper). This item and archival materials will be on view.

A final treat from Anita: you will hear of her unbelievable pre-librarian career, one never imagined possible.

Union League Club, 65 W. Jackson Boulevard. Luncheon buffet (Room to be announced) opens at 11:30 am; program (Room to be announced) 12:30-1:30. Please reserve and cancel reservations by the preceding Wednesday for the Friday lunch. Reserved nonattendees will be billed.