If you live in Chicago’s West Town / Near West Side, you are familiar with Mary Bartelme Park – the hub of social activities in the hot River West neighborhood.
But do you know the history of the person for whom the park is named?
Mary Margaret Bartelme was Chicago’s very first woman judge, who forever changed how the city cared for its young folks.
A West Town Wonder
Born on July 24, 1866, near what’s now buzzing Fulton Market in the #WestTown area, Mary grew up in a vibrant immigrant neighborhood. Imagine bustling streets filled with the sounds and smells of early Chicago, where Mary took her first steps towards greatness. She was a bright spark, graduating from high school at just 16 and swiftly moving on to Chicago State University.
A Change of Heart Leads to Law
Mary initially dreamed of becoming a doctor, but a meeting with Myra Bradwell, a pioneer for women in law, steered her towards the legal world. Mary zipped through law school at Northwestern University, focusing on helping those who couldn’t help themselves—particularly women and children.
The Guardian of Lost Children
In 1897, Mary became the Public Guardian of Cook County, a first for women. She wasn’t just sitting at a desk; she was out there fighting for a better deal for Chicago’s kids. In 1899, she helped set up America’s first juvenile court right here in Chicago. Think of it as a special court just for kids, where the goal was to help, not punish.
The First Lady of the Juvenile Court
Mary’s big heart and sharp mind led her to become an assistant judge in 1913, where she made sure young girls had a woman judge to look up to. She even donated her own house to create a safe space for girls—called the “Mary Club”—where they could learn life skills in a caring environment. She knew that everyone deserved a fresh start, especially the young and vulnerable.
A Legacy that Lives On
Mary was not just a judge; she was a hero to many. She worked tirelessly to make
sure that children had the support they needed to succeed in life. Even after she retired in 1933, her legacy continued to blossom. In 2006, the Chicago Park District honored her by establishing Mary Bartelme Park on the Near West Side, a beautiful green space where kids and families gather, right in the heart of the city she loved and served.
Why Mary Matters in Today’s Chicago
For all of us living in or learning about Chicago, Mary Bartelme’s story isn’t just history; it’s a reminder of the impact one person can have on a community. Her life shows us that with courage and compassion, anyone can make a difference. And for those looking at #hotneighborhoods, West Town’s rich history of remarkable figures like Mary Bartelme makes it not just a place to live, but a place to be inspired.
So, whether you’re walking through the lively streets of Fulton Market or playing in Mary Bartelme Park, remember the incredible woman who helped shape the justice system for the better. Mary Margaret Bartelme wasn’t just Chicago’s first woman judge; she was a beacon of hope and change in the Windy City.
Thank you to the Chicago History Museum for keeping us “in the know!”
