Hull House, Chicago

Modeling after settlement houses in London, Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr built their "Hull House" in 1889 in what was then a poor, immigrant district of Chicago. Countless immigrants passed through its doors, learning English, citizenry, music, dance, art and a host of other skills, both for fun and practical reasons. Benny Goodman first picked up a clarinet there and Clarence Darrow, another social reformer, often gave lectures. Today, Hull House is owned by the University of Illinois at Chicago and is open as a museum. Pass by late at night and you may spot the famous "Hull House Baby" peering at you from the third floor. Legend has it that the baby's father was a devil. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.

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