Charitas Statue

What secrets does a woman holding two children whisper to the wind? Here, just south of Theater on the Lake, stands the Charitas Statue. The Charitas Statue has witnessed a lot in Lincoln Park. Let’s unravel its story, a story as rich and textured as the bronze she’s cast in. The Charitas Statue isn’t just a statue. It’s a symbol, born from a competition. In 1922, the Chicago Daily News held a contest. They wanted a fountain for the Daily News Fund Sanitarium for Sick Babies, which occupied the space where Theater on the Lake now stands. The sanitarium was a haven for children with tuberculosis and those in need of nourishment and care. Ida McClelland Stout, a student of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, won. Her vision of Charitas, a woman cradling two children, captured the essence of the sanitarium’s mission. The statue was placed atop a reflecting pool, a quiet oasis amidst the bustling city. It reflected not only the sky above, but the spirit of compassion below. The Charitas Statue, with its Art Deco base, stood as a testament to the city’s dedication to its children. Ida McClelland Stout poured her heart into this work. She was a daughter of a tinsmith from Decatur, Illinois. She honed her craft under the tutelage of Albin Polasek. Stout won accolades for her artistic prowess. Sadly, her life was cut short. She died suddenly in 1927 while studying in Rome. The Charitas Statue remained in its original location until 1939. Then, the expansion of Lake Shore Drive necessitated its removal. The sanitarium building itself was altered, eventually becoming Theater on the Lake. Charitas began a journey through various locations. It resided in the Lincoln Park Conservatory, then the Garfield Park Conservatory. There, it was even painted white. Later, its original patina was restored. Separated from its base for a time, the Charitas Statue eventually returned to Lincoln Park in 2016. It was reunited with its original base. Today, the Charitas Statue stands near its original home. It’s a poignant reminder of a bygone era. It’s a testament to the enduring power of art and compassion.