Doesn’t this stone tell a story? It is the Ella Labagh Plaque. This plaque honors Ella LaBagh. She was a pioneer. She helped establish forest preserves.
Ella LaBagh was a long-time Chicago resident. She was also a prominent member. She belonged to the Irving Park Woman’s Club. She proved a stalwart worker. She pushed for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. The Forest Preserves archives say this.
Now, imagine Chicago in the early 1900s. The city grew fast. This growth threatened natural spaces. Ella LaBagh saw this firsthand. She rode her bike. She saw lumberers cutting down trees. They were along the Chicago River.
This sight spurred Ella into action. It was 1901. She enlisted her husband, Reginald. Together, they biked through the woods. They took photographs. These photos became lantern slide presentations.
Ella presented these at club meetings. The Irving Park Women’s Club supported her. They sought to gain support for preservation. Their efforts paid off. In 1915, the county established a forest preserve district. Cook County owes credit to the club. They also owe credit to Ella Labagh. They helped establish the Cook County forest preserves.
But the story of Ella LaBagh doesn’t end there. In 1940, the forest preserve district honored her. They named a 600-acre tract after her. It was at Foster and Cicero Avenues. It became LaBagh Woods. Ella LaBagh was 85. She attended the dedication ceremony. It was a gala event. There was an honor guard. City and county dignitaries attended. Club members celebrated her achievement.
Ella LaBagh died five years later. Despite her contribution, her name remains relatively obscure. This is in the annals of Chicago history. Yet, her legacy lives on. The LaBagh Woods stand as a testament. They show her dedication.
Consider what LaBagh Woods represents today. It is a green space within city limits. It offers a glimpse into the world that would be. It exists rather than houses or highways. This means something.
Next time you visit LaBagh Woods, remember Ella LaBagh. Remember her bicycle rides. Remember her photographs. Remember her dedication. The Ella Labagh Plaque serves as a reminder. It marks her contribution to Chicago. It is a reminder of the importance of conservation.