An anti-Vietnam war activist at Evanston Township High School, Ellen Budow (1952-1974) went on to study art and art history at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She was jailed for organizing a campaign for better working conditions for food service workers on campus. Later in Massachusetts, she was a United Electrical Workers (UE) organizer and labor activist Her early death was the result of a misdiagnosis of pneumonia
I wish I had known this Ellie, having the same name and as our lives were similar in hs & college. I enjoyed the ETHS art department, was almost arrested at the UofI during a protest March, but went in to a very normal life, & am still here. She lead a very impressive life.
Ellie was very sensitive and kind and smart. She carried a lot of sadness within her soul. I always admired her. The art department was a haven of safety for many of us. Peggy Griffin ( Thompson)
I remember Ellie quite well. We were in 3D design class together. She did this huge armature of tangled wire for one of the many projects I watched her create. Not long before her death I ran into her in Madison on her way home from a protest. I heard she died of pneumonia...very heartbreaking.
Didn't know Ellie, wish I did. Touching to hear all your remembrances. Saddens me whenever I hear of another classmate's passing. Ellie, hope to get to know you in the next go around...
Ellie was an amazing person. She was so gifted in a variety of art forms and was a skilled sculptor. I remember taking photos of her incredible works for her. She was also very bright with a sophisticated understanding of politics and zero tolerance for injustice. She helped to motivate me in actively protesting the Vietnam War and in supporting the causes of social justice. Her memorial in the section of labor organizers at Forest Home Cemetery is a testament to her strong conviction for supporting the rights and improved conditions for oppressed people. Her biography among those featured in the Illinois Labor History Society website is impressive.
The last time I saw Ellie was for just a few minutes in March of 1971 in the lobby of Witte Hall at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. I certainly thought I’d see her again sometime. I’m reminded of Ellie when I hear the words to James Taylor’s song, Fire and Rain: “Just yesterday mornin’, they let me know you were gone… But I always thought that I’d see you again.”
Although awful to hear that news, I'm glad I was informed about Ellie's passing when back from school that summer of 1974. I was able to get together with her parents back then before I returned to school. It was comforting to be with them - sad, but meaningful. I wish I had kept in contact with them. They were such good people. Ellie is still sorely missed these many decades since her passing.
Bert Noosbond
The boys would fight for the crossing guard post by the dump because Ellie walked that way
Lynn Simon
If I remember correctly, Ellie had beautiful long curls. We were in a spelling bee and I'm pretty sure she won!
Martha Lems (Rosenberg)
Freshman year Ellie was my BFF. She was gorgeous and brilliant and very politically aware. I was horrified at her death
Myron (Ron) Berger
Ellie lived across the street from me on Dobson St. in south Evanston. I wish I got to know her.
RE: http://www.illinoislaborhistory.org/biographies-b#budow
An anti-Vietnam war activist at Evanston Township High School, Ellen Budow (1952-1974) went on to study art and art history at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She was jailed for organizing a campaign for better working conditions for food service workers on campus. Later in Massachusetts, she was a United Electrical Workers (UE) organizer and labor activist Her early death was the result of a misdiagnosis of pneumonia
As a labor hero, she is buried at the Haymarket Marytr's Monument (National Park Service) in Forest Park, IL: https://npgallery.nps.gov/pdfhost/docs/NHLS/Text/97000343.pdf
Eleanor Stipe (Rosen)
I wish I had known this Ellie, having the same name and as our lives were similar in hs & college. I enjoyed the ETHS art department, was almost arrested at the UofI during a protest March, but went in to a very normal life, & am still here. She lead a very impressive life.Margaret (Peggy) Griffin (Thompson)
Ellie was very sensitive and kind and smart. She carried a lot of sadness within her soul. I always admired her. The art department was a haven of safety for many of us. Peggy Griffin ( Thompson)
Merilyn Moss
I remember Ellie quite well. We were in 3D design class together. She did this huge armature of tangled wire for one of the many projects I watched her create. Not long before her death I ran into her in Madison on her way home from a protest. I heard she died of pneumonia...very heartbreaking.
Martha Lems (Rosenberg)
Even though Ellie was very politically aware she also had "school spirit" and was a Willie Wildkit. The photo is the yearbook.
Randy Saks
Didn't know Ellie, wish I did. Touching to hear all your remembrances. Saddens me whenever I hear of another classmate's passing. Ellie, hope to get to know you in the next go around...
Charles Myers
Ellie was an amazing person. She was so gifted in a variety of art forms and was a skilled sculptor. I remember taking photos of her incredible works for her. She was also very bright with a sophisticated understanding of politics and zero tolerance for injustice. She helped to motivate me in actively protesting the Vietnam War and in supporting the causes of social justice. Her memorial in the section of labor organizers at Forest Home Cemetery is a testament to her strong conviction for supporting the rights and improved conditions for oppressed people. Her biography among those featured in the Illinois Labor History Society website is impressive.
The last time I saw Ellie was for just a few minutes in March of 1971 in the lobby of Witte Hall at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. I certainly thought I’d see her again sometime. I’m reminded of Ellie when I hear the words to James Taylor’s song, Fire and Rain: “Just yesterday mornin’, they let me know you were gone… But I always thought that I’d see you again.”
Although awful to hear that news, I'm glad I was informed about Ellie's passing when back from school that summer of 1974. I was able to get together with her parents back then before I returned to school. It was comforting to be with them - sad, but meaningful. I wish I had kept in contact with them. They were such good people. Ellie is still sorely missed these many decades since her passing.