A MacArthur Fellowship recipient, Bette Howland’s relatively small output, like Larsen’s, made a vital, lasting impact. Her debut effort, the 1974 memoir “W-3,” details her experiences as a patient in a Chicago hospital’s psychiatric wing.
Finley Peter Dunne, a celebrated Chicago newspaper columnist, won over legions of fans with his creation Martin Dooley, a South Side, Irish saloonkeeper who espouses wisdom and wit on any variety of current events and socially significant themes. Eight volumes of Dunne’s Dooley sketches were reprinted in book form.
Emcee J-L Deher-Lesaint will lead a speaking lineup that includes Chaz Ebert, who will participate in a reading of Larsen’s work. Among the other scheduled speakers are Brad Armacost, Martha Bayne, Cat Evans, Mike Houlihan, Jennifer Smith, James R. Sullivan, and Rachel Swearingen as well as Howland’s sons, Jacob and Frank Howland.
Doors open at 5pm, and appetizers as well as a cash bar will be provided. You can get more information and register for the event at their official website here.