Adlai E. Stevenson II

 

In his study to the Historic Home

I graduated in June of 1971 from the Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Livonia, Michigan. 

I was aware the Adlai Stevenson (1900-1965) had served as a US Senator from Illinois, ran for President twice against Eisenhower, and served as the US Ambassador to the United Nations. 

When we moved to Illinois in 2007, we settled in Lake Forest.  In driving around, I noticed the Adlai E. Stevenson Historic Home on St. Mary’s Road a mere 3.6 miles from our house.  I made a mental note that I ought to visit the house, given that my high school was named for him.  But there were no hours on the signage and place never looked open.  Sure, I could have searched online, but honestly my interest level was little more than a passing fancy.  At that point, I was mostly thinking of Stevenson as the poor fellow who the Democrats selected twice to run against the Dwight D. Eisenhower, the hero of World War II.

We signed up for the newsletter of the Lake County Forest Preserves.  As it turns out, the Adlai E. Stevenson Historic Home is owned and run by the Forest Preserves.  The first email newsletter offered a few dates to visit the home and we took advantage of the opportunity. 

I learned a lot about Stevenson today.  I learned his family has long been involved in politics.  His maternal great-grandfather, Jesse W. Fell, was a friend of Abraham Lincoln and his campaign manager.  His grandfather, Adlai Stevenson I, served as Vice-President of the United States from 1893-1897 under Grover Cleveland.  Before being elected to the Senate, Stevenson served as Governor of Illinois from 1949-1953.

Stevenson had three sons Adlai III, John, and Borden.  Adlai III served as Senator from Illinois from 1970-1981.  The actor MacLean Stevenson, known for his role as Colonel Henry Blake on the MASH TV series, was a second cousin.

I also wondered why our high school was named for an Illinois politician and not a notable Michigander?  As it turns out, Adlai E. Stevenson II died suddenly of a heart attack in London on July 14, 1965.  On July 15^th, the Livonia School Board met and naming the new high school was on the agenda.  As Stevenson was highly regarded in the 1950s and 60s, the school board decided to name thyeir new high school after Stevenson.  Ours was the first high school in the nation named for Stevenson.  I am guessing it was also the first school at any level named for him.  On October 24^th of that year, Vice-President Hubert Humphrey attended the dedication and delivered an address in honor of his friend and colleague Adlai Stevenson.  The first graduating class of Adai Stevenson High School was in 1968.  Mine, in 1971, was the fourth.

I am prouder than ever to be a graduate of Adlai E. Stevenson High School.

In thinking about my view of Stevenson before visiting the house most naïve and foolish of me.  He was known for his speeches that touched the heart of issues.  And whether folks agreed with his views or not, he was always respected.  We need more Adlai Stevensons today.   I will read more on Stevenson.  

I was impressed bythe few quotes I read on the tour.  Here are a few examples all from :azquotes.com.

• Public confidence in the integrity of the Government is indispensable to faith in democracy; and when we lose faith in the system, we have lost faith in everything we fight and spend for.
• A hypocrite is the kind of politician who would cut down a redwood tree, then mount the stump and make a speech for conservation.
• The human race has improved everything, but the human race.
• To act coolly, intelligently and prudently in perilous circumstances is the test of a man - and also a nation.
  

Here is what others have said about Stevenson (all from Wikipedia):

• Stevenson's gift to the nation was his language, elegant and well-crafted, thoughtful and calming.
  ~ David Halberstam, The Fifties.
• If the Electoral College ever gives an honorary degree, it should go to Adlai Stevenson.
  ~ W. Willard Wirtz, friend and law partner.
• In regard to his two runs for President, “…what would be remembered...were not his public programs and ideas for a New America but, ironically, the private man – his character and personality, his wit and charm, his efforts to negotiate and keep the peace within the Democratic Party, his elegant speeches, and the grace with which he accepted defeat.”
  ~ Jean A. Baker, The Stevensons:  A Biography of An American Family.

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Stevenson's Study