Jessica North MacDonald lived a long and accomplished life devoted to literature, art, and the advancement of women’s education. While she is often remembered as the sister of noted author Sterling North, Jessica built a distinguished career entirely her own.
Born in Madison in 1891, Jessica graduated from Lawrence College in 1917. In 1920, she moved to Chicago, where she began publishing poetry in some of the nation’s most respected literary magazines, including The Atlantic Monthly, The New Yorker, and The Saturday Evening Post. By 1941, she had authored two novels, Arden Acres and Morning in the Land, further establishing her place in American letters.
Jessica also made a lasting impact behind the scenes in the literary and arts communities. She served for twenty years as an editor of Poetry Magazine, one of the country’s most influential literary publications. In addition, she worked as editor of the Art Institute of Chicago Bulletin, where she prepared exhibition catalogues and contributed to the promotion of fine arts in the region.
In the 1940s, Jessica moved with her family to Downers Grove. There, she became a charter member of the local chapter of P.E.O. Sisterhood: Philanthropic Educational Organization. P.E.O. was founded in 1869 by 7 students. It is an international women’s organization dedicated to supporting women’s educational advancement through scholarships, grants, awards, and loans. When the Downers Grove chapter was established in 1946, Jessica was among its first members. Still active in Downers Grove today the P.E.O is one of the oldest philanthropic organization throughout the nation with some 300 chapters in Illinois. The organization remains active in the community today and continues its mission of helping women achieve their educational goals under the motto, “Where women motivate, educate and celebrate women.”
Jessica North MacDonald passed away in 1988 and is buried at Clarendon Hills Cemetery in Darien. Her life reflects both creative achievement and devoted community service—an enduring contribution to the cultural and civic history of Downers Grove.
