Lucille Graves

Belmont Village Oak Park, Oak Park, IL
Born February, 28, 1917 in Hickory Valley, TN

“I’ve had many jobs throughout my lifetime, from being a cook at Henry Booth House to a seamstress at Saks Fifth Avenue. I enjoyed being a seamstress. I learned how to sew when I was 12 years old so it was a trade where I excelled. As I was growing up, I made dresses for my sisters and friends, and later for my granddaughter. I eventually decided to attend night school to improve my job opportunities. After completing my degree, I began working for the Chicago Public Schools as a teacher, which I continued to do until I retired. It was tough but gratifying.”