WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT
Isabel G. Graham
Isabel Graham never set out to be famous or, to our knowledge, to have a Market + Eatery named for her. She lived a simple life in service to other people, and her gifts are still bearing fruit today.
Isabel Graham was born less than half a mile from the Isabel's Market + Eatery, in a home still standing on Union Street. Her father was a master carpenter and farmer, and Isabel and their family loved their “hill” full of apple, peach and quince trees, as well as their fields of barley and wheat.
Isabel Graham attended Michigan Normal University (now Eastern Michigan) and became a teacher and principal on the South Side of Chicago for the entirety of her career. When she passed away, she planted a seed back into this community she loved, leaving $5,000 to the church her father built, Douglas United Church of Christ. Today, Isabel’s gift is worth over $1,000,000, and it benefits many local charities year after year.
Isabel Graham died in 1954 in Chicago, leaving behind her niece, Mabel; and her partner of over 45 years, Nona. Isabel is buried in the Graham plot in the Douglas Cemetery on Wiley Road.
We chose the name Isabel’s because of our deep respect for her commitment to our community. We will continue to try and honor her by setting a good example, teaching those who want to learn, planting “seeds” in the community she loved, bringing people together, creating memories, and always expressing gratitude for where we live.
Isabel Graham was born less than half a mile from the Isabel's Market + Eatery, in a home still standing on Union Street. Her father was a master carpenter and farmer, and Isabel and their family loved their “hill” full of apple, peach and quince trees, as well as their fields of barley and wheat.
Isabel Graham attended Michigan Normal University (now Eastern Michigan) and became a teacher and principal on the South Side of Chicago for the entirety of her career. When she passed away, she planted a seed back into this community she loved, leaving $5,000 to the church her father built, Douglas United Church of Christ. Today, Isabel’s gift is worth over $1,000,000, and it benefits many local charities year after year.
Isabel Graham died in 1954 in Chicago, leaving behind her niece, Mabel; and her partner of over 45 years, Nona. Isabel is buried in the Graham plot in the Douglas Cemetery on Wiley Road.
We chose the name Isabel’s because of our deep respect for her commitment to our community. We will continue to try and honor her by setting a good example, teaching those who want to learn, planting “seeds” in the community she loved, bringing people together, creating memories, and always expressing gratitude for where we live.
