A service of the Illinois State Library and the Office of the Illinois Secretary of StateILLINOIS DIGITAL ARCHIVES

AMA (American Medical Association) Pin
AMA (American Medical Association) pin belonging to Dr. A. Louise Klehm. Small enamel pin with gold edging and red center has the text, "AMA" on the edging and the medical symbol in gold at its center. The image is of the Staff of Asclepius, a snake intertwined with a wooden rod.

AMA (American Medical Association) Pin, Chicago, 1918
AMA (American Medical Association) pin worn by Dr. A. Louise Klehm. The round copper pin has the text, "AMA, Chicago, 1918" around its edge. The images on the pin include: an eagle; 2 shields, one with stars and stripes, the other with a Y-shape in the center; and the medical symbol, the caduceus, two snakes entwined on a winged staff. The text on the back is "The Greenduck Co., Chicago". Note: the name of the village of Niles Center, Illinois was change to Skokie, Illinois on November 15, 1940.

AMA (American Medical Association) Pin, Chicago, 1924
AMA (American Medical Association) pin which belonged to Dr. A. Louise Klehm. The gold pin has the following text, "American Medical Assn., Chicago, 1924." The image on the pin is a skyline of buildings with a lake in the foreground. The image is framed by a column on the left and on the right, a female figure holding in one hand the Staff of Asclepius, a snake intertwined with a wooden rod which has a wing at the top, and in the other hand, a shield with a Y-shape at its center. Beneath the "Chicago, 1924" text is the image of a large square building.

AMA (American Medical Association) Pin, Saratoga Springs, 1902
AMA (American Medical Association) stick pin which belonged to Dr. A. Louise Klehm. The round, gold pin has the following text, "A.M.A Saratoga Springs, 1902". The image and shape of the pin are similar to a coin design. The image on the pin is of two Native Americans, one a woman, the other, a young boy, in an open field hiding behind a large tree stump. The center of the stick has a spiral design.

Amelia Louise Klehm and Klehm Children Portrait, circa 1900
Photograph of the children of Edwin T. Klehm and George C. Klehm and his second wife, Eliza Ruesch Klehm, circa 1900. Left to right: Ruby Klehm, Irene Klehm, Grace Klehm, Pearl Klehm, Dr. A. Louise Klehm, and Harold Klehm, seated on floor. Ruby and Pearl are twins. They are the twins mentioned in the extortion letter to Dr. Klehm sent by the Black Hand Gang. Edwin T. Klehm was Dr. Klehm's brother and George C. Klehm was Dr. Klehm's father.

Amelia Louise Klehm High School Portrait, circa 1880
Portrait of Dr. A. Louise Klehm when she was a teenager, possible during high school. She attended Illinois Common School in Niles Center, Illinois. Dr. Klehm graduated in 1886, upon completing her studies in Orthography, Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, English Grammar, Geography and United States History. Photographer was Anton Rohde, Rohde & Schurz, 90 W. Ohio Street, corner Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, Illinois.

Amelia Louise Klehm Portrait, circa 1898
Portrait of Dr. A. Louise Klehm taken during medical school at the University of Illinois, Chicago, from which Dr. A. Louise Klehm graduated in 1902. The photograph was most likely taken around 1900, when Dr. Klehm was 30 years old. Photographer was Waterman, 5413 Jackson Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.

Amelia Louise Klehm Studio Portrait, circa 1880
Amelia Louise Klehm Studio Portrait. Photograph is of A. Louise Klehm as a young girl, and was probably taken when she was about 10 or 12 years old. Photographer was Rodhe & Schutz, 90 Ohio Street, corner Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, Illinois.

Amelia Louise Klehm Studio Portrait, late 1880s
Studio Portrait of Dr. A Louise Klehm as a young woman. The photograph was probably taken at the end of high school or after graduation, but before entering nursing school in the late 1880s. Photographer was Brands Studios 210 & 212 Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.

Bachelor Maidens Group Photograph, circa 1910
Photograph of Niles Center's first women's club called the Bachelor Maidens. Top, left to right: Elizabeth Stielow, Emma Kruse, Alma Klehm, Anne Schmidt, and Elsie Stielow. Bottom, left to right: Louise Harrer, A. Louise Klehm, Louise Stielow, Florence Klehm and Mae Stielow. The Bachelor Maidens arranged socials and annual dances. Several members of the Bachelor Maidens were instrumental in developing the Niles Center Women's Club in the 1920s, including Dr. Klehm.

Bills of Service from Dr. A. Louise Klehm for various patients, 1914-1915
Five Bills of Service from Dr. A. Louise Klehm to Township of Niles for various patients for visits and medicine. Patients include: Mrs. M. Abel, Margaret Hoth, Mr. John Hacker, and unknown woman found on steps of home of Leo Bree in Tessville. The unknown woman was taken to the County Hospital. The service dates on the bills were from 1914-06 to 1915-03 and they totaled $18.00.

Business Label - Dr. Louise Klehm, M.D.
Transparent plastic label with the following text, "Dr. Louise Klehm, M. D. Registry No. 3055 Office Hours: 8 to 10 A.M., 12 to 1 P.M. and 6-7 P.M. Daily Except Sundays".

Certificate of Confirmation for Amelia Louise Klehm, 1885
Certificate of Confirmation for "Emilie Louise Antonie (Johanna) Klehm". Information on certificate includes: born on 1870-11-23; confirmed on 1885-03-29; and confirmed at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, whose pastor was Heinr. Wolf. The text is in German. The certificate has a decorative lithograph border depicting the life of Jesus.

Certificate of Death - Physician's Form: Undertaker's Certificate and Record of Death of Anna Sarire Weber, 1914
Death certificate Anna Sarire Weber completed by Dr. A. Louise Klehm. Information on the certificate includes: date of birth: 1912-01-31; date of death: 1914-01-12; place of death: Tessville; place of burial: St. Peter's; undertaker: N. P. Weimeschkirch, 7066 N. Clark St.; father: Michael Weber, born in Chicago; mother: Carrie Becker, born in Chicago; and cause of death: "Burned by falling in hot ashes (lower half of body and left arm)" and contributory (secondary): "Shock - Inhalation of hot gas fumes". The backside of the certificate gives instructions and suggested causes of death.

Chas. Pfizer & Co. Medicine Bottle
Medicine bottle which may have belonged to Dr. A. Louise Klehm. The partial label on the large brown glass bottle has the following legible text, "Powdered U.S.P. One Quarter Pound. Guaranteed by Chas. Pfizer & Co. under the Food and Drugs Act. June 30th 1906 No. 1919. Chas. Pfizer & Co. Manufacturing Chemists 81 Maiden Lane New York".

Class History, '96, and Tales from the Alumnae
Class history for 1896 graduates of the Chicago Baptist Hospital Nurses Training School. The booklet was read at a reception given by Dr. and Mrs. Chas. Gilbert Davis for the graduates and faculty. It was written by two members of the graduating class, Gertrude E. Greenwood, a friend of Dr. A. Louise Klehm and Jessie D. Stewart. Included in the booklet are stories of the nurses experiences while in school and suggested future plans for all the nurses.

Dr. A. Louise Klehm and Fellow Female Medical School Students, circa 1902
Dr. A. Louise Klehm and fellow female medical school students, wearing Greco-Roman dress. Dr. Amelia Louise Klehm is in top row, far left. The photograph was taken while Dr. Klehm was attending the University of Illinois, Chicago Medical School, from which she graduated in 1902. Dr. Klehm was only 1 of 15 women to graduate from University of Illinois Chicago Medical School in 1902. Photograph may be of members of the Nu Sigma Phi Fraternity, to which Dr. Klehm belonged.

Dr. A. Louise Klehm Graduation Portrait, circa 1902
Photographic graduation portrait of Dr. A. Louise Klehm. Amelia Louise Klehm graduated from the University of Illinois, Chicago Medical School in 1902. Dr. Klehm was in only the second class at University of Illinois, Chicago Medical School to allow women into the class. The dean of the School, William Edward Quine, M.D., was influential in accepting women into the Medical School Program. Dr. Klehm was nearly 32 years old when she graduated. After graduation, Dr. Klehm did a three month internship at Hull House in Chicago under the direction of Dr. Rachelle Yarros, a significant figure in gynecological practices and advocate of birth control.

Dr. A. Louise Klehm Mourning Card, 1941
Mourning Card for Dr. A. Louise Klehm. She dies February 22, 1941.

Dr. A. Louise Klehm's Car Photograph, circa 1912
Photograph of Dr. A. Louise Klehm's car, a Model T Ford, which was purchased in 1912, parked in the driveway in front of the Klehm Family home, which was located at 8212 Lincoln Avenue near the north end of Floral Avenue in Skokie, Illinois. The car replaced Dr. Klehm's horse-drawn carriage, in which she was often remembered riding. Dr. Klehm broke her arm attempting to crank the Model T Ford, and afterward had to delivery a baby one handed, while her other arm was in a sling.

Dr. A. Louise Klehm's Commencement Invitation From Nursing School, 1896
Commencement Invitation for A. Louise Klehm's graduation from Chicago Baptist Hospital Nursing School in 1896. The invitation text is as follows: "The Officers and Faculty of the Chicago Baptist Training School for Nurses cordially invite yourself and friends to the Third Annual Commencement Exercises of the School on Friday Evening, March 27th at 8 o'clock, in the Auditorium of the Y.M.C.A. Building". Amelia Louise Klehm's fellow graduates included: Alice M. Beecher, S. Elizabeth Chapline, Carrie D. Black, Jessie Grace Deyoe, Carrie Isherwood, Grace B. Line, Katharine Manning, Loula F. McKenney, Christine Scully, Jessie D. Stewart, and Ella E. Younker. The interior text is as follows, "Programme Music, Invocation, Rev. Mr. Austin, Music, Class Address, L. A. Crandall, D. D., Music, Short Address, Rev. Mr. Grennell, Music, "The Training School", President E. E. Vaughan, The Yearly Report, Supt. L. M. Ousley, Music, Presentation of Diplomas, Dr. Chas. Gilbert Davis, Benediction, H. A. Delano.

Dr. A. Louise Klehm's Day Book and Ledger, 1905-1915
Dr. A. Louise Klehm's bookkeeping ledger, "The Physician's Combined Day Book and Ledger: A Complete and Concise Method of Tabular Book-keeping for all the Accounts for Physicians and Surgeons: Fourth Improved Edition," printed by Joel A. Minor. "Dr. A. Louise Klehm" is embossed in gold on the green cover. Dr. Klehm recorded her patient visits and accounts in this ledger from 1905-1915.

Dr. A. Louise Klehm's Medical School Commencement Program, 1902
Class of 1902 College of Physicians and Surgeons, Chicago Medical Department, University of Illinois Commencement Program. The cover text of the program is "The Faculty and Class of 1902 College of Physicians & Surgeons, University of Illinois. Annual Commencement, Tuesday, May 20th 1902 Chicago at 2 p.m. Studebaker Hall". The interior of the program includes a list of faculty, the class motto, a list of the class officers, a list of the Executive Committee members, and the senior class list, in which Dr. A. Louise Klehm can be found.

Dr. A. Louise Klehm's Surgical Kit
Surgical Kit with medical instruments used by Dr. A. Louise Klehm. Small brown leather surgical case snaps closed and folds open to reveal metal medical instruments and two pockets. The front is monogrammed in gold with A. Louise Klehm, M.D. Instruments include: 5 blades (scalpels) of varying size and shape, 1 surgical hook, 2 probes (picks) of varying shape and size, 1 with a scoop on one end, 1 hemostat (surgical clamp), and 2 curved urethral sounds with attaching screw-on handle. One scalpel is labeled Betz Company.

Dr. Louise Klehm dies at age of 70: On St. Francis Staff Since Founding, The News [obituary]
Newspaper obituary for Dr. A. Louise Klehm. She attended Chicago Baptist Hospital Nursing School and served as a nurse during the Spanish-American War at Fort Sheridan and in Florida. Later, Dr. Klehm attended the University of Illinois, Chicago Medical School, and interned with Dr. Rachelle Yarros at Hull House in Chicago. She also studied in Berlin and Vienna. Known as a diagnostician and obstetrician, Dr. Klehm delivered thousands of babies. Her first office was in the Klehm Bros. General Store. She rode a horse-drawn carriage, until she bought a Model T Ford in 1912. Even though she broke her arm cranking the car, Dr. Klehm still managed to deliver a baby three weeks later. She had several horses over the years including: Billy, Dan, and Colonel. Dr. Klehm also received threatening letters from the Black Hand Gang. She was a founding Staff Member of St. Francis Hospital in Evanston and a founding member of the Niles Center Women's Club. Her parents were George C. Klehm and Eliza Harms Klehm, and her siblings were Mrs. Emma Harrer, Mrs. Lydia Harms, Alma E. Klehm, Mrs. Florence K. Freund, Herbert I. Klehm, Harold W. Klehm, Raymond C. Klehm, Edwin T. Klehm, George H. Klehm, Grace Klehm and Herman Klehm. After retirement, she lived at 4724 N. Sacramento Ave. in Chicago with Miss Cora K. Schultz. Dr. Klehm's funeral services were held at Haben Funeral Home by Rev. H. W. Dinkmeyer, she was buried at St. Peter's Evangelical Cemetery in Skokie, Illinois. Article was published in The News of Niles Center, Friday, February 28, 1941 on pages 1 and 4.

Dr. Louise Klehm, Veteran Physician, Dies in 70th Year: Countryside Doctor Gave Lifetime Service To Her Community [obituary]
Newspaper obituary and funeral notice for Dr. A. Louise Klehm summarizes her life and gives information regarding her funeral. Dr. A. Louise Klehm attended Chicago Baptist Hospital Nursing School, and then the University of Illinois, Chicago Medical School. She had an internship with Dr. Rachelle Yarros at Hull House and studied in Europe. Her medical practice served Niles Center [Skokie], Morton Grove and Edgebrook, Illinois, and she was known for riding a horse-drawn carriage to visit her patients, until buying a Model T Ford automobile in 1912. She broke her arm cranking the car, yet still delivered a baby with her arm in a splint. It was believed that she delivered as many as 3000 babies. She was also able to thwart Black Hand Gang threats. Dr. A. Louise Klehm was also a founding staff member of St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois. founder of the Niles Center Women's Club, and served as a nurse during the Spanish-American War at Fort Sheridan and in Florida. After retirement, Dr. Klehm lived at 4724 N. Sacramento Blvd. with Miss Cora K. Schultz. Her parents were George C. Klehm and Eliza Harms Klehm. Her surviving siblings at the time of her death were Mrs. Lydia Harms, Mrs. Emma Harrer, Miss Alma Klehm, Mrs. Florence Freund, Herbert Klehm, Harold W. Klehm, and Raymond Klehm. Her funeral services were held at the chapel at 8057 Niles Center Road, and she was buried at St. Peter's Evangelical Cemetery in Skokie, Illinois. This article was published in an unidentified newspaper on Monday, February 24, 1941.

Dr. Miles Anti-pain pills
Small metal tin containing medicine, which belonged to Dr. A. Louise Klehm.

Ether Mask Holder
Metal ether mask holder with small hook handle and cup shaped holder used by Dr. A. Louise Klehm.

Extortion Letter to Dr. A. Louise Klehm
Extortion letter sent to Dr. A. Louise Klehm demanding money in order to secure the safety of herself and her family members, specifically her brother Edwin's twin daughters. St. Paul Park where Dr. Klehm was asked to leave the money was owned by her father, George C. Klehm, and is now part of the Cook County Forest Preserve, near the Morton Grove Train Station. The letter is believed to have come from the Black Hand Gang, a mafia group from Chicago with origins in Sicily, Italy.

Female Members of the Klehm and Stielow Families Photograph, circa 1900
Photograph of the female members of the Klehm and Stielow families. Possibly members of the Bachelor Maidens. Left to right: Louise Stielow, Alma Klehm, Dr. A. Louise Klehm, Florence Klehm, Mae Stielow, Elsie Stielow, and Elizabeth Stielow.

Female Members of the Nu Sigma Phi Fraternity at University of Illinois, Chicago Medical School Photograph, 1902
Group photograph of female members of the Nu Sigma Phi Fraternity at University of Illinois, Chicago Medical School, taken in the spring of 1902. The members, including Dr. A. Louise Klehm, are from various graduation years. Dr. Klehm is at the center of the photograph. Notice that the members are wearing pins. A list of members and non-members included in the photograph are Dr. Katchum 1904, Dr. Slocumb 1905, Dr. Maris 1902, Dr. Ash 1902, Dr. Burns 1902, Dr. Robinson 1903, Dr. Klehm 1902, Dr. Jennings 1903, Dr. Day 1902, Miss Hulan, Dr. Standly 1902, Dr. Moore 1904, Dr. Standish 1902 and Miss Loomis. Some of the Medical students are also in the photograph of students in Greco-Roman dress.

Illinois Common School Diploma for Dr. A. Louise Klehm, 1886
High School Diploma for Dr. Amelia Louise Klehm. She graduated from Illinois Common School, District 4, Township 41, Range 13, Niles Centre, Illinois in 1886. Klehm completed studies in Orthography, Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, English Grammar, Geography, and United States History. Her teacher was W. D. Smyser, the President of the Board of Education was Ivan Paroubek, and A.G. Lane was the County Superintendent of Schools. This document was scanned in two parts and pasted together in Photoshop; the two halves are not perfectly matched.

Klehm Children Portrait, circa 1890
Klehm Children Portrait. Photograph of children of George C. and Eliza Klehm, after Lydia's and Emma's marriages. Left to right: Alma Klehm, George C. Klehm, Dr. A. Louise Klehm, Lydia Harms (nee Klehm), Edwin Klehm and Emma Harrer (nee Klehm). The children's mother, Eliza Harms Klehm, sister of Henry Harms, died in 1878, when Amelia Louise Klehm was 7, and Alma, the youngest, was not even 3 years old. Their father remarried and had several more children including Florence Klehm Freund, Herbert I. Klehm, Harold W. Klehm, and Raymond C. Klehm.

Letter from Dr. Percy to Dr. A. Louise Klehm, 1910
Letter from Dr. N. M. Percy to Dr. A. Louise Klehm regarding a surgical referral. Dr. Albert J. Ochsner was a faculty member at the University of Illinois, Chicago Medical School, which Dr. Klehm attended. Dr. Percy and Dr. Ochsner were both surgeons at Augustana Hospital in Chicago.

Letter from George C. Klehm to Amelia Louise Klehm, 1896
A letter written by George C. Klehm to his daughter, Amelia Louise Klehm, after her completion of Nursing School at Chicago Baptist Hospital in 1896. He discusses her career options and expresses concern at her interest in studying medicine further, becoming a doctor. He suggests that high tuition costs would not be affordable for their large family. Nursing choices are also explored: She could become a nurse for an "eminent physician" in Minneapolis or the Assistant Head Nurse at Chicago Baptist Hospital. George C. Klehm suggests that even though the Assistant Head Nurse would be a smaller salary, it would be the better option because going to an unfamiliar place with someone she does not know may not be safe. He then expresses concern for her health and invites her to come home to take a vacation.

Metal Nameplate
Black sign made of metal with yellow text, which reads "Dr. Klehm". Sign can be seen in photographs outside of Dr. A. Louise Klehm's office.

Nasal Speculum
Metal nasal speculum used by Dr. A. Louise Klehm. Made by W. R. Grady Co., pat. pending, Pat. Jan. 9 - 1900.

Newspaper Advertisement for Dr. A. Louise Klehm
Newspaper advertisement for Dr. A. Louise Klehm. The advertisement is attached to advertisements for Sullivan's Pharmacy, on Lincoln Avenue, Brown Street and Niles Center Road and Ray W. Haben, Funeral Director.

Note from Mrs. Stephan Weber Accompanying Payment to Dr. A. Louise Klehm, 1919
A note accompanying two-dollar payment To Dr. A. Louise Klehm from Mrs. Stephan Weber.

Nurse A. Louise Klehm and Fellow Nursing School Graduates Studio Portrait
Nurse A. Louise Klehm and Fellow Nursing School Students Studio Portrait. Taken while attending Chicago Baptist Hospital Nursing School, from which A. Louise Klehm graduated in 1896. A. Louise Klehm is on far left. Photographer was Koehne & Bretzman, 189 N. Clark St., Chicago.

Nurse A. Louise Klehm and Friend Photograph, circa 1893
Nurse A. Louise Klehm and Friend Photograph. Photograph of A. Louise Klehm and friend and fellow nurse, Gertrude Greenwood. Both graduated from Chicago Baptist Hospital Nursing School in 1896. Dr. A. Louise Klehm is on right.

Nurse A. Louise Klehm Studio Portrait
Nurse A. Louise Klehm Studio Portrait. Taken during time at Chicago Baptist Hospital Nursing school, from which she graduated in 1896. After graduation, Dr. Klehm became Assistant Head Nurse at Chicago Baptist Hospital, until 1898, when she served as a nurse in Florida and at Fort Sheridan in Illinois during the Spanish-American War (1898). She attended to the many cases of typhoid and cholera. Photographer was Koehne & Bretzman, 189 N. Clark St, Chicago, Illinois.

Nurse A. Louise Klehm's Nursing School Class Photograph, 1896
Photograph of A. Louise Klehm's nursing school class in 1896. A. Louise Klehm is on left side, just below man. The photograph was taken on July 21, 1896, the year Dr. Klehm graduated from Chicago Baptist Hospital Nursing School. The nurses' training program was three years long, and the student nurses were taught by Dr. Chas. Gilbert Davis and others.

Nurse A. Louise Klehm's Nursing School Graduation Photograph, 1896
Photograph of Amelia Louise Klehm's nursing school graduation class. A. Louise Klehm is in top row, far right. She graduated from Chicago Baptist Hospital Training School for Nurses in 1896, following a three year program.

Prescription container with Dr. Klehm Label
Container for holding medicine with Dr. A. Louise Klehm Label. Black tube opens in middle, revealing cotton inside the container. Text on label is "Dr. A. Louise Klehm Niles Center, Ill. Tel. Morton Grove 323". There is a note with prescription instructions written by Dr. Klehm, which reads, "Use spray 3 or 4 times a day -".

Red Cross Pin
Enamel Red Cross pin that belonged to Dr. A. Louise Klehm. The red cross-shaped pin was worn by Dr. A. Louise Klehm.

Republic of Mexico Pin
Republic of Mexico Pin belonging to Dr. A. Louise Klehm. The round silver pin, whose form appears to have been punched out of an old coin, (see backside and ridged edging), has the following text, "Republica Mexicana, 1889". The image on the pin is similar to that which is on the Mexican Flag: there is an eagle holding a snake in its beak and a piece of cactus in its talons. Beneath the eagle is a large leafy branch. Dr. Klehm may have obtained the pin while serving as a nurse during the Spanish American War (1898).

Small Hemostat
Small steel surgical clamp or hemostat used by Dr. A. Louise Klehm.

Stationery of Dr. A. Louise Klehm and Tally of Patient Calls, 1913
Blue, personalized stationery, embossed with the name, Dr. A. Louise Klehm. There is a tally of patient calls on the backside.

Stethoscope and Bag
Stethoscope used by Dr. A. Louise Klehm. Small metal stethoscope is attached to two pieces of orange rubber tubing with brown plastic ear pieces at tips. The metal portion is engraved on the top with "Internus". There is also a small brown leather pouch with gold writing labeled "Internus", which was used to hold the stethoscope.