Proving that plant-based diets are not a passing fad, we found this guide for greener living in the stacks of our Research Center. “The Vegetarian and Our Fellow Creatures” (1901) is the earliest known instance of vegetarianism in our collection. The pamphlet was copublished by the Illinois Anti-Vivisection Society, Chicago Vegetarian Society, and the Vegetarian Society of America and includes recipes, letters from supportive readers, and advertisements.

The Chicago History Museum’s Research Center is one of the premier research facilities in Chicago, and it carries on the tradition of serving the public the Chicago Historical Society established with its founding in 1856. Explore the research center’s online resources.