“Raised in a family committed to social justice and workers’ rights, Linn Orear honored that heritage throughout her life. Linn stood up for people and her warm smile and generous spirit touched our lives. The Illinois Labor History Society owes her a great debt for her selfless generosity.”
—Mike Matejka, Vice President, Illinois Labor History Society

Linn Orear and I met when she began working in the Illinois Labor History Society (ILHS) office with her father Les Orear, President of the ILHS. He suggested that I invite Linn to join me for lunch or some event, as he thought it would be good for us to become friends. Over the years we bonded. One of our favorite places to go was the Art Institute, to see an exhibit and have lunch.

In the past, for the Union Hall of Honor, Linn and I would put together a short program to be included during the evening. She did most of the writing, as that was one of her strong points. We always tried to add a bit of humor.

Linn was a very direct and honest person. She was an expert on the history of Chicago, Pullman and the Haymarket, and often gave me advice on my Lucy Parsons project. As I am a labor activist, and she was a strong union person, we had much in common. I’ll always remember my visits with her and Mr. Orear at Montgomery Place. We’d have lunch, then sit in the garden among the beautiful flowers, solve the world’s problems and have a good laugh. I consider myself fortunate to have known her.

“Linn Orear helped the Illinois Labor History Society in so many ways, she had skills that were desperately needed, and she filled the gaps for us as her father and founder of ILHS, Les Orear, was moving on in years. She will be deeply missed. I suspect she is helping to organize the angels into a union of their own!”
—Larry Spivack, President, ILHS

“Linn Orear, daughter of Leslie Orear, helped her father and other founders maintain and strengthen the Illinois Labor History.” 
—Debby Pope, Secretary, ILHS