Jane "Jennie June": "I’d like to introduce myself and tell
you
just a bit of my life and why I’m here today. My name is Jane Cunningham Croly.
I am a New York Newspaperwoman and write under the pen name of “Jennie
June”. Twenty one years ago, in 1868, a banquet honoring Charles Dickens was
held at the all-male New York Press Club. I decided that I couldn’t miss
this opportunity to hear Mr. Dickens speak, so I organized a group of women
friends and we set out to attend the banquet. We were in great spirits and
as we approach the entrance, I crossed my fingers in the hopes that I would
have the chance to interview this very popular author. But the door was as
far as we got. It was literally closed in our face. We
were told-- NO LADIES ALLOWED!! Indignant, we turned and walked away—but
with our heads held high. WHO DID THESE MEN THINK THEY
WERE?? This event changed my life. I was determined to organize a club for
women. And I did. The women’s movement had begun. At the time, I thought
that my club was the only women’s club in existence but
not true. Many women’s clubs had formed independently to meet
the needs of women in our expanding country. In 1889, I proposed a
conference to discuss forming a permanent organization and in 1890, the
General Federation of Women’s Clubs was born. Through my travels, I’ve met
many women who have chosen to speak up and to take an active role in
society. I’m so happy, that a few of my special friends were able to join us
today. I’m going to put them on the spot and ask them to tell us why they
joined the women’s movement.
I’d like to introduce Sarah Royce."
Sarah Royce: "Thank you Jane. Back in 1830, my husband decided to
seek a better life out West. We traveled by riverboat, covered wagon and on
foot. At our new home in California, I attend to what my husband calls “the
business of women”. I take care of the family. I cook, do the washing and
ironing and all of the sewing. Life is hard, but I want my family to have a
safe, stable home life"
Jane: "Thanks Sarah. I’m so glad you were able to come today.
Everyone, I’d like you to meet my good friend Charley".
Charlotte Parkhurst: "Jane it’s good to see you. My given name is
Charlotte Parkhurst, but my friends call me Charley. I came to California in
1854. Like everyone else, I wanted to make my fortune in the gold fields.
Since panning for gold is hard work, I decided to wear men’s trousers. Can
you believe it is against the law to dress in men’s clothing in most of the
cities in California?"Jane: "Charley, don’t give up
those pants. I bet the day will come when we ladies will throw out our
skirts and be brave enough to wear pants out in public. And it will be due
to women like you who have taken a firm stand against tradition.
Ladies, it’s my pleasure to welcome America’s first superstar, Lillie
Langtry."
Lillie Langtree: "Ladies, please don’t believe everything you’ve
heard about me…I’m sure it’s not true!!! My real name is Emilie Charlotte Le
Breton, but I haven’t been called that in years. I was born on the Isle of
Jersey, off the coast of England. I may have been born English, but I’ve
truly had the luck of the Irish. One of my most fond memories was my visit
to Virginia City. I was to perform at the Piper Opera House. As I stepped
out of my hotel, I looked with dismay at the dusty uneven streets. I didn’t
want to make a fuss, but then again I didn’t want to ruin my slippers and
gown, so I politely asked if perhaps a carpet could be laid from the hotel
to the opera house. The Americans were wonderful. They lined the street with
carpet and I didn’t disappoint my loyal fans by appearing as a ragamuffin."
Jane: "Lillie, if I remember right. That carpet was red and you were
the first person to receive the “Red Carpet Treatment” and famous stars who
followed you always insisted that the Red Carpet be spread for them as it
was for the Jersey Lillie.
Our next guest is so famous that dolls are made of her, songs are written
about her, a race horse is named for her, and her image appears everywhere
from posters to soap ads to cartoons. Elizabeth, I’m so proud of your
accomplishments. Please come up and share a story or two."
Elizabeth “Nellie Bly” Cochrane: "Oh, Jane, you’re going to make me blush!!
Jane and I met back in 1889. My name is Elizabeth Cochrane, but my editor
gave me the pen name of Nellie Bly. He told me I was a bit too theatrical
and adventurous with some of my so-called stunts I’ve pulled in my newspaper
career. I do admit that I did get my self locked up in an insane asylum
looking for a story. But I’m not sorry. Granted, my journalism is intended
to get people to read the paper, but I feel it’s my civic duty to tell the
people what it’s really like in prison or what it’s like to work in a
sweatshop. I guess my most famous stunt was when I worked for the New York
World. I thought it would be a grand adventure to see if I could beat the
travel time of the fictional Phineas Fogg, from Jules Verne’s Around the
World in 80 days."
Jane: "Elizabeth, I remember that trip. You wrote about your travels
and many people followed your journey closely on the map that was published
every day. And I remember when you arrived 72 days later, a monkey on your
shoulder.
I met our next guest while on holiday in San Francisco. She became my first
California friend. Charlotte, please come up and tell us a little about
yourself and how your mother influenced your life."
Charlotte Bloomer: "My mother, Amelia Bloomer, was born in 1818. It
was still a man’s world at the beginning of the 1800’s. Very few women
received an education. If a woman didn’t marry right, all she had to look
forward to was a life teaching, factory or domestic work—all very poorly
paid. When mother grew up, she said “Not me! I will fight for women’s
rights.” And I’m sure you’ve heard about her Turkish trousers!! As you can
see, it was natural for me to follow in my mother’s footsteps. She was such
an inspiration. I joined a woman’s group and we were determined to win the
right to vote."
Jane: "Charlotte, I remember those days. Although males in San
Francisco voted heavily against suffrage, we won by a narrow margin. It was
truly the dawn of a glorious tomorrow!
Charlotte, I think we all remember your mother’s “Bloomers” And lastly, I’d
like you to meet the daughter of a very dear friend of mine. Marie."
Marie: "Hello everyone. My name is Marie de LaTorre. I was just 18
when the war broke out. I was told it was my patriotic duty to fill the jobs
vacated by our soldiers. I now work in a munitions factory. My girlfriends
and I are doing what has always been considered “men’s work”. We are
welders, machinists and truck drivers. People tease us and call us “Rosie
the Riveter”, but you know what? I have learned to stand up for myself. I
have confidence in myself to do what ever I want to do."
Jane: "Marie, I know it’s women like you who will help us win the
right to personal freedom. Ladies, you are so special to me. Your
brave deeds and bold thoughts have made our country a better place to live.
Just look around you. Your table companions are here today, because they
too, want to make a difference. With their help, the Contemporary Women of
North County will be able to help 3 deserving students attend the college of
their choice and we’re so excited to be part of the City of San Marcos' new
mentoring program, “Just Girls” At this time, I
would like to introduce Erin Monahan. She is instrumental in getting the “Just
Girls” program off the ground. Erin, would you like to come forward and
say a few words?" |
Member of
General Federation of Women's Clubs
