December 30th

Tracey Ullman was born this day in 1959. A great comedic actor of our time. Known for her character studies that transcends and leaves the audience wondering where the character ends and Tracey begins. And we all need a good laugh. Thank you, Ms. Ullman.

On this day 1994, a gunman killed two women and injured many others outside an abortion clinic in the Boston area.

December 29th

Born this day in 1827, Margaret McDonald Bottome. A Methodist minster's wife, Mrs. Bottome would hold prayer meetings, informal talks about the Bible, and Bible studies in her drawing room. And then Janunary 13th, 1886, she founded the Interantional Order of The King's Daughters. Sisterhood of service. The membership grew quickly and spread throughout the world with membership growing to 50,000. A year later, boys and men inquired about joining and the name was changed to The International Order of The King's Daughter and Sons! The Order is still active today.

Emma Snodgrass was arrested again this in 1852, for wearing pants in public again!

Today is Mary Tyler Moore's birthday! "Who can turn the world on with a smile..."

December 28th

On this day in 1956, the television network NBC decided to cancel, "Miss Frances Ding Dong School" an educational program for young children. In its place NBC put "The Price is Right". Miss Frances aka Doctor Frances Horwich never allowed commercialism, product placement in the programs. And it is believed that 95% of all pre-schoolers tuned daily to watch, "Miss Frances Ding Dong School." She set the tone for many who followed in her footsteps. Oh to bring back to days of education over commercialism. There are many segments from the program on youtube.

Speaking of tubes, on this day in 1981, the first American test tube baby was born! And its a girl! Elizabeth Jordan Carr. Happy Birthday!

On this day in 1967, Muriel Siebert was the first woman to won a seat on the New York Stock Exchange.

December 27th

On this day in 1845, Fanny Longfellow, wife of American poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, was the first American woman to use ether during childbirth. As Mrs. Longfellow wrote:"I am very sorry you all thought me so rash and naughty in trying the ether. Herny's faith gave me courage and I had heard such a thing had successded aboard(Queen Victoria)where the surgeons extend this great blessing more boldly and univerally than our timid doctors....This is certainly the GREATEST blessing of this age." Yeah, male doctors thought women should suffer during childbirth because of original sin.

Also on this day in 1937, Mae West was banned from NBC radio for sharing her version the Bible story of "Adam and Eve". Something about the Original Kiss.

December 24th

Born this day in 1802, Elizabeth Chandler. A poet and writer. Chandler was the first woman writer to make abolition of slavery her life's work with the publication of her poetry and articles in the leading abolition publications of the time. "The Slave Ship" in 1825 is the most well known of her poetry. She was an editor for "Abolitionist Journal".
Chandler's work evolked great emotion about the serious plight of slavery.
* The image of the Wedgwood with the quote, "Am I not a woman and sister?" Chandler was the first person to publish this image which has been forever linked to the story of slavery in the United States and the world. Sadly, Chandler died at the age of 27 of a fever.

I would like to quote Sojournor Truth on this Christmas Eve: "That little man in black there-he says women can't have as much rights as men 'cause Jesus Christ wasn't a woman?! Where did your Christ come from? From God and woman! Man had nothing to do with Him!"