February 17th

Born this day in 1858, Margaret Warner Morley, author of children's books, biologist, educator. Morley books connected children to nature in a realistic way, but always with child like wonder.

Song of Life (1891), Insect Folk (1903), Little Mitchell, the Story of a Mountain Squirrel (1904), and the Apple-Tree Sprite (1915). Many of her books were used in the classroom as texts. Her, The Renewal of Life: How and When to Tell the Story to the Young (1906), is a sensitive and frank account of procreation. The Carolina Mountains, written while Morley was in residence in Tryon, North Carolina from 1890-1920

Born this day in 1879, Dorothy Canfield Fisher, educational reformer, social activist and author. Canfield studied with Maria Montessori while in Rome Italy(1911-12). And in 1912, published, The Montessori Mother Also introducing the Montessori Method of education in the United States. Canfield wrote children's books:
Understood Betsy,The Bent Twig (1915), Home Fires in France (1918), The Day of Glory (1919), The Brimming Cup (1921) and The Home-Maker (1924)
Canfield was also an advocate for adult education and served on the selection committee The Book of the Month Club from 1925-1951. Also, named in her honor since 1959, The Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award   which the recipient is selected by the votes of their young readers.

February 16th

On this day in 1883, The Ladies Home Journal first issue. Louisa Knapp Curtis was the editor and writer. And the first title was, The Ladies Home Journal and Practical Housekeeper The last three words were dropped in 1886. Still in publication today. This magazine is one of the Seven Sisters.

On this day in 1982, Agatha Barbara was elected President of Malta.

1838 Kentucky passes law permitting women to attend school under conditions (But what were the conditions??) Still a mystery-on the hunt; but if you know please leave a comment.

February 15th

Born this day in 1820, Susan B. Anthony. The Mother of the Suffrage Movement in the United States. Anthony died in 1906, and the 19th Amendment was added to the Constitution in 1920. To read more about Anthony visit, www.susanbanthonyhouse.org

On this day in 1879, President Hayes signed the bill allowing women lawyers to argue cases before the Supreme Court. (remember, in 1873, the Supreme Court ruled women incapable of being lawyers- it went against their nature! see Feb. 12th entry)

February 14th

On this day in 1920, the League of Women voters was founded.

Born this day in 1838, Margaret E. Knight, an inventor of the 19th century. You know that paper bag that is carrying your lunch, groceries...well the fold of the paper bag and way it is glued on the bottom was invented by Knight in 1868! She worked most of her life in the cotton mills. While fitting the model for the patent, Charles Annan stole the idea. But a successful law suit and Knight founded the Eastern Paper Bag Company. Other inventions included, a numbering machine, window frame and sash and several devices relating to rotary engines. Margaret Knight was the holder of 87 U.S.patents.

Born this day in 1871, Marion Mahony (Griffin),one of the first women to be licensed architect in the world. Mahony graduated from MIT in 1894 and began her career working briefly with her cousin Dwight Perkins and then with Frank Lloyd Wright for the next 14 years. One of the original members of the Prairie School. During this time Mahony designed murals, mosaics, furniture, leaded glass, and lighting fixtures. Wright consider Mahony one of the best architects on his team. Mahony voice in home design still echos today. (examples above)

February 13th

On this day in 1969 Mary Hopkin's first album Postcard was released by Apple Records, Paul McCartney producer. Hopkin's is most famous for her song, Those Were The Days Hopkin has continued her career and most recently in 2010,with collaborations with her children. With daughter Jessica Lee Morgan, the release of her first CD called,I Am not. And in October 2010 with her son Morgan Visconti the release of, You Look Familiar.

Born this day in 1894, Mary Lucinda Cardwell Dawson, founder of the, The National Negro Opera Company, in 1941. Dawson used her home for the residence of her company. 7101 Apple Street, Pittsburgh, PA. The company produced Faust, La Traviata, and Clarence,Cameron White's Ouanga. Robert Nathaniel Dett's The Ordering of Moses and many more. The company had many chapters throughout the United States, but with Dawson's death in 1962, the National Negro Opera Company closed.

On this day in 1943, the Women's Marie Corps was founded. www.militarywoman.org

On this day in 1907, the British Suffragettes stormed Parliament,and 60 women were arrested.

Cathrine Howard was beheaded this day in 1542, one of King Henry VIII wives