January 11th

Born this day in 1860, Marie Bashkirteff, a Russian artist who worked and lived and died way too young in Paris, Frances. Baskirteff kept a journal since the age of 13 which lead to her publishing her memoirs, "I Am the Most Interesting Book of All". It detailed the struggles of a woman artist in the 19th century. This book is still in print today. Bashirteff was a very talented visual artist(paintings above self-protrait and artist's studio.) Sadly, she died at the age of 25 of tuberculosis. An artist, a feminist, a intellectual powerhouse, who lived long enough carve out her part in the arts in Paris in the 1880's.

On this day in 1928, Amelia Earhart began a record breaking flight from Honolulu to California.

January 10th

Born this day in 1870, Maud Younger. One of the flamboyant personalities of the Women's Suffrage Movement. Well educated and born wealthy, Younger used her life style to better the lives of other women and children. She worked at the "New York Settlement House" for five years. Younger worked to help unionize the waitresses of California. Which gave her the nick name "Millionaire Waitress". Younger was tapped by Alice Paul, president of the "National Women's Party"; with offices in Washington DC, Paul wanted to involve the wives of the politicians to help the cause of Women's Suffrage. And Younger's connections were very valuable. Also her talents in bridging the gap between the different groups of women. After, the 19th Amendment was voted into law in 1920; Younger continued work for union rights and human rights, and the Women's Party. Younger's last cause, "The Equal Rights Amendment".... As of today this amendment has not passed into law. ERA. Heard of it?

Born this day in 1820, actress and theatre owner, Louisa Lane Drew. Yes, Drew Barrymore's Great-Great-Grandmother!

January 9th

Born this day in 1941, Joan Baez. A woman who became the voice of the folk coffee house peace movement of the 1960's and 1970's. If you have not heard any of Baez's music go to youtube and listen. Powerful. Two of my favorites, "Diamonds and Rust" and "Blowing In The Wind". Happy Birthday, Joan Baez and thank you.

Born this day in 1859, one of the great American Suffragist, Carrie Chapman Catt.
Susan B. Anthony selected Catt to succeed her as President of National American Women's Association. (NAWSA) Catt served two terms as president. During her presidency in 1920 the Nineteenth Amendment passed into law. Catt was also the founder of "The League of Women Voters" and "The International Alliance of Women"
Catt spent most of her life traveling throughout the United States, leading campaigns,giving countless speeches and educating women about their rights; Catt lived to see the dream that Anthony and her colleagues only hoped would be the future of Amercian women and all women. The Right to Vote and have a voice in this world.

January 8th

On this day in 1925, Governor Pat Neff of Texas, appointed three women to the US State Supreme Court of Texas. Attorneys Hattie Henenberg, Hortense Ward, and Ruth Brazzil. They were appointed to hear the appeal case involving, The Woodmen of the World, "WOW"- a fraternal association whose membership included all the male lawyers and judges of Texas. This all female Supreme Court adjourned after they reached their decision in May of 1925. After this event in Texas- they elected their the first woman to the House of Representatives!

Born this day in 1867, Emily Greene Balch. An academic, writer and pacifist. Balch received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1946, for her work with "Women's International League for Peace and Freedom."

January 7th

Born this day in 1957, the current news anchor and managing editor for CBS Evening News, Katie Couric. Happy Birthday, Katie!

Published on this day in 1896, "The Fanny Farmer Cook Book", except the original title was, "The Boston Cooking-School Book." Fanny Farmer was the author's name. Farmer's cook book was important to the history of cookery for the fact it standardized measurements of cups and spoons. It also emphasised the science of cooking both in the chemistry and in the dietary science. The importance of cooking healthy meals for the family. Fanny Farmer's Cookbook is still in print today.