April 21st

Born this day in 1816, Charlotte Bronte, well known author. A poet and novelist and the oldest one of three famous, mysterious and sickly sisters. Charlotte is best known for her novel, Jane Erye which was published in 1847 under her pen name Currer Bell. It was an immediate success. Charlotte's other pen names were, Lord Charles Albert and Florian Wellesley. Charlotte's younger sisters were, Emily, who wrote, Wuthering Heights and Anne, who wrote, Agnes Grey. Their brother Branwell was a painter and poet. Their childhood was filled with creativity. Drawing and writing about their make believe world ,Angria. Sadly,Emily and Branwell died in 1848 and Anne in 1849. Charlotte died during her first pregnancy in 1855 at the age of 38. Charlotte was considered a visionary and a modern woman. Her point of view on relationships between men and women- in one word- equality. Marriage was a union mutual respect. Charlotte received many marriage offers. And in 1853 accepted Rev. A. B. Nicholls,a man she did respect, but did not love.
There are many articles, books, films, paintings and drawings (thanks to Branwell), and websites that go into great detail and theory about Charlotte Bronte and the Bronte family. I recommend the following.
www.victorianweb.org/authors/bronte/cbronte/lowes1.html
I Love Charlotte Bronte, Michelle Daly 2009

“I am neither Man nor Woman – I come before you as an Author only.” Charlotte Bronte

April 20th

On this day in 1853, Harriet Tubman joins the Underground Railroad, conducting 70 slaves to freedom in Canada. The Underground Railroad began in 1810 and it was many who in secret opened their home, business as a safehouse on the journey north.

On this day in 1902, Marie and Pierre Curie isolate radioactive element radium.

April 19th

Born this day in 1666, Sarah Kemble Knight, business owner,and author. Knight made a mark on history with her journal of a trip in which she traveled alone on hose back. A cousin living in New Haven, Conn. was widowed and in need of good and trusted counsel to settle her estate. Knight living in Boston, Mass rode horse back ALONE to her cousin- keeping a daily diary of her journey, which was later published. The account was also humorous and very honest about the grueling and very human moments which was also unusual in this time period. Again,the fact a woman traveling alone was very uncommon. But, this was Knight's character and quick mind. Not only was she a smart businessperson, she was also very learned about the law, which is why her cousin requested her help. Knight's diary also acts as a document of the times. It gave real insight into a time where it was not style of the time to be so open, but it is very clear Ms. Knight was a head of her time- a modern woman of the 17th century.

April 18th

On this day in 1983, Alice Walker was awarded Pulitzer prize her novel "Color Purple".

On this day in 1909 Joan of Arc declared a saint.

April 17th

Born this day in 1693, Mary Spratt Provoost Alexander,businesswoman of New York. In a time which held with the idea that women were unable to work in business....one of the most successful and wealthiest business persons of the colonial period of the United States was Mrs. Alexander of New York City. Running an importing and merchant of a dry goods from "the Emporium." And one must point out that Mrs. Alexander was a "working mother"; running her business and giving birth and rearing her lovely family was all in a day's work. One of her first "business ideas" was installing the very first flagstone walk in New York- in front of her business and so her clients could park their carriage a get out without walking in dirt! Mrs. Alexander also learned much about healing herbs and salves which were sold in her store. Mrs. Alexander inherited her business from her first husband who died early in their marriage and her second marriage to Alexander was a happy one- he a lawyer with a political career which she supported. Her oldest son ran the business with