Episode 286: Hoes of History: Ella Eaton Kellogg
The Homance Chronicles
Ella Eaton Kellogg, often overshadowed by her famous husband, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, emerges as a force in her own right, contributing significantly to the fields of nutrition, wellness, and progressive education. From her early years as a teacher in Michigan to her pivotal role in the development of the renowned Battle Creek Sanitarium, Ella Eaton Kellogg's journey is a testament to determination and innovation. As a staunch advocate for holistic health practices, she championed vegetarianism, exercise, and the importance of mental well-being long before these concepts gained widespread...
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Episode 285: Hoes of History: Zheng Yi Sao aka Ching Shih
The Homance Chronicles
One of history's most captivating figures: Zheng Yi Sao, better known as Ching Shih – the Pirate Queen of China was born in 1775 in Guangdong Province, China. We recount Zheng Yi Sao's remarkable rise to power alongside her husband, the notorious pirate captain Zheng Yi, and the fateful events that propelled her to command the Red Flag Fleet, one of the most formidable pirate armadas to ever sail the South China Sea. She transformed from a humble working-class girl into a strategic genius and fearless leader, earning her the title of Pirate Queen. She implemented a strict code of conduct,...
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Episode 284: Hoes of History: Suzanne Morrow Francis
The Homance Chronicles
Suzanne Morrow Francis, affectionately known as Suzi, was born in Toronto, Canada where she took on figure skating to strength her leg after an injury and then dominated the skating world. Suzi's passion for figure skating propelled her to unparalleled success, culminating in historic victories at the 1948 Winter Olympics and the 1948 World Figure Skating Championships alongside her partner, Wallace "Wally" Diestelmeyer. Despite the demands of her athletic career, Suzi pursued a career in veterinary medicine, earning her doctorate amidst the rigors of training and competition. Her dedication...
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Episode 283: Hoes of History: Annette Kellerman
The Homance Chronicles
Born in Australia in the late 19th century, Annette Kellerman defied societal norms from a young age. Overcoming childhood illness, she discovered her love for swimming, a passion that would propel her to international fame. As one of the first women to attempt long-distance swims, Annette shattered records and captivated audiences with her daring feats. But Annette's impact extended beyond the pool. As a champion of women's rights, she challenged conventions of beauty and athleticism, advocating for freedom of movement and expression. Her iconic one-piece swimsuit, scandalous at the time,...
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Episode 282: Hoes of History: Janis Joplin
The Homance Chronicles
Janis Joplin was an iconic rock and blues singer whose raw talent and unapologetic spirit left an indelible mark on the music world. From her humble beginnings in Port Arthur, Texas, to her rise to fame as the queen of psychedelic rock in the 1960s, Janis Joplin's journey is one of resilience, passion, and ultimately tragedy. You'll discover the struggles Janis faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry, her battles with addiction, and the profound impact of her music on a generation hungry for authenticity and rebellion. We'll also examine the legacy she left behind, from her...
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Episode 281: Hoes of History: Angela Burdett Coutts
The Homance Chronicles
Angela Burdett Coutts was a philanthropist whose legacy continues to inspire generations. Born into privilege in 1814, Angela defied societal expectations by dedicating her life to charitable endeavors. From a young age, Angela demonstrated a deep empathy for the less fortunate, advocating for social reform and championing various causes. As one of the wealthiest women in Victorian England, she utilized her fortune not for personal gain, but to uplift those in need. Join us as we explore Angela's pioneering efforts in education, housing reform, and women's rights, challenging the norms of her...
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Episode 280: Hoes of History: Saint Brigid
The Homance Chronicles
Born in the 5th century, St. Brigid's journey is shrouded in myth and legend, yet her impact on Irish culture and spirituality remains profound to this day. Our exploration begins with the early years of Brigid, born into a pagan family but destined for greatness in the Christian faith. We uncover the miraculous stories surrounding her birth, where flames illuminated her presence, symbolizing her future as a beacon of light and hope. As we navigate through her remarkable life, we discover Brigid's unwavering commitment to serving others, which led her to establish monastic communities that...
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Episode 279: Hoes of History: Melitta Bentz
The Homance Chronicles
Melitta Bentz, the pioneering inventor behind the modern coffee filter. Born in Dresden, Germany, in 1873, Bentz's story is one of ingenuity, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit. From humble beginnings as a housewife frustrated with the bitterness of coffee grounds in her brew, Bentz embarked on a journey that would revolutionize the way we enjoy our morning cup of joe. With a simple idea and determination, she created the world's first coffee filter using a brass pot, blotting paper, and her son's school notebook. Little did she know that this invention would lay the foundation for her...
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Episode 278: Hoes of History: Bertha Benz
The Homance Chronicles
Bertha Benz, the wife and business partner of Carl Benz, played a pivotal role in the invention of the automobile and the success of the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, the world's first automobile. Born in 1849 in Pforzheim, Germany, Bertha Benz defied the norms of her time by embracing her husband's passion for engineering and automobiles. Despite societal expectations, Bertha supported Carl's vision and became an integral part of his experiments and endeavors. Bertha took an audacious 1888 road trip, an unprecedented feat that transformed the perception of automobiles from mere novelties to...
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Episode 277: Hoes of History: Mamie Till
The Homance Chronicles
The extraordinary story of Mamie Till, a mother whose profound grief transformed into a catalyst for change during one of the darkest periods in American history. Mamie Till's life is a testament to the power of maternal love and the pursuit of justice. Her son, Emmett Till, became a tragic symbol of racial violence when he was brutally murdered at the age of 14 in Mississippi in 1955. Mamie's decision to display her son's mutilated body at his funeral exposed the brutality of racism in the Jim Crow South to the world, igniting a firestorm of outrage and galvanizing the civil rights movement....
info_outlineSarah Josepha Hale is known as the "Mother of Thanksgiving," but she's so much more than that. She was an American writer, activist, and editor. At the age of 18, in 1806, she started teaching at a school; however, women were not allowed to be teachers at that time and most women weren't even being taught how to read.
She married David Hale and they shared a similar love for learning and reading, spending every night teaching each other about they found interesting. They had five children together, but sadly David passed away unexpectly while she was pregnant with their 5th child. She was left to figure out a way to support herself and her children.
She relied on her higher than average education, especially for a woman at the time, and put her faith into her writing abilities. She submitted articles, poems, and even wrote her first novel, "Northwood; A Tale of New England," with great success. Sarah’s career was firmly established, making her one of the first American women novelists and one of the first of either gender to write a book about slavery.
She's also the author of, "Mary Had a Little Lamb." She served as the editor aka "editress" of the Ladies' Magazine, the first substantial magazine in the United States for Women. She later became the editor of Godey's Lady's Book for forty years, retiring in 1877 when she was almost 90.
Throughout all of this she spent decades campaigning for Thanksgiving to be a national holiday. She eventually convinced President Abraham Lincoln and determined that the last Thursday of November will be a National Day of Thanksgiving, so the American people could celebrate grace and good fortune "with one heart and one voice."
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