Category Archives: short biographies

Cockacoeske: an Early Virginia Politician by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on February 1, 2020 by lhsittig@verizon.net

You may be aware that the state legislature of Virginia recently voted to finalize passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, better known as the ERA. Virginia is now the 38th state to ratify the amendment that would guarantee equal rights … Continue reading →

Posted in history, short biographies, strong women | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Grace Caudill Lucas: the Book Woman by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on January 1, 2020 by lhsittig@verizon.net

I have always been in awe of libraries, and therefore also with librarians. From the bibliophiles of my childhood, who introduced me to Nancy Drew to the librarians of my teen years who helped encourage my love of historical fiction, … Continue reading →

Posted in history, short biographies, strong women, women who made a difference, world history | Tagged , , , | 18 Comments

Phyliss Latour Doyle: the Knitter Was a Spy by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on December 2, 2019 by lhsittig@verizon.net

The knitter was a spy, or the spy was a knitter? Phyliss Latour Doyle belongs to a unique group in history — steganographers, who hide secret data within ordinary pieces of everyday life, like a knitted scarf. While the term … Continue reading →

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Harriet Pullen Who Answered the Call of the Wild by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on October 2, 2019 by lhsittig@verizon.net

What I have learned from the 90+ women I have researched for this blog, is that all of them faced adversity, and striving to overcome the obstacles is what forged them into becoming strong women. Harriet Pullen is no exception. … Continue reading →

Posted in history, short biographies, strong women, women who made a difference | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Margaret Rudkin: the Bread Lady by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on September 3, 2019 by lhsittig@verizon.net

Chances are you have savored a buttered slice of cinnamon swirl toast, or a decadent Pepperidge Farm cookie, or snacked on a handful of Goldfish Crackers. But you may not know the story, or the woman, behind the brand. Enter … Continue reading →

Posted in short biographies, strong women | 11 Comments

Anna Coleman Ladd: an Artist Who Gave Back by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on January 1, 2019 by lhsittig@verizon.net

Walt Whitman once said, “Keep your face always turned toward the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you.” But WWI forever changed looking toward the sunshine. The new military trench warfare of 1914 – 1919 saw soldiers popping their heads … Continue reading →

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Clara Lemlich: Labor Activist by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on November 1, 2018 by lhsittig@verizon.net

  In November of 1909, she appeared as a will-of-the wisp young woman pushing her way to the front of the Union stage. Perhaps, she even stood a bit crooked, due to the uneven mending of bones previously broken by … Continue reading →

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Emma Gatewood: Guardian of the Appalachian Trail by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on October 2, 2018 by lhsittig@verizon.net

Emma Gatewood never considered that she was a remarkable woman. In 1955, at the age of 67, she hiked the entire Appalachian Trail—alone. And without a tent or sleeping bag. To truly appreciate her accomplishment, you need to read about … Continue reading →

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Bridget Biddy Mason: from Slave to Philanthropist by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on July 31, 2018 by lhsittig@verizon.net

On a block on Spring Street, in downtown Los Angeles, sits a unique art installation, dedicated to a woman whose name had been silent for over one hundred years. Bridget ‘Biddy’ Mason led an incredible life. Born a slave in … Continue reading →

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Aelfleda and Her Fellow Needle Workers by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on July 3, 2018 by lhsittig@verizon.net

Picture a few women sitting together with a large piece of linen stretched out between them on a wooden frame. They are hunched over the fabric. Threading their needles with brightly colored yarns dyed from natural resources, they carefully embroider … Continue reading →

Posted in short biographies, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments