Category: Arts

Sarah Josepha Buell Hale: The Godmother of Thanksgiving

Sarah Hale, creator of Thanksgiving holiday
Literary titan and material cultural arbiter of the Victorian Age, Sarah Hale was the editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book and credited with making Thanksgiving an official national holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving! Did you know the holiday we celebrate tomorrow with parades, turkey, full bellies and football wouldn’t exist if not for this Wednesday’s Woman? She is Sarah Josepha Buell Hale (1788-1879), a.k.a. the Godmother of Thanksgiving. Continue reading “Sarah Josepha Buell Hale: The Godmother of Thanksgiving”

Lotta Crabtree, California Gold Rush Show Girl and Millionaire

Cigar-smoking Lotta Crabtree, known as Miss Lotta, was an entertainer during the gold rush.
Lotta Crabtree was one of America’s wealthiest, most beloved entertainers of the late 1800s.

A day late and a dollar short, this week’s Wednesday Woman is Lotta Crabtree. Born Charlotte Mignon Crabtree, she was one of America’s wealthiest, most beloved entertainers of the late 1800s who lived along Lake Hopatcong, NJ, in her later years. Continue reading “Lotta Crabtree, California Gold Rush Show Girl and Millionaire”

Janet Collins, First Black Prima Ballerina to Dance at NYC’s Metropolitan Opera House

Janet Collins, first African American ballerina to dance at NYC's Metropolitan Opera House
Janet Collins (1917-2003) was a dancer, choreographer, teacher and black prima ballerina.

Janet Collins (1917-2003) was a dancer, choreographer, teacher and the first black prima ballerina to dance at NYC’s Metropolitan Opera House. She is one of America’s most famous female African American dancers. Continue reading “Janet Collins, First Black Prima Ballerina to Dance at NYC’s Metropolitan Opera House”