Divided Paths, Common Ground

The Story of Mary Matthews and Lella Gaddis, Pioneering Purdue Women Who Introduced Science into the Home
Erscheinungsjahr 2011
ISBN: 978-1-55753-591-7
Verlag: Purdue University Press

Buch, Englisch, 249 Seiten, Paperback, Format (B × H): 140 mm x 216 mm, Gewicht: 334 g

In the early 1900s, Mary Matthews and Lella Gaddis forged trails for women at Purdue University and throughout Indiana. Mary was the first dean of the School of Home Economics. Lella was Indiana’s first state leader of Home Demonstration. In 1914, Mary hired Lella to organise Purdue’s new Home Economics Extension Service. According to those who knew them, Lella was a “sparkler” who travelled the state instructing rural women about nutrition, hygiene, safe water, childcare, and more. “Reserved” Mary established Purdue’s School of Home Economics, created Indiana’s first nursery school, and authored a popular textbook. Both women used their natural talents and connections to achieve their goals in spite of a male-dominated society. As a land grant institution, Purdue University has always been very connected to the American countryside. Based on extensive oral history and archival research, this book sheds new light on the important role female staff and faculty played in improving the quality of life for rural women during the first half of the twentieth century. It is also a fascinating story, engagingly told, of two very different personalities united in a common goal.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Klink, Angie

Über Autor(innen)

<strong>Angie Klink</strong> is a writer whose experience stretches from advertising to children's books and covers everything inbetween. Based in Lafayette, IN, Angie is a third generation Purdue University alumna and is also author of <em>Purdue Pete Finds His Hammer</em>.