WomanOfOrlandPark_v4_flippingBook

The role of rural American women during the late 1800s included that of wife, mother and homemaker. A large family meant more children to help out on the farm and provide additional income. However, rates of infant and maternal mortality were unfortunately high during this period. Therefore, books like “For Wife and Mother: A Young Mother’s Tokology,” written by Mrs. Annette Slocum, M.D., were very important. This book provided easily understandable information and advice to young women on topics of marriage and childbirth. The bottom shelf examines job opportunities for women in the 19th century. Single women found work as secretaries, switchboard operators, teachers, servants or factory workers. Once a woman married, she was expected to leave her career to take care of the home and family. Maude Humphrey’s work as a newspaper correspondent acts as a case study of a woman operating outside of the constraints of her gender in this period. While it is unclear whether or not she actually published any articles, displayed are her credentials card, a letter from William A. Heacock, editor of The National Press Bureau and an instructional booklet with “lessons” on journalism. BREAKING BARRIERS ARTIFACTS IN THIS CABINET TOP SHELF (LEFT TO RIGHT): • “For Wife and Mother: A Young Mother’s Tokology” (1913) • Pink and white gingham bonnet, c. 1910-1920 BOTTOM SHELF (LEFT TO RIGHT): • Cabinet card of Maude Humphrey, c. 1905-1912 • Letter, pamphlet and booklet titled “Writing for Newspapers,” sent to Maude Humphrey in 1902 • Maude Humphrey’s newspaper correspondent credentials card 1902 • Ida Humphrey’s financial documents, 1921