DON’T JUST READ ABOUT WOMEN’S HISTORY…LIVE IT March 1, 2008

In the early nineteenth century, women were considered second-class citizens whose existence was limited to the interior life of the home and care of the children. Women were considered sub-sets of their husbands, and after marriage they did not have the right to own property, maintain their wages, or sign a contract, much less vote. It was expected that women be obedient wives, never to hold a thought or opinion independent of their husbands. It was considered improper for women to travel alone or to speak in public.* 

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Although I know these statements are true, it’s still hard for me to imagine living in such a time. I grew up hearing tale after tale about my female ancestors. Lucy, Mary, Vester, Nevada. They weren’t docile and demure like the women described above, but strong and independent.  

My great-grandmother and grandmother have been widows for as long as I can remember. Although grandma (my great-grandmother) only had one child, she helped raise her siblings’ children and always opened her home to whoever needed som’teet (something to eat) or a warm bed.

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My grandmother (Muh) kept her family together after the death of my grandfather. Armed with an eighth-grade education and a strong work ethic, she get up early and catch a ride to the fields to pick strawberries or whatever crop was in season. I’d sit at her feet while she shelled peas or snapped beans and listen to the latest episodes of ‘the good old days’. Muh is eighty-seven now and she does get out much anymore. The stories have started to repeat, but they’re just as entertaining as they were when I was growing up. So now when I hear her start a conversation with “I remember (so and so)”, it’s time to live a little women’s “her”story.

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*Read more about Women’s History at history.com.