Women Trailblazers of California: Pioneers to the Present

by Gloria G. Harris, Hannah S. Cohen

Overview

Throughout California's history, remarkable women have been at the core of change and innovation. In this unparalleled collection, Gloria Harris and Hannah Cohen relate the stories of forty women whose struggles and achievements have paved the way for generations. These women were strong and determined, overcoming prejudice, skepticism and injustice. Visionary architect Julia Morgan designed Hearst Castle; Dolores Huerta co-founded United Farm Workers; Donaldina Cameron, the angry angel of Chinatown, rescued brothel workers; and silent film actress Mary Pickford helped form United Artists Pictures. From fearless pioneers and determined reformers to professionals from every walk of life, Harris and Cohen chronicle the triumphs and disappointments of diverse women who dared to take risks and break down barriers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781609496753
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	08/07/2012
Pages:	192
Sales rank:	1,044,158
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Dr. Gloria Harris began her career as a psychologist in the early 1970s after receiving her doctorate from the University of Washington. She has been a lecturer at San Diego State University, department of women's studies, and was inducted into the San Diego Women's Hall of Fame in 2010. She is a board member of the Women's Museum of California. Hannah Cohen has a Master's of Science degree in Library and Information Sciences and an Advanced Diploma in Educational Administration. She was a public affairs consultant for several non-profit organizations developing strategies, writing grant proposals, and advocating for policy development for the homeless.
She is currently a board member of the Women's Museum of California, a member of their Speaker's Bureau, and chairperson of the museum's Fund Development Committee.

Table of Contents

Preface 9

Part I Women of Early California

1 Pioneers 13

Nancy Kelsey: First Woman to Travel Overland to California 15

Luzena Wilson: Pioneering Entrepreneur 17

Mary Ellen Pleasant: Black Civil Rights Crusader 20

Charlotte "Charley" Parkhurst: Stagecoach Driver 23

2 Settlers 26

Louise Amelia Knapp Smith Clappe: Documented Life in Gold-Mining Camps 28

Bridget "Biddy" Mason: From Slave to Humanitarian 30

Toby "Winema" Riddle: Native American Peace Negotiator 33

Elizabeth "Lillie" Hitchcock Coit: San Francisco's Volunteer Firefighter 36

Part II Women Who Contributed to Social and Political Change

3 Suffragists 43

Laura de Force Gordon: Lady of the Podium 45

Ellen Clark Sargent: Beloved Suffragist and Gracious Rebel 49

Maud Younger: Millionaire Waitress and Labor Reformer 52

Clara Shortridge Foltz: Portia of the Pacific 55

4 Reformers and Activists 60

Donaldina Cameron: Angry Angel of Chinatown 61

Katherine Philips Edson: Pioneer in Social and Labor Reform 65

Rose Pesotta: Trade Union Organizer 68

Dolores Huerta: Co-founder of United Farm Workers of America 71

5 Environmentalists and Conservationists 75

Josephine Clifford McCrackin: Savior of the Redwoods 77

Minerva Hamilton Hoyt: Apostle of the Cacti 80

Lupe Anguiano: A Quiet Rebel 84

Alice Waters: Mother of the Slow Food Movement 87

Part III Women Who Contributed to the World of Work

6 Doctors and Dentists 93

Lucy Maria Field Wanzer: First Woman Graduate of a California Medical School 95

June Hill Roberston McCarroll: Credited for Drawing Lines for Safe Highways 97

Nellie E. Pooler Chapman: First Woman Dentist in California 101

Margaret "Mom" Chung: First Chinese American Physician in California 104

7 Lawyers 108

Annette Abbott Adams: First Woman Assistant Attorney General 110

Georgia Bullock: First Woman California Superior Court Judge 112

Gladys Towles Root: Famous Criminal Defense Lawyer 115

Rose Elizabeth Bird: First Woman Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court 118

8 Educators 122

Olive Mann Isbell: California's First Teacher 124

Susan Mills: Established First Women's College in California 126

Katherine Siva Saubel: Native American Scholar 129

Marilyn J. Boxer: Founding Mother of Women's Studies 133

9 Architects 136

Julia Morgan: First Woman Architect 13 7

Lilian Jeanette Rice: Regional Architecture Pioneer 141

Florence Yoch: Landscaper of American Dreams 145

Norma Merrick Sklarek: Rosa Parks of Architecture 147

10 Entertainers 151

Lotta Crabtree: First American Superstar 153

Madame Sul-Te-Wan: Pioneer Black Actress 156

Dorothy Arzner: Noted Film Director During Hollywood Golden Age 160

Mary Pickford: America's Sweetheart 163

Bibliography 167

Index 187

About the Authors 191