07 - Ohio, a State of Firsts
Diving into the research of Ohio, it was apparent that it is a state that fosters new thinking and opportunity. There are multiple notable women, pioneers in their occupations and causes, born in Ohio. In lieu of prioritizing them, I chose to highlight the originations and accomplishments of Ohio by sharing five “firsts”.
Ohio was the seventh state to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment.
Toni Morrison, First woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature
Toni Morrison writes heart-jerking novels of the emotions and plights of African Americans, relating to stories from slavery, to illustrative stories of life and relationships. She was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1993, the first black woman of any nationality. The award cited, Toni Morrison, “who in novels characterized by visionary force and poetic import, gives life to an essential aspect of American reality.” She taught, wrote fiction, operas, and poems, to share with the world the importance of feeling through a story.
To me, Toni Morrison allows me to read the stories of emotions and struggles I do not have to face with a window into an unknown world. For me to make conclusions. For me to stop. Its openness to see into this world brings me in.
Victoria Woodhull, First woman Presidential candidate
Victoria Woodhull’s career mirrored the lifestyle of men. Co-owner of a successful stock brokerage and newspaper editor, she promoted free thinking ideas of free love, legalized prostitution, divorce, etc. Though she didn’t believe in abortion, she fought for women’s rights to stand up to men and have the lifestyles they wanted. Fighting for suffrage, she was the first woman to present to Congress. In 1872, she ran for President, but being arrested the day before the convention for her commentary on free love, she received no electoral votes.
She was not the first that took on the battles we fight today. And we are not at the last yet. If a woman had succeeded as President, maybe not in the 1870’s but before today, would be still be fighting for these beliefs?
Lillian Gish, First lady of American cinema
Lillian Gish moved from the stage to the silent film industry in 1912 and started a lifetime of advocacy and protectorate of the craft. She moved to MGM in 1925, reluctantly leaving her career with D.W. Griffith. She filmed three final silent films. The integrity of her acting commonly threatened her health by either starving herself prior to the scenes or floating down an icy river that caused sensitivity in her fingers and limbs for years. She was nominated for a best supporting actress for that death scene. She continued acting throughout her 99 year life in stage, film, and TV.
There is a silent film series in Seattle every year that I have never attended. The roots of the genre is intriguing and significant to us today. I need to respect and explore this never-to-be-forgotten part of history.
Oberlin College, First college to accept women students
Oberlin College founded itself in 1833 to bring their Christian principles to the settlers of the American West. They thrived on progressive causes and social justice. Their first graduates included women and black students. Fifteen women were in the founding year to receive diplomas until being integrated in the baccalaureate program in 1837. Funds from abolitionist donors saved the College in the early years. Their 15th president, Carmen Twillie Ambar, began her tenure in 2017 as the first African-American president, and carries the tradition as the academic and civic leader for change and desire to make a difference.
Oberlin’s history of inclusion and social justice is inspiring. They did not stop at the rules, and I anticipate this tenor is strong even today.
Annie Oakley, First female Superstar
Phoebe Ann Mosey was “bound out” to a family following the death of her father. Slaved to “the wolves” for two years, she was physically and mentally abused, inspiring her to run away and reunited with her mother. She trapped and shot since seven years old gaining her notoriety. A shooting contest with Frank Butler started her career and their courtship to marriage, and created her stage name. Joining Buffalo Bill’s show, she made more money than any other guest performer, instilling her as America’s first female star.
“Aim at the high mark and you will hit it. No, not the first time, not the second time and maybe not the third. But keep on aiming and keep on shooting for only practice will make you perfect. Finally you’ll hit the bull’s-eye of success.”
- Annie Oakley
Ohio was the seventh state to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment.
Toni Morrison, First woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature
Toni Morrison writes heart-jerking novels of the emotions and plights of African Americans, relating to stories from slavery, to illustrative stories of life and relationships. She was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1993, the first black woman of any nationality. The award cited, Toni Morrison, “who in novels characterized by visionary force and poetic import, gives life to an essential aspect of American reality.” She taught, wrote fiction, operas, and poems, to share with the world the importance of feeling through a story.
To me, Toni Morrison allows me to read the stories of emotions and struggles I do not have to face with a window into an unknown world. For me to make conclusions. For me to stop. Its openness to see into this world brings me in.
Victoria Woodhull, First woman Presidential candidate
Victoria Woodhull’s career mirrored the lifestyle of men. Co-owner of a successful stock brokerage and newspaper editor, she promoted free thinking ideas of free love, legalized prostitution, divorce, etc. Though she didn’t believe in abortion, she fought for women’s rights to stand up to men and have the lifestyles they wanted. Fighting for suffrage, she was the first woman to present to Congress. In 1872, she ran for President, but being arrested the day before the convention for her commentary on free love, she received no electoral votes.
She was not the first that took on the battles we fight today. And we are not at the last yet. If a woman had succeeded as President, maybe not in the 1870’s but before today, would be still be fighting for these beliefs?
Lillian Gish, First lady of American cinema
Lillian Gish moved from the stage to the silent film industry in 1912 and started a lifetime of advocacy and protectorate of the craft. She moved to MGM in 1925, reluctantly leaving her career with D.W. Griffith. She filmed three final silent films. The integrity of her acting commonly threatened her health by either starving herself prior to the scenes or floating down an icy river that caused sensitivity in her fingers and limbs for years. She was nominated for a best supporting actress for that death scene. She continued acting throughout her 99 year life in stage, film, and TV.
There is a silent film series in Seattle every year that I have never attended. The roots of the genre is intriguing and significant to us today. I need to respect and explore this never-to-be-forgotten part of history.
Oberlin College, First college to accept women students
Oberlin College founded itself in 1833 to bring their Christian principles to the settlers of the American West. They thrived on progressive causes and social justice. Their first graduates included women and black students. Fifteen women were in the founding year to receive diplomas until being integrated in the baccalaureate program in 1837. Funds from abolitionist donors saved the College in the early years. Their 15th president, Carmen Twillie Ambar, began her tenure in 2017 as the first African-American president, and carries the tradition as the academic and civic leader for change and desire to make a difference.
Oberlin’s history of inclusion and social justice is inspiring. They did not stop at the rules, and I anticipate this tenor is strong even today.
Annie Oakley, First female Superstar
Phoebe Ann Mosey was “bound out” to a family following the death of her father. Slaved to “the wolves” for two years, she was physically and mentally abused, inspiring her to run away and reunited with her mother. She trapped and shot since seven years old gaining her notoriety. A shooting contest with Frank Butler started her career and their courtship to marriage, and created her stage name. Joining Buffalo Bill’s show, she made more money than any other guest performer, instilling her as America’s first female star.
“Aim at the high mark and you will hit it. No, not the first time, not the second time and maybe not the third. But keep on aiming and keep on shooting for only practice will make you perfect. Finally you’ll hit the bull’s-eye of success.”
- Annie Oakley
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