Jone's Women's History Blog

Kallie Szczepanski, About.com Guide to Asian History, profiles five women "who made their mark in battle" in Asian history, from ancient times through the 13th century of the modern era: 5 Legendary Warrior-Women of Asia

I can still remember a comic book version of the life of Marie Curie that someone gave me when I was fairly young. What an interesting life she chose to lead! Marie Curie, the first major woman scientist of modern times -- and perhaps the first celebrity woman scientist -- was dedicated to work and family, and made major contributions to the beginnings of modern physics. On this site:

• Marie Curie Biography
• Marie Curie Quotes
• More About Marie Curie

Washington University in St. Louis announced last week that an alumna -- with both undergraduate and law degrees from Washington University -- would be given an honorary doctorate this June.

Why is this a controversy? Because the announced recipient is Phyllis Schlafly. Quite famous (or infamous) for her successful organizing of opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s and 1980s, Schlafly has continued to take positions defending different treatment of women in the workplace, for instance favoring the banning of women from being soldiers, firefighters, or construction workers. She's recently stated her opinion that a married woman has, by marriage, consented to sex with her husband, so there cannot be such a thing as rape within marriage.

Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, recently disinvited the Rev. Jeremiah Wright to receive an honorary doctorate, and feminists are asking why Washington University doesn't do the same.

Some were especially offended that the University's announcement mentioned Schlafly's leadership of the conservative movement, but left off mention of her activism regarding women's legal rights.

In the past, Washington University has given honorary doctorates to many who had strong political views, and maintains that it is whether alumni and others "have become part of the broad public discourse on vital issues" that is a basis for selection, not agreement with the views.

Inside Higher Ed has a longer article on this controversy: Is Phyllis Schlafly Worthy of an Honorary Doctorate? (May 5, 2008)

Is Phyllis Schlafly deserving of an honorary doctorate from Washington University? Was Washington U being diplomatic or disingenuous by leaving out mention of her positions and activism on women's issues? Are the university's standards for selection wise? Are critics of the selection responding fairly?

I'd welcome your comments on this controversy below. (Keep to the issues involved and use courteous language, or the comment may be removed.)

Joe Hill's song, "Rebel Girl," is based on a real-life rebel, Elizabeth Gurley Flynn. She was an organizer with the Wobblies (IWW, Industrial Workers of the World) and a founder of the ACLU. Read more about Elizabeth Gurley Flynn:

• Elizabeth Gurley Flynn Profile (short biography)
• Elizabeth Gurley Flynn Biography (more details)
• Elizabeth Gurley Flynn Quotes
• More About Elizabeth Gurley Flynn

She claimed May 1, 1830 as her birthday, but she was really likely born on August 1, 1837. Mother Jones, the white-haired radical labor organizer known especially for her support of United Mine Workers strikes, was well aware of the impact her image had and carefully nurtured that image. While she may have exaggerated her age, she was much beloved within the ranks of labor for her ardent and reliable support. Read more: Mother Jones

Image Courtesy Library of Congress
See more Wordless Wednesday images

Find some choice quotations from Zelda Fitzgerald, an artist, dancer, and writer who was better known in her own time as the wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald. It was only long after her death that her writing began to be appreciated less as a novelty and more on its own.

In my part of the country, it's bicycling season again, and I thought readers might enjoy some visual historical perspective on women and bicycling.

• Image: Woman on Bicycle - Advertisement for Columbia Bicycles - 1895
• Image: Woman on Bicycle - National Womans Party Messenger - 1922

Also on this site:

• Women and Bicycles - Fashion for the Active Woman, 1894 Style
• "The Bicycle and Health: What Physicians and Riders Say In Its Favor" (1894)
• About Lucy Wheelock: bicyclist, geologist, adventurer.
• For today's bicyclists, don't miss the About.com Bicycling GuideSite

The "John Adams" series has brought to life an image not only of the second president, but his wife, Abigail Adams. We know a lot more about Abigail Adams than about most women of the time, because many of her letters are preserved. It's clear from her letters that she was a loving wife, intellectual partner of her husband who prodded him about women's rights though to little avail, and a capable manager and administrator of their extensive economic activities during his long absences in service of his country. Learn a bit more about the real woman behind the fictional image: Abigail Adams