A blue and white baby blanket knitted by Lou Henry Hoover. (75.4.2) A blue and white baby blanket knitted by Lou Henry Hoover. (75.4.2) By Thomas F. Schwartz Dr. Helen B. Pryor, a close friend and early biographer of Lou Henry Hoover, recalled: “Even though fond of the out-of-doors, Mrs. Hoover has many domestic traits, … Continue reading Yarns, Needles, Knitting, and Baby Blankets
By Thomas F. Schwartz Helen P. Downes of Yonkers, New York studied with Ch'uan Yueh-Tung in 1921 while a resident in Peking [Beijing, China]. Clipping an article from the newspaper with a picture of Lou and Mr. Ch'uan, Downer sent it to her former teacher. Ch'uan wrote a lengthy reply of thanks that Downes then forwarded … Continue reading Lou Henry Hoover Learns Mandarin
By Thomas F. Schwartz Lou Henry Hoover’s papers contain a published obituary of Ch’uan Yueh-Tung, revealing the following information: “Mr. Ch’uan’s chief contribution, however, was his teaching of Chinese. He spoke the beautiful Peking dialect [Mandarin] without a flaw and to hear him speak was like listening to delightful music. He was an enthusiastic teacher and … Continue reading Ch’uan Yueh-Tung: Lou Hoover’s Chinese Language Instructor
by Spencer Howard On May 20, 1932, the fifth anniversary of Charles Lindbergh’s record-setting non-stop solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean, Amelia Earhart took off from Newfoundland on her own non-stop solo flight. Fifteen hours later she landed in Ireland, becoming just the second person and the first woman to achieve the feat. She was … Continue reading Amelia Earhart and the Distinguished Flying Cross
One of the U. S. Food Administration "Girls Club" lunchrooms established by Lou Henry Hoover, ca. 1918. Herbert Hoover issued a circular for the employees of the US Food Administration stating: “For some time I have felt that the Food Administration should make a special effort insuring satisfactory living quarters for our women workers. Mrs. … Continue reading Mrs. Hoover and Washington Housing Shortages: Part 2
Some of the women who worked for the U. S. Food Administration, 1917. These women are in the Food Conservation Division. Washington, D.C. witnessed notorious shortages of affordable housing for the many single women who filled government positions during World War I and World War II. Several Hollywood films alluded to it, the most famous … Continue reading Mrs. Hoover and Washington Housing Shortages: Part I
By Thomas F. Schwartz As previous blog posts have demonstrated, Herbert and Lou Hoover enjoyed viewing Hollywood films. One of the most powerful individuals in Hollywood was not a studio head but the executive assistant to Louis B. Mayer of MGM, Ida Koverman. Ida began her career in the jewelry business and became an executive … Continue reading Ida Koverman, Hollywood, and Herbert Hoover
by Spencer Howard Frances Knight Parrish was the head of the U. S. Passport office from 1955 to her retirement in 1977. Working under her maiden name, Miss Knight was known for her no-nonsense style, constant feuds with her superiors at the State Department, and her conservative politics. Her tenure was noted for marked efficiency … Continue reading The “Dragon Lady” of the Passport Office – Frances Knight Parrish
By Thomas F. Schwartz Lou Hoover never voiced an interest in running for political office. Her philosophy of “lead from behind” preferred a role as quiet mentor and not outspoken leader. This did not prevent her from voicing her opinion on the larger role that women play in leadership and governance. Speaking before a gathering … Continue reading Lou Hoover on Women and Politics
Bess Goodykoontz was born in 1894 and raised in Waukon, Iowa. She earned BA and MA degrees from the University of Iowa, then taught in rural Iowa schools, supervised elementary schools in Green Bay, Wisconsin and taught at the University of Pittsburgh for five years. In 1929, Goodykoontz was appointed Assistant Commissioner for Education within … Continue reading Women’s History Sources at the Hoover Library: Bess Goodykoontz-Educator and Writer
