Lou Henry Hoover is seen resting her arm on a cannon during her time in China. This photo is dated from 1900.

Ch’uan Yueh-Tung: Lou Hoover’s Chinese Language Instructor

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

Amelia Earhart and the Distinguished Flying Cross

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

Mrs. Hoover and Washington Housing Shortages: Part 2

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

Mrs. Hoover and Washington Housing Shortages: Part I

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

Ida Koverman, Hollywood, and Herbert Hoover

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

The “Dragon Lady” of the Passport Office – Frances Knight Parrish

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

Lou Hoover on Women and Politics

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

Women’s History Sources at the Hoover Library: Bess Goodykoontz-Educator and Writer

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

Women’s History Sources at the Hoover Library: Marie Meloney-American Queenmaker

Recently, the Wall Street Journal printed a review of American Queenmaker, Julie Des Jardins’s biography of Marie Mattingly Meloney.  I read this review avidly, for Meloney was one of the many strong-minded women whose careers intersected with Herbert Hoover’s public service.  At a time when few women sat in the editor’s chair, Meloney was editor … Continue reading Women’s History Sources at the Hoover Library: Marie Meloney-American Queenmaker

Lou Hoover and ‘The American Girl’

Lou Hoover was in the midst of her second tenure as President of the Girl Scouts in October 1936 when she received a letter from Jean Magee.  Magee was a high school junior tasked with writing a term paper on ‘The American Girl.’  She judged Lou Hoover to be the best authority on the subject. … Continue reading Lou Hoover and ‘The American Girl’