Evelyn Harris and the ski jump (1920’s)

This week in Brattleboro History we’re going to focus on one of Brattleboro’s many independent women…you may have heard of past trailblazers like Clarina Nichols, Mary Wilkins, Dr. Grace Burnett, Marion McCune Rice and Mary Cabot.  Each, in her own way,...

Eleanor Roosevelt, Putney School and Integration (1956)

In June, 1956 Eleanor Roosevelt traveled from Hyde Park, New York to Putney, Vermont in order to give the commencement address for the Putney School.  Mrs. Roosevelt wrote in her daily newspaper column that the road to Putney “goes through the mountainous...

Dr. Grace Burnett (1886-1963)

This week in Brattleboro History we are going to focus on the first female doctor in Brattleboro, Grace Burnett. Miss Burnett was born in West Dummerston in 1886. She grew up around animals and loved horses. She always wanted to be a doctor and was determined to find...

Dorothy Lamour and War Bond Rally (1942)

In 1942 the world was at war. In December of 1941 the U.S. had been attacked by Japan and the fear of an enemy invasion meant that most Americans were ready to sacrifice at home in order to help the war effort. During the spring of 1942 a ration system was begun that...

Clarina Nichols and Women’s Suffrage (1840’s-1920)

In August, 1920 the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution granted women the right to vote in state and national elections.  In the 1800’s, here in Vermont, women’s rights were very limited. Property, personal and voting rights did not exist for women in the...

Clarina Howard and Women’s Rights (1810-1885)

Clarina Howard was born January 25, 1810 in West Townshend, Vermont. Her parents enrolled her in the local school and she had a great deal of success, performing well, and graduating high school as the valedictorian. All of the other graduates were boys. After...