Harris Hill - Brattleboro Historical Society

Eveylyn Harris (1897-1922)

Evelyn Harris was born in 1897. Her father was the treasurer of the Brattleboro Savings Bank. Her Brother, Fred Harris, was a year and a half older and went on to become a Brattleboro legend. He graduated from Dartmouth College, became President of the Brattleboro Outing Club, organized the construction of the ski jump named after him, founded the Retreat Meadows Air Field, became a pilot and was a famous New England sportsman. Evelyn Harris, Fred’s little sister, was just as driven and motivated as Fred but she did not have the same opportunities. While Fred attended Dartmouth College and became an investment banker and real estate developer; Evelyn went to Miss Porter’s School for Young Women. From there she attended the progressive Finch School in New York City. While both programs emphasized women’s rights; neither provided paths to independent, professional careers. One hundred years ago a successful woman was one who married well and […]

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, demonstrated a strength and ability to carve a successful female path in a male-dominated culture. Another female pioneer was Evelyn Harris. She was born in 1897. Her father was the treasurer of the Brattleboro Savings Bank. Her Brother, Fred Harris, was a year and a half older and went on to become a Brattleboro legend. He graduated from Dartmouth College, became President of the Brattleboro Outing Club, organized the construction of the ski jump named after him, founded the Retreat Meadows AirField, became a pilot and was a famous New England sportsman. Evelyn Harris, Fred’s little sister, was just as driven and motivated as Fred but she did not have the same opportunities. […]