The Pioneer Women of California
By Mariana Bertola, M. D.
(Past General Federation Director of California Federation of Women's Clubs)
The pioneer mothers of California were a hardy race; they came from the East over three thousand miles with covered wagons drawn by oxen; they rounded Cape Horn in sailing vessels, taking from three to six months to make the perilous journey; they crossed the Panama on mule-back, enduring many hardships, finally to embark on sailing vessels coming north. They were of many nationalities—Irish, English, Italian, French, Spanish and German predominating. They laid the foundation of a sturdy commonwealth. This article cannot go into details and must content itself with a meager account, as compared to the rich history that one might write. Our women have been prominent in many fields, music, poetry, prose, history, teaching, the practice of medicine, the practice of law, farming, business pursuits, such as banking, reporting, printing, publishing, stenography, buying for large houses, typewriting; social welfare workers, nurses, railroad owners and, last but not least, good housekeepers and fine mothers.
Mrs. Susan Lincoln Mills, graduate from Mt. Holyoke under Mary Lyon, missionary to India, a founder of Oahu College, Hawaiian Islands, and a founder of Mills College, Oakland, was an outstanding, big-hearted woman, building for education and for better living. Dr. Aurelia Henry Reinhardt is her worthy successor, occupying a prominent position in the educational world.
Mrs. Phoebe Apperson Hearst was one of our most farseeing women. She maintained the North Beach Kindergarten for years. Her great philanthropy was always well directed and kindly given in scholarships at University of California and many other projects.
Mrs. Jane Lathrop Stanford, a founder of Stanford University, was a fond mother and a woman of broad vision.
Ina Coolbrith was a poet recognized by the State officially and by the world generally.
Dr. Lucy Wanzer, hardy veteran in medicine, still occupies an envied position in her profession.
Dr. Charlotte Blake Brown and Dr. Follansbee, pioneers in medicine, have joined the Great Majority, but their work lives after them.
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