Thanks, John Allen, for posting this to our page.... TONIGHT - 6:30, Elks Lodge, Huntsville, Ala. Charen Fink will share with us her unique insights about women beyond the home front – those who went in harm’s way as “Soldiers, Spies, and Femme Fatales”. Women during the Civil War did more for the war effort than just keeping the home fires burning. Against established social norms up to one thousand known women joined the military, obviously in disguise. There were many reasons for doing so, such as adventure, following a loved one or even money. Most got away with it, but what happened when they were discovered? Examples and pictures of some female soldiers, such as Malinda Blaylock, and their exploits will be discussed. Today we usually equate spying during the Civil War as a male-dominated activity; however, women were very proficient at spying for both the North and South. Why did they participate in such a dangerous endeavor? Patriotism was one good reason. Profiles and pictures of these courageous ladies should be enlightening. Pauline Cushman, actress and spy, was one such woman who took to infiltrating enemy lines. Finally there are the femme fatales. This group of women (only a few were considered ladies) were flamboyant, devil-may care, independent women who set out to make their own mark in the world. They challenged conventional social mores with their risky behavior. Lola Montez and Adah Menken, for example, would even shock today’s sensitivities.
Posted on: Thu, 10 Jul 2014 14:28:52 +0000
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