The Homance Chronicles

Anna Sutherland Bissell was a Canadian-American businesswoman who was the first female CEO in the United States.

Anna became a teacher at just 16 years old and then married Melville Bissell three years later. They had five children together. They moved from Wisconsin to Kalamazoo, Michigan to Grand Rapids, Michigan where they settled and had a successful crockery business.

Anna was involved in the business from the start and inspired the invention of the carpet sweeper. She was having a hard time keeping the shop clean from all the dust coming out of new cases of dishes. So, Melville stepped in determined to find a solution.

He created a rotating brush that swept the dust into an attached container, known as the first carpet sweeper. They patented the invention together and immediately began selling it to retailers.

Then, Melville passed away unexpectedly and Anna became CEO of the Bissell company. Her leadership transformed the company into a household name and led to further inventions, like the vacuum. She was also instituted policies like workman's compensation, pensions, and vacations unlike any other manufacturers or companies in the 19th century.

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Mata Hari is an infamous exotic dancer and accused spy whose life was shrouded in intrigue and seduction. Her name became synonymous with espionage during the early 20th century.

Born Margaretha Geertruida Zelle in the Netherlands, Mata Hari's life took unexpected twists and turns that led her from a tumultuous marriage to becoming the toast of Parisian society as a celebrated dancer. Her exotic performances captivated audiences, and she soon found herself at the center of a whirlwind of fame and scandal.

As World War I erupted, Mata Hari's life took a darker turn. Accused of being a double agent, she faced espionage charges that would change the course of her destiny. Explore the details of her sensational trial, the espionage allegations, and the controversy surrounding her ultimate fate.

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Sarah Josepha Hale is known as the "Mother of Thanksgiving," but she's so much more than that. She was an American writer, activist, and editor. At the age of 18, in 1806, she started teaching at a school; however, women were not allowed to be teachers at that time and most women weren't even being taught how to read.

She married David Hale and they shared a similar love for learning and reading, spending every night teaching each other about they found interesting. They had five children together, but sadly David passed away unexpectly while she was pregnant with their 5th child. She was left to figure out a way to support herself and her children.

She relied on her higher than average education, especially for a woman at the time, and put her faith into her writing abilities. She submitted articles, poems, and even wrote her first novel, "Northwood; A Tale of New England," with great success. Sarah's career was firmly established, making her one of the first American women novelists and one of the first of either gender to write a book about slavery.

She's also the author of, "Mary Had a Little Lamb." She served as the editor aka "editress" of the Ladies' Magazine, the first substantial magazine in the United States for Women. She later became the editor of Godey's Lady's Book for forty years, retiring in 1877 when she was almost 90.

Throughout all of this she spent decades campaigning for Thanksgiving to be a national holiday. She eventually convinced President Abraham Lincoln and determined that the last Thursday of November will be a National Day of Thanksgiving, so the American people could celebrate grace and good fortune "with one heart and one voice."

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Ever wonder where the term "Sugar Daddy" came from? We have Mrs. Alma Spreckels to thank for that. She was married to a man 24 years older than her and he actually owned Spreckels Sugar Company.

Born into modest beginnings in 1881, Alma de Bretteville aka Alma Spreckels emerged from the shadows to become a prominent figure in the social and cultural landscape of early 20th-century America. She was known as a risque model because she we pose partially nude. Men would chase her, including Charlie Anderson, a successful miner. After a very brief courtship, she sued him for $50,000 for "breach of promise" to marry her. She won the case and was awarded $1,250.

Alma went from small-town girl to the queen of society, exploring her unbridled passion for art, philanthropy, and social justice. As the wife of sugar magnate Adolph Spreckels, Alma played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural identity of San Francisco and beyond. She held legendary gatherings at the Spreckels Mansion, where artists, intellectuals, and influencers of the time converged to celebrate creativity and challenge the status quo.

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Betty White's story is one for the ages. Born in 1922, she witnessed the rise of the entertainment industry from its earliest days. From her early beginnings in radio to her groundbreaking work on television, Betty's versatility and talent made her a household name. We explore her early days as a model and radio personality, her transition to television, and her numerous hit shows, including "The Golden Girls," where her portrayal of the lovable Rose Nylund endeared her to millions.

But Betty's influence extends far beyond her acting career. She was a tireless advocate for animal welfare and a passionate humanitarian, using her platform to raise awareness for countless causes. Her timeless humor and positive outlook on life made her a role model for generations, proving that age is just a number.

She has an impressive list of awards and achievements, from her record-breaking Emmy wins to her induction into the Television Hall of Fame. Betty White's wit, charm, and infectious laughter have left an indelible mark on the entertainment world, making her a beloved figure for both young and old.

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Catherine de Medici, born in 1519, was a member of the renowned Italian Medici family. Her life took a dramatic turn when she married Henry II of France and became Queen of France in the mid-16th century. Despite her humble beginnings as an Italian noblewoman, Catherine quickly rose to prominence and played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of a nation.

We unravel her early years in Italy, where she was exposed to the Renaissance's intellectual and artistic fervor. We then follow her to the French court, where she faced the challenges of a foreign Queen navigating the treacherous waters of the Valois dynasty.

Catherine's reign as Queen of France was marked by complex political maneuvering and the enduring influence of the Catholic Church. We discuss her role in the Wars of Religion, a tumultuous period marked by sectarian strife between Catholics and Huguenots (Protestants). Her actions as a devout Catholic regent, at times ruthless and at times compassionate, left an indelible mark on the religious landscape of France.

Her indomitable spirit, shrewd political acumen, and remarkable resilience in the face of adversity paint a vivid portrait of a woman who shaped the course of history. Her legacy as a formidable queen, mother, and political strategist continues to captivate scholars and history enthusiasts alike.

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Clara Barton was an educator and nurse who assisted soldiers during the American Civil War. She became the founder of the American Red Cross in 1881.

She's a remarkable woman whose unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes forever changed the landscape of healthcare, disaster relief, and women's rights in 19th-century America.

Clara Barton, known as the "Angel of the Battlefield," is renowned for her pioneering work during the American Civil War. As a nurse, she risked her life to provide medical aid and comfort to wounded soldiers on the front lines. Her tireless efforts to tend to the wounded and dying earned her the respect and admiration of soldiers and commanders alike.

But Clara's contributions extended far beyond the battlefield. As we uncover the layers of her life, we'll learn about her tireless work to identify and mark the graves of thousands of Union soldiers, providing solace to grieving families. Her relentless pursuit of missing soldiers and her role in establishing the American Red Cross showcase her lifelong commitment to humanitarian causes.

Her life is a testament to the impact one person can make in times of crisis and hardship.

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oin us for a captivating journey through the life of the enigmatic Hedy Lamarr, a woman whose beauty was as striking as her intellect. Hedy Lamarr was more than just a silver screen legend. Her journey from a young Austrian actress to a groundbreaking inventor is one of beauty, brilliance, and resilience.

We explore the early years of Hedy's career in Vienna, where she caught the eye of industry giants and made her way to Hollywood, becoming one of the most celebrated stars of the 1930s and 1940s.

But Hedy's story doesn't stop at her cinematic achievements. We'll uncover her lesser-known role as a brilliant inventor. During World War II, she collaborated with composer George Antheil to develop a groundbreaking invention – a frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology, intended for use in torpedoes. This invention, which laid the foundation for modern wireless communication and GPS systems, was way ahead of its time.

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Known as the "Queen of Code" and the "Mother of COBOL," Grace Hopper left an indelible mark on the world of computer science and the U.S. Navy. Grace Hopper defied societal norms by pursuing a career in mathematics and science at a time when opportunities for women in these fields were scarce. Her unwavering determination led her to become one of the most influential figures in the history of computing.

Her groundbreaking work on the Harvard Mark I computer and her pioneering contributions to the development of computer programming languages played a pivotal role in the creation of COBOL, a programming language that transformed the way software was written and continues to impact the technology landscape today.

She was even part of the team that made "bug" a regular term in when there's a defect with computer code and the story behind this is hilarious.

As a trailblazing woman in the U.S. Navy, Grace Hopper achieved the rank of Rear Admiral, becoming one of the highest-ranking women in the military at the time. We'll uncover her inspiring journey through the Navy, her tireless advocacy for the advancement of women in the armed forces, and her enduring commitment to education and mentorship.

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Mileva Marić is a brilliant and often overlooked scientist whose contributions to physics remain shrouded in history. Mileva's story is one of talent, determination, and the challenges faced by women in the male-dominated world of science at the turn of the 20th century. She is a woman whose genius was often overshadowed by her famous partner, Albert Einstein.

Mileva Marić showed an early aptitude for mathematics and science, defying societal expectations for women of her time. She eventually found herself at the forefront of scientific innovation in Switzerland, where she met a young Albert Einstein. Their partnership and collaboration in both love and science forever changed the landscape of theoretical physics.

We explore the complexities of her relationship with Einstein, her role in the development of the theory of relativity, and the challenges she faced as a female physicist in the early 20th century.

We discuss the ongoing debate surrounding her contributions to Einstein's work and the importance of recognizing her legacy as a pioneering female scientist.

This week Sarah shares a personal story involving an addition overdose. If you are struggling and need help, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. For substance abuse treatment and mental health referrals, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

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