Echoes of the Ancient New Testament Cities: Smyrna and Philadelphia

Matthew James Elliott

One of my favorite things about this whole series has been discovering the unique connections each of these ancient cities share with both Scripture and history. Walking through them one by one has brought new life to the biblical text and opened my eyes to details that are shaping The World of Kedoshim in ways I never expected. 

These communities were real.
They faced real pressures. 

And piecing their stories together has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

For July, we’re looking at the only two cities in Revelation that received praise in the book of Revelation—Smyrna and Philadelphia. Their stories are quite similar in many ways, but each one carried its own distinct burdens in Revelation 2 and Revelation 3. For both churches, the central theme is faithfulness under pressure. 

The goal wasn’t about performance.
The goal wasn’t about perfection. 

It was about their willingness to cling to Christ when everything around them pushed toward compromise. I also have a deeply personal connection to the church in Philadelphia. Revelation 3:8 was the last verse my mother used to encourage me before she passed away in 2009:

“I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” (NIV)

At a time when I had no idea what I was meant to do—or how I was going to navigate the grief of losing her—she gave me this verse. It has changed my life more times than I can count. It taught me that no matter where the struggles show up, the open door is still there. Strength will come. Faithfulness will hold. And that is exactly the message I see woven through the stories of Smyrna and Philadelphia.

~ Smyrna ~

Ruins of Smyrna Agora 

Historically, Smyrna was a major port city—wealthy, influential, and fiercely loyal to Rome. Though the population was largely Jewish, the city held impressive civic power. Its skyline was filled with stadiums, theaters, temples to the gods and emperors, and even its own version of a Greek gymnasium. 

All of this created enormous pressure on believers who could have chosen conformity over conviction. If Christians refused to participate in Rome’s religious expectations, history tells us they were excluded from the trade market and slandered for their faith. Smyrna’s culture demanded emperor worship, and those who refused were branded as disloyal to the empire.

In Revelation 2:8–11, Jesus reminds them that despite their suffering, they are rich in faith (2:9). He encourages them not to fear the trials ahead (2:10). And He promises that those who remain faithful will be victorious (2:11). Smyrna’s story is one of faithfulness in suffering.

~ Philadelphia ~

Philadelphia was another city shaped by hardship—especially earthquakes. If you’ve noticed tremors appearing in more than one of my books, it’s because they were that common. After the devastating quake of AD 17, the city lived in constant fear of aftershocks. Many residents even lived outside the city walls for safety.

St John Church in Alasehir (ancient Philadelphia) 

The city was much smaller than Smyrna or Ephesus. Truthfully, it was more of a frontier outpost than a major metropolis. Its purpose was to spread Greek culture eastward, and under Vespasian, it was even renamed Flavia in honor of the emperor. Once again, believers who stepped away from Rome’s civic expectations lost their protection and had to fend for themselves.

In Revelation 3:7–13, the church is encouraged to hold fast to the promise of Christ’s return (3:11). They are reminded that even when their strength feels small, their faithfulness matters (3:8). And because they patiently endured rather than giving in to Rome, they are promised protection from the trials to come (3:10). Philadelphia’s story is one of faithfulness in weakness.

~ A Legacy Remembered ~

Learning all of this about the cities of Smyrna and Philadelphia has only made the verse my mother gave me more meaningful. It’s a promise, rooted in history, serving as a reminder that God sees us. Even when circumstances feel overwhelming, the inheritance He offers remains secure. As long as we faithfully endure the chaos the world throws at us, we will share in His victory.

Every believer lives in a “Smyrna” or a “Philadelphia.” We face pressures that expose our weaknesses. Faithfulness isn’t easy, but it is worth it. My mother lived that truth in more ways than one, and her legacy—along with the legacy of these two cities—continues to remind me that endurance is never wasted.

See you in the pages, 

MJE

PS (Next month, we head to Pergamum and Thyatira)

~ Biography ~

Matthew James Elliott (M.J. Elliott) is a passionate writer who loves to encourage and inspire others. He served in various ministry roles for over 15 years, which gave him a unique perspective on people and Biblical History. Matthew holds a degree in Biblical Studies from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, with a focus on Pastoral Care, Christian Education, and Worship.

Matthew is married and has three wonderful children who bring him immense joy and inspiration. One of his favorite things to do with them is to share stories they can someday learn from. When writing a story, he aspires to minister to others with love, equip them with encouragement, and use the gift God has given him as a writer to help readers experience God in a real and meaningful way.

Find Matthew on Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook, BookBub, and His Website. He has written Devotionals, An Episodic Series, Novellas, and even Commentaries for The Gospel Daily.

~ Highlighted Release ~

If you're curious about The Hope of Inheritance or any of my books, you can keep up with me on REAMStories or Facebook. The Hope of Inheritance was selected as the book of the month for my Biblical Fiction Facebook Authors Group, so keep your eyes on my Facebook for some fun things this month. You can also read Mysteries in Ephesus, Season 2 of The Ephesus Pages on REAM Right Now!

~~~

In the aftermath of the Great Fire of 64 AD, Rome lies in ruins. Emperor Nero and his ruthless Prefect of the City, Lysias, unleash a wave of persecution that threatens the very existence of the early church.

Nathaniel, a seasoned scribe and longtime companion of Luke, records the journeys that will shape the future of the faith as it was taught by those who walked with Christ. They are known as The Founders.

From the destruction of Colossae to the tribulations in Ephesus… From the Council of Corinth to the shattered streets of Rome… Nathaniel and his brother Zadok witness courage, betrayal, and the final days of two of the greatest founders — Peter and Paul.

Four men are chosen.

Their message will change everything.

Hope will rise again.

HHH June Book Day

 

6 Books You Don't Want to Miss!




A WHOLE NEW PLAN
by Denise M. Colby

California, 1870. Pastor William Baker built his life on steady faith and safe choices, but the arrival of Lydia Spencer upends everything. Independent and outspoken Lydia is unlike any woman he’s ever known. Lydia is a Pinkerton detective, undercover as a schoolteacher while tracking a dangerous crime boss. She’s determined to protect her friends in Washton even if it means keeping her distance from the kind, steadfast pastor who sees too much. But when Will and Lydia are thrown together in a search for truth they find themselves fighting not only for justice, but for a future neither had planned.

FREED BY THE FRONTIER
By Denise Farnsworth, Sherry Shindelar, and Susan Craft 

Three remarkable women find themselves caught between two worlds on the American frontier. A captive of the Comanche must choose between escaping to white society or her growing feelings for a rising war chief in 1850s Texas. A Georgia judge's daughter flees an unwanted betrothal, only to be captured by Creek warriors but protected by a mysterious brave. And in 1754, an English lady traveling the Great Wagon Road to become a teacher discovers her carefully planned future may not survive her attraction to a protective frontiersman.

LISSA AND THE SPY
by Camille Elliot 

In Regency-era London, Miss Lissa Gardinier enters her second Season seeking a marriage in order to escape her mother's constant criticism. So she represses her cheeky remarks behind a quiet, innocent facade. The enigmatic Lord Jeremy Stoude is dismayed when a chance encounter with Miss Gardinier entangles her in his world of secrets and subterfuge. He cannot afford to be distracted by Lissa’s charming smile and unflappable demeanor. As danger stalks them and true feelings come to light, can Lissa and Jeremy navigate the labyrinth of society’s expectations and their own insecurities to find love?

ROSE AMONG THORNES

 by Terrie Todd

RE-RELEASED WITH A NEW COVER AND BONUS MATERIAL!

Rose Onishi is on track to fulfill her lifelong goal of becoming a concert pianist. When forced to leave her beloved home to work on the Thornes’ farm, her dream fades to match the black dirt staining her callused hands. When Rusty Thorne joins the army, he never imagines becoming a Japanese prisoner of war. Though he begs God to help him not hate his brutal captors, Rusty can no longer even hear the Japanese language without revulsion. Only his rare letters from home sustain him—especially the notes from his mother’s helper, which the girl signs simply as “Rose.” 

 

 

SCHOOLED IN LOVE
by Kimberly Keagan

 

Rule-breaking American heiress Beatrice Dennison discovers a rare book in her uncle’s library, and promptly enlists buttoned-up Cambridge academic Lord Henry Tisdale to help translate it. But the centuries‑old text holds more than history—it draws them into long days in the library, whispered discoveries, and a partnership neither expected.

As they work side by side, Tris and Harry must face meddling family, academic rivals, and an attraction that threatens everything they’ve built on opposite sides of the Atlantic. When the truth about the manuscript forces a choice, they must decide whether to cling to their carefully ordered lives—or risk everything for a once‑in‑a‑lifetime love. 

THE PRODIGAL DAUGHTERS Series
By Mary Davis

COURTING HER AMISH HEART ~ A doctor or an Amish wife? Kathleen can choose to be only one… Practicing medicine means sacrifice—no Amish man wants a doctor for a wife.

COURTING HER SECRET HEART ~ Caught between two worlds… Deborah lives a double life as an Amish woman—and a fashion model! Soon she must choose between the Englischer world of modeling and the Amish man she’s come to love.

COURTING HER PRODIGAL HEART ~ Mother-to-Be’s Amish Homecoming. Pregnant and alone, Dori is sure her Amish kin won’t welcome her back into the community—or the child she’s carrying.

FLAG DAY, JUNE 14, 1777

 

I think of myself as a patriot. I believe the United States is the greatest country in the world. We have a lot of problems, but if we can get back to the way the Founding Fathers meant for it to be, we’ll be in better shape. We fly our flag year-round and when June gets here, I bring out the Americana decorations. I remember saying the Pledge of Allegiance at school and celebrating Lincoln’s and Washington’s birthdays. With Flag Day being earlier this month, I decided to find out the history. How it began and how long it took for the United States to honor it.

                              

In 1777, the Continental Congress decided our country needed a flag. They made a resolution on June 14, 1777 that stated, “The flag of the United Stated shall be of thirteen stripes of alternate red and white, with a union of thirteen stars of white on a field of blue, representing the new constellation.” The new flag was carried into the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777.

 It’s generally believed that Betsy Ross made that first flag, although it can’t be proved with documentation, according to the US Flag Store. They said there were around fifty flag makers and upholsterers in Philadelphia at that time. The Philadelphia Incorporated tells a different story. Apparently, Betsy had receipts for a large sum of money paid to her in May 1777 to make flags. It’s possible the first American flag was one she made. She continued in her career for fifty years.

On June 14, 1861, it was reported that Hartford, Conneticut held a Flag Day celebration. Almost three decades later, a New York City Professor George Bloch, principal of a free kindergarten for the poor, had his school hold patriotic ceremonies to celebrate the Flag Day resolution. The State Department of Education noticed and had all public schools observe the day from then on.

 

Late 1800s

The state legislature soon passed a law saying public schools should hold observances of Lincoln’s birthday, Washington’s birthday, Memorial Day and Flag Day. In 1897, New York’s governor passed a resolution mandating all public buildings to display the flag.

After earlier attempts failed, on May 7,1937, Pennsylvania became the first state to declare June 14 a legal holiday. Now it’s celebrated nationwide, but it's only legal in Pennsylvania. Looking back a little bit, we can see that President Wilson, in 1916, and President Coolidge in 1927, issued a proclamation to make June 14 officially Flag Day. Finally, on August 3, 1949, Congress approved the observance of National Flag Day. President Truman signed it into law. 

I thought it was interesting to see how quickly states were added.

1861, 34 States 

1889, 42 States

1897, 45 States

1959, 50 States

Linda lives in west central Ohio with her husband and grandson. She earned a degree in psychology from Anderson University, where she learned that the voices in her head were actually characters from stories waiting to be told.

Linda has been writing since childhood, but her publishing career started with writing columns and a middle-grade serial for the South Charleston Spectator. A retired librarian, she now enjoys being a full-time author in her home office. She writes not only to entertain but to encourage readers with God’s faithfulness.

You are invited to visit her website, Linda Hoover Books, to learn more about her and her books. You can stay in touch when you subscribe to her newsletter, and as a thank you, you’ll receive a novella, Joel & Ella.

LINDA HOOVER BOOKS

 

Famous Horses in History…Sergeant Reckless – by Donna Schlachter

PFC Reckless, Fort Pendelton, c. 1959

Few military heroes are remembered with as much affection as Sergeant Reckless, a small chestnut mare whose courage during the Korean War earned her a place among the legends of the United States Marine Corps. More than a pack horse, Reckless became a trusted comrade, a decorated veteran, and an enduring symbol of loyalty and bravery.

Born in South Korea and originally named “Ah Chim Hai,” meaning “Flame of the Morning,” the young mare was intended for racing. However, the Korean War changed her destiny. In October 1952, Lieutenant Eric Pedersen of the Fifth Marine Regiment purchased the horse for $250. The money enabled her young owner, Kim Huk Moon, to buy a prosthetic leg for his sister, who had lost her limb after stepping on a landmine. Renamed “Reckless,” after the platoon’s recoilless rifles, the mare quickly became part of the Marine family.

Reckless with recoil-less rifle she was named after

 

 

Reckless was trained to carry ammunition through the rugged hills of Korea. She learned routes after only a few trips and often delivered supplies without a handler. She even learned to seek cover when incoming shells came near. The Marines discovered she had unusual tastes, happily consuming scrambled eggs, beer, Coca-Cola, and almost anything left unattended. On at least one instance, she ate $30 worth of poker chips.

Reckless under fire

 

Her finest hour came during the Battle of Outpost Vegas in March 1953. Under heavy enemy fire, Reckless made 51 trips in a single day, transporting almost five tons of ammunition and covering over thirty-five miles. Along the way, she also carried wounded Marines to safety. Wounded twice by shrapnel, she never stopped working. For her extraordinary service, she received battlefield promotions and numerous honors, including two Purple Hearts, a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and several unit citations. Eventually, she became Staff Sergeant Reckless, the first horse in Marine Corps history to hold that rank.

Reckless in retirement

 

Following the war, an outpouring of public support helped bring Reckless to the United States. She spent the rest of her life at Camp Pendleton in California, where she became a beloved celebrity. Visitors flocked to see the famous mare, and she gave birth to four foals. After years of faithful service, Reckless died in 1968 at the age of 20, and was buried with full military honors, one of only a handful of horses in American history to receive such distinction.

Reckless with her original trainer

 

Yet her story did not end there. Books, documentaries, and statues have preserved her memory. A bronze statue stands at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, and another honors her at Camp Pendleton. In later years, she received additional recognition, including the prestigious Dickin Medal, often called the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.

Sergeant Reckless proved that heroism comes in unexpected forms. Though small in stature, she carried not only ammunition and wounded soldiers but also the admiration of generations who continue to celebrate her remarkable courage and devotion.



Leave a comment to answer this question: what do you think was the most interesting factoid about Reckless?

About Donna:
Donna lives in Denver with husband Patrick, three housemates, and two cats who rule the roost. As a hybrid author, she writes squeaky clean historical suspense and contemporary suspense. She has been traditionally and indie published more than 60 times in novellas, full-length novels, devotional books, and books on the writing craft. Donna also ghostwrites, edits, and judges in writing contests. She is also a Certified Book Coach, helping authors move their book projects forward. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both. In her spare time, she paints like a whirling Banshee Bob Ross-style in oil on canvas, minus the Afro.

Website: www.DonnaSchlachter.com

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*all images from Wikipedia

Resources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergeant_Reckless

Victorian Vacations: When the Seaside Became the Place to Be

by Kimberly Keagan

My mother is from England, and I have many fond memories of spending vacations with my family by the seaside in Devon and Cornwall. Back in the ‘40s and ‘50s, my grandparents often went to the Isle of Wight for summer holiday.

Photos from Kimberly Keagan’s personal collection. Note: The English will have their cuppa anywhere! 

The idea of spending time by the seaside for summer fun and relaxation started well before the 20th century, however. Long before airplanes whisked travelers to tropical destinations, Britain's coastline offered excitement, fresh air, and a welcome escape from crowded industrial cities. For many Victorians, a holiday by the sea was the highlight of the year.

Photo from Kimberly Keagan’s personal collection.

The seaside holiday wasn't always available to everyone, however. In the eighteenth century, coastal resorts were largely the playground of the wealthy. Doctors recommended sea bathing and salty air as cures for a variety of ailments, prompting fashionable society to flock to towns such as Brighton, Weymouth, and Scarborough. Royal patronage helped fuel the trend. King George III famously visited Weymouth for his health, while the Prince Regent transformed Brighton into a fashionable destination with his extravagant Royal Pavilion. Later, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert made the Isle of Wight a favorite retreat.

The real seaside boom, however, arrived with the railway.

Beginning in the 1840s, expanding rail networks made travel faster, easier, and eventually affordable for ordinary people. Small fishing villages were transformed into bustling resorts almost overnight. Towns such as Blackpool, Rhyl, Llandudno, Whitby, Margate, and Eastbourne welcomed thousands of visitors eager to enjoy a few days away from factory smoke and city grime.

Travel companies quickly recognized an opportunity. Thomas Cook organized his first rail excursion in 1841, paving the way for package trips and affordable travel. Railway companies competed fiercely for passengers, advertising special excursion fares and holiday packages. For many working-class families, a day trip to the seaside became a realistic dream rather than an impossible luxury.

Photo courtesy of nationalarchives.gov.uk

Once they arrived, Victorians enjoyed many of the same activities we do today. Families strolled along promenades, admired the view from newly constructed piers, rode donkeys on the beach, built sandcastles, and sampled ice cream. Punch-and-Judy shows entertained children, while brass bands often performed near the seafront. 

Photo from Kimberly Keagan’s personal collection.

Swimming, however, looked rather different.

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Modesty was taken seriously, particularly for women. Bathers wore heavy woolen costumes that covered far more than today's swimwear. Many women entered the water using bathing machines which were small wooden huts on wheels, allowing bathers to change clothes and bathe away from public view.

Victorian beaches could be surprisingly crowded. Photographs from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries show shorelines packed with visitors. Finding a quiet patch of sand on a bank holiday could be just as challenging as it is now.

Photo: Victorians on holiday on a beach in Hastings, Sussex in1898. Dave Bagnall Collection/Alamy

The seaside represented more than simple entertainment. For many Victorians, it offered freedom, adventure, and a rare chance to relax. Factory workers escaped smoke-filled cities, children experienced the wonder of the ocean, and families created memories together.

The next time you stroll along a beach promenade or enjoy fish and chips by the shore (assuming you’re in Britain), you're taking part in a tradition that stretches back generations. The fashions may have changed, and texted photos may have replaced postcards, but the Victorian love affair with the seaside is one holiday tradition that has never gone out of style.

250 Years Ago by Cindy Regnier

In a few days Americans will celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday. I have been known to lament that our founding fathers signed the declaration in the dead of summer instead of, say, mid-January. We could skip the heat wave, watch fireworks at dark and be back home by 7:00 pm. But I digress. Have you ever wondered what really happened on July 4th 1776, besides what’s in the history books? Let’s see what we can piece together.

Jefferson

July 4th 1776 in Philadelphia was a cool morning according to Thomas Jefferson who recorded a temperature of 68 at 6:00 a.m. in his daily weather diary. Apparently, it warmed to the 80s before the day was over but still not overly hot. That was probably a good thing as in that time the men wore clothing and accessories that only added to the heat. Powdered wigs, breeches, a waistcoat (what we might call a vest,) a frock coat (worn over the shirt and waistcoat that reached down to the knees,) woolen stockings and tricorn hats (usually made of felt or fur.) Sounds hot to me.

On July 2, 1776 the Continental Congress voted for independence. John Adams, in his writings, even noted that July 2 would be remembered in the annals of American history and would be marked with fireworks and celebrations. The written Declaration of Independence was dated July 4, but many of the signers weren’t present that day. Most historians believe some of the founding fathers signed on July 4th, but then signed again along with the rest of the delegates on August 2, 1776 once the document had been engrossed on parchment. Fifty-six delegates eventually signed the document.

Rush

In an 1811 letter Benjamin Rush recounted the signing describing it as a scene of "pensive and awful silence". Rush said the delegates were called up, one after another, and then filed forward somberly to subscribe what each thought was their ensuing death warrant. He related that the "gloom of the morning" was briefly interrupted when the rotund Benjamin Harrison of Virginia said to a diminutive Elbridge Gerryof Massachusetts, at the signing table, "I shall have a great advantage over you, Mr. Gerry, when we are all hung for what we are now doing. From the size and weight of my body I shall die in a few minutes and be with the Angels, but from the lightness of your body you will dance in the air an hour or two before you are dead." According to Rush, Harrison’s remark "procured a transient smile, but it was soon succeeded by the Solemnity with which the whole business was conducted.”

John Hancock, President of the Congress, signed the document with a large, bold signature. The other delegates signed beginning at the right with the signatures arranged by states from New Hampshire to Georgia. 

 

A few delegates, including Robert R. Livingston of New York, a member of the drafting committee, never signed because, quite simply, they ran out of room.

Forty-eight of the 56 signers were born in America. Edward Rutledge (age 26) was the youngest signer, and Benjamin Franklin (age 70) was the oldest signer. By issuing the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, the 13 American colonies severed their political connections to Great Britain even though the Revolutionary War continued into 1783.

The British Government tried to dismiss the Declaration as trivial and full of flaws. They tried rebuttal but had no success with what they referred to as “grumbling Americans.” But what the Declaration immediately accomplished was recognition by friendly foreign governments, establishing trade and enabling America to withdraw further from Britain. The document was moved often and heavily protected during the Revolutionary War and wars that followed. The document is currently held in Fort Knox.

 

As time progressed, many other historic events followed on July 4th of various years. In 1817 Massachusetts declared Independence Day a holiday. In 1817 construction began of the Erie Canal. 1855 saw Walt Whitman publish Leaves of Grass. Susan B Anthony addressed Congress on July 4th in 1876. The Statue of Liberty was presented to America in 1884 and America the Beautiful was published in 1895, all on the fourth day of July.

So this year on the 250th American Independence Day, take a moment to remember the brave men who risked their lives for the free country we live in today. And even though they did sign in the hottest part of the year, I’m very grateful to them. 

Scribbling in notebooks has been a habit of Cindy Regnier since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Born and raised in Kansas, she writes stories of historical Kansas, especially the Flint Hills area where she spent much of her childhood. Her experiences with the Flint Hills setting, her natural love for history, farming and animals, along with her interest in genealogical research give her the background and passion to write heart-fluttering historical romance.

 

The Women of the Postage Stamps—Part 5

by Jennifer Uhlarik 

Happy June, everybody! This year of 2026 is nearly half over already, and I’m simply shocked! Aren’t you?

 

Let’s continue with our series on the women who have been featured on the U.S. Postage Stamps. Last month, we left off with stamps issued in 1981. Today, we pick up in the same year with Edna St. Vincent Millay. Millay picked up the pen early in life, writing poetry from childhood until her death. After entering a poem in a contest where one judge prematurely awarded her first prize, then had that award stripped and came in fourth overall, she gained a bit of notoriety. This led to a supporter offering to send her to Vassar College in 1917. Her time there wasn’t exactly peaceful, as Millay refused to live by the code of ethics for young ladies. However, she managed to graduate, and during the 1920s, Millay rose to fame through her lyrical poetry. In 1928, she became the second person (and first woman) to ever win a Pulitzer Prize. During World War II, she joined the Writers’ War Board, where she wrote propaganda for the American war effort. Her fame as a poet took a hit because of this, though Millay didn’t allow that to stop her. She died in 1950 after breaking her neck due to a fall down the stairs in her home.

 

Our next lady of the stamp is Babe Didrikson Zaharias. Before she became a renowned in other ways, Mildred Ella “Babe” Didrickson competed in and won sewing competitions, as well as made some professional music recordings. Her major claim to fame, though, was as an amateur athlete in multiple sports. While working as a secretary for an insurance company, Babe was allowed to compete on the company’s amateur team in basketball. She was named an All-American athlete for her work on this team three years in a row, and in 1932 they even competed in the championship. During the same timeframe, she represented the same company in the 1932 Amateur Athletic Union Championships, where she entered eight of ten events and won first place in five of them. Later the same year, she represented the United States in track and field events in the Summer Olympics, where she brought home three medals—two golds and a silver. She also competed in baseball, bowling, billiards…but her greatest claim to fame was in golf. Babe Zaharias was the first woman to ever compete in a regular PGA tournament, was a founding member of the LPGA when it was created a few years after she took up the sport, and was said by New York Times writer Charles McGrath that “Except for perhaps Arnold Palmer, no golfer has ever been more beloved by the gallery.”

 

Dr. Mary Walker is the next woman featured on a postage stamp, this time in 1982. I’ve written about Dr. Walker before, so if you’d like more information on her, please refer to my earlier post here. She was an abolitionist, a Civil War surgeon, a prisoner of war for four months during 1864, received a medal of honor, and fought for women’s suffrage and many other things after the war’s end.

 

In 1982, Dorothea Dix earned her place in postal history due to her work for the poor and indigent mentally ill. It was during a stay in Europe during the 1830s that Dix first became aware of the plight of the mentally ill. After returning to America, she began to investigate how the mentally ill were treated when they had no family who could or would take care of them. In Massachusetts, she found that many were locked away in the darkest basement cells in prisons or almshouses, relegated to the areas reserved for the worst criminals. The air was often putrid and foul, with no light by which to see. After presenting her findings to the state legislature, she moved on to a similar task in New Jersey, Illinois, North Carolina, and many other states. All told, her efforts resulted in opening thirty-two mental hospitals in various states, as well as schools for children with learning disabilities, schools for the blind, and nursing schools.

 

Next up is Pearl S. Buck, a renowned novelist best known for The Good Earth, which earned her a Pulitzer Prize. Raised by her missionary parents in China, Buck spent much of her life in this country, developing a deep love for it and its people. Many of her writings focused on her experiences in China and Japan. After moving back to the United States, Buck spent her later years advocating for the adoption of mixed-race children from other countries. She began the first foster home for such children, located next to her own home—and when it quickly became too crowded for simply fostering these kids, she turned it into the first international adoption agency. She also started orphanages in various other countries.

 

As we wind down our post for today, let’s take a look at Lillian M. Gilbreath, who was featured on a postage stamp in 1984. This interesting lady was mother two twelve children, and also both a psychologist and an industrial engineer. Along with her husband Frank, she paired her two areas of expertise to do studies on how workers used machinery and find ways to streamline those machines to make them more productive. She and Frank were on the cutting edge of this burgeoning industry of “industrial and organizational psychology” (a precursor to our modern-day ergonomics). The husband and wife team worked with many large companies like Macy’s and Johnson & Johnson, and after Frank’s death, Lillian continued her business. She also found ways to streamline the tasks of the typical housewife to make her household chores and duties faster, so that she could seek work outside the home. In that vein, Lillian is credited with created the “work triangle” setup of many modern kitchens. Two of her children—Frank Jr. and Ernestine—wrote two humorous books about life in the Gilbreath family. You’ll certainly recognize at least one of the titles. They were Cheaper by the Dozen and Belles on Their Toes.

 

It’s Your Turn: Which of the women who were honored with their own stamp do you find the most memorable, and why?

 

Jennifer Uhlarik discovered western novels at twelve when she swiped the only “horse” book from her brother’s bookshelf. Across the next decade, she devoured westerns and fell in love with the genre. While attaining a B.A. in writing from the University of Tampa, she began penning her own story of the Old West. She has finaled in and won numerous writing competitions and appeared on various best-seller lists. Besides writing, she’s been a business owner, a schoolteacher, a marketing director, a historical researcher, a publisher, and a full-time homemaker. She lives near Tampa, Florida, with her husband and fur children.

 

Available Now: Love and Order: A Three-Part Old West Romantic Mystery

 

Wanted: 

Family, Love, and Justice

One Old West Mystery Solved Throughout Three Short Romantic Stories

Separated as children when they were adopted out to different families from an orphan train, the Braddock siblings have each grown up and taken on various jobs within law enforcement and criminal justice.

 

Youngest child, Callie, has pushed past her insecurities to pursue a career as a Pinkerton agent. Middle child, Andi, has spent years studying law under her adoptive father’s tutelage. And the eldest and only son, Rion, is a rough-and-tumble bounty hunter. 

 

When the hunt for a serial killer with a long history of murders reunites the brother and sisters in Cambria Springs, Colorado, they find themselves not only in a fight for justice, but also a fight to keep their newly reunited family intact. How will they navigate these challenges when further complicated by unexpected romances?