Thursday, December 29, 2011

Most Remarkable Story I Read All Day

Is this account of  Lou Henry Hoover, wife of the 31st President, who collaborated with (sic, not "assisted") him in the translation of Agricola's De re Metallica, which in 1914 won the first Gold Medal for Distinguished Service from Mining and Metallurgical Society of America. (bet you're glad that wasn't the Daily Double question on Jeopardy!).

Lou was clearly the equal of and companion to the president, not  mere helpmeet or camp follower.  Among other achievements, she gets the credit for determining that the guest list for the Congressional wive's party should include Jessie De Priest.  And she is?  Go here, and read the caption at right.

We've had some formidable first ladies, but how many can match Lou Henry Hoover for disciplined intellect?  I suppose you can make a case for Hillary Clinton and Eleanor Roosevelt.  But before the Lou Henry Hoover, I suspect the only real competitor is Louisa Adams, wife of John Quincy Adams (but the Wiki does not do her justice, IMO). 

3 comments:

Taxmom said...

There is an elem school named after her in our old neighborhood in Whittier. Steve admires HH b/c he is our geologist president.

Taxmom said...

...mining engineer actually but probably as close as we'll get.

nightclub guest list said...
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