July 31, 1884. · Evanston, Il
by Willard, Frances
Evanston, Il, July 31, 1884.. [2]pp. on a single sheet of Woman's National Christian Temperance Union stationery. Accompanied by a small print of Frances Willard and her mother. Old fold lines. Minor wear. Contemporary manuscript notation at top of sheet. Very good plus. Frances Willard thanks Dr. Alice Stockham for sending along a copy of Stockham's book on childbirth and women's health. Though the title of the book is not mentioned, it is almost certainly Stockham's TOKOLOGY: A BOOK FOR EVERY WOMAN. Originally published in 1883, it went through several editions. Alice B. Stockham (1833-1912) was an obstetrician and gynecologist and one of the first American women to earn a medical degree. Frances Willard (1839-1898) was prominent in both the suffrage and temperance movements, and was influential in the passage of the 18th and 19th amendments (prohibition and votes for women, respectively); she also helped found the Woman's National Christian Temperance Union in 1874. Willard's platform of "Home Protection" as the premise behind suffrage was designed to appeal to women everywhere. She held that if a woman had the right to vote, she could better protect her home and family and improve society.
To Dr. Stockham, she writes:
"Dear friend, Do not think me unappreciative of your kindness, but I am always so pre-occupied that I have time but to 'dip' into any book, no matter how excellent. I have thought yours of this class so far as I had opportunity & could judge. My sister brought me one, loaned by you (when I was ill) of unique & most interesting character. I doubt not she has read it more at length than I, as I had to leave home when barely up again. This hasty line is to assure you of my appreciation of your kindness in sending the book." (Inventory #: WRCAM45125)
To Dr. Stockham, she writes:
"Dear friend, Do not think me unappreciative of your kindness, but I am always so pre-occupied that I have time but to 'dip' into any book, no matter how excellent. I have thought yours of this class so far as I had opportunity & could judge. My sister brought me one, loaned by you (when I was ill) of unique & most interesting character. I doubt not she has read it more at length than I, as I had to leave home when barely up again. This hasty line is to assure you of my appreciation of your kindness in sending the book." (Inventory #: WRCAM45125)