Arlis Dittmer is a retired health science librarian and former president of the Historical Society of Adams County. She has a BA in history from the University of Illinois, an MA in history from Loyola University of Chicago, and a MALS in library science from the University of Missouri, Columbia. Her research focus is women's history in the health sciences and historical women in Adams and Hancock Counties. On October 18 at 7:00 p.m. Arlis will be presenting Pioneer Women at the Community Center, 301 E. Main in Carthage.
"A sample of stories of pioneer life told through the lens of the women who lived it" is the premise of the presentation. Hancock County was not empty when the pioneers arrived. Native Americans already lived here. Explorers, hunters, trappers, and soldiers were passing through or setting up camps along the Mississippi River. Questions to be asked or answered are: The west was opening up with unlimited opportunities and promises of available land. Settlers had an adventurous nature, but frequently left their homes for economic reasons. If they survived the difficult and tiring trip, they had to clear the land for farming and build a dwelling to protect their family from wild animals, the elements, and perhaps intruders. Children were born and frequently died. We know very few settlers gave up and returned home, but did they stay in Hancock County or move on, wanting additional adventure or perhaps following a dream? Arlis Dittmer will address these questions during her presentation Pioneer Women on October 18.