"Her-story"
by Sarah McQueen, PHQ #1
Arlington, Virginia
(This ceremony was presented at the Grand Visitation on March 16, 1997. Each Entry was printed on a separate piece of paper, with the last entry printed on an envelope. All of the papers, and the envelope were placed into a larger envelope, for a keepsake.)
The theme of our Grand Visitation today is "Her-story: IOJD through the ages." Today we will be taking a look at the history of our country from a woman's perspective. Since March is women's history month, we thought we'd tell it as HER-story. What better way to see things from a woman's point of view than to read her diary?
March 1, 1867
Dear Diary,
Today is such a wonderful day! My home, the beautiful state of Nebraska, has become the 37th state of the Union. I just know that the state of Nebraska will be known for many special contributions to the United States, by it's proud citizens.
Signed,
Elizabeth Wead.
March 9, 1881
Dear Diary,
Today my beautiful, Ethel Theresa Wead was born. When I look into her eyes, I can tell that she is very special. I just know that she will accomplish great things. I can't wait until she is old enough to hear the Bible stories I love so much, especially the story of Job.
Signed,
Elizabeth Wead.
March 9, 1891
Dear Diary,
Today is my 10th birthday, and Mama gave me my own diary and a book of Bible Stories. Mama says I should write one important fact here everyday. This way when I am grown I can look back and remember all of my special memories.
This year Princess Liluokalani has become Queen of Hawaii. I think there is nothing a girl would like better than becoming a Princess, and then someday Queen. I guess the average girl has little chance of that. Too bad.
Signed,
Ethel Theresa Wead.
July 4, 1901
Dear Diary,
Here I am, twenty years old and on my own in Omaha, studying medicine. I have met the most wonderful man, William Henry Mick. He is also studying to be a doctor. I enjoy discussing with him many of the world's current events.
Our favorite topic to debate is the decision of Congress to treat the Philippines as a colony. While we disagree on this decision, we are both supportive of Judge William Howard Taft who has gone to the Philippines to head up their government.
Signed,
Ethel Theresa Wead.
May 1904
Dear Diary,
I can hardly believe it! In the morning, I will become Mrs. Ethel T. Wead Mick. William is such a good man, and a Mason, too. What better combination is there in a prospective husband? Being married will be quite a change for me to make, but there are many changes happening all over.
Why, just the other day, the World's fair opened in St. Louis, Missouri. They are serving the latest crazes, iced tea and ice cream cones. What will they think of next?
Signed, (For the last time!)
Ethel Theresa Wead.
April 6, 1917
Dear Diary,
War has been declared. I have hoped that we would avoid the conflict that has raged in Europe, but that doesn't seen to be. William says that they will need all of the doctors they can get, so he has decided to serve in the War. Many of the Masons in William's Lodge are also making preparations to enlist is the Army. I've found a lot of emotional support from my fellow Eastern Star. I am so blessed to be part of the Masonic family. Although, sometimes I feel as though something is missing. There is no place in the Masonic Family for young ladies. I wonder what we can do about that...
Signed,
Ethel T. Wead Mick.
May 6, 1921
Dear Diary,
Today I became the first Honored Queen of Job's Daughters. Out of one hundred and eighteen girls who joined the Bethel when it was instituted, I am overjoyed to be chosen to serve as Honored Queen.
In Job's Daughters we are allowed to elect our five line officers. This would have been our only opportunity to elect our leaders, if it were not for the women's suffrage movement which finally won us the right to vote last August 26, in 1920.
Signed,
DeEtta B. Smith.
March 6, 1931
Dear Diary,
Today the first Bethel in Virginia was instituted. I am so excited to have been chosen to serve as Honored Queen. Job's Daughters is expanding to so many new places! In fact, Job's Daughters has even become an International Order, with the establishment of a Bethel in Vancouver, British Columbia. There's also a new rule concerning meetings. We now meet twice a month, for six months, and that constitutes a term.
Lately we've had some very interesting refreshments after the meetings. They've been serving foods that have just been invented, which include twinkies and toll house cookies. Yum!
Signed,
Philla Belle Burke.
June 6, 1944
Dear Diary,
D-Day has arrived! My fellow Job's Daughters who have been working for the war effort have been rejoicing all day! We know that in some way our Victory Gardens, and donations of Ambulances have helped the Allies turn the tide of the war towards victory. There is a total of three hundred, seventy-five Job's Daughter, including ninety-one Honored Queens, who have served in the Armed Forces throughout this war. We are so proud of our Jobie sisters who have served our country so faithfully.
Signed,
Virginia Lee Snarr.
August, 1955
Dear Diary,
Today I met Mother Mick! It was so exciting! I was riding on the train to Supreme Session, and she boarded! Mom Mick is such a wonderful woman. I'm so sorry that I didn't ask her to sign my ritual! I did get a chance to talk to her though. I asked her opinion on this new music called "Rock & Roll." Bill Haley has had a few hit songs, but we all think his music won't last.
Signed,
Nancy George.
November 25, 1963
Dear Diary,
Today was such a sad day. Our Bethel held a memorial service for the late President John F. Kennedy. We all respected him so much as a leader, and his passing has saddened us all. We have been praying for his family all week.
Signed,
Betty Redfield.
July 25, 1971
Dear Diary,
At the meeting tonight there was only one thing anyone could talk about: the newly passed twenty-sixth Amendment. This means that eighteen-year-olds can now vote. Imagine, Job's Daughters who aren't yet Majority Members voting for the President of the United States! How exciting!
Signed,
Diane K. Brown
November 15, 1984
Dear Diary,
Unfortunately, the first woman to run for the office of Vice President, Geraldine Ferraro lost today. Even though she was unsuccessful in her bid for office, she has taught me a very good lesson: I should strive to break all barriers that hold me back, just because I am a girl. There is no reason that I can't become the first woman President of the United States. In Jobies I have learned many leadership skills, and have polished the art of public speaking. I know that I have the power to become a great leader of the country, because I have had the opportunity to lead my Bethel.
Signed,
Tobie Buchannon
September 16, 1990
Dear Diary,
Today my Bethel had a cookie baking party. We made over ten dozen cookies to mail to the troops whose are serving in the Middle East. We've also been praying for the female pilot who has been shot down. I know it must be hard for the female soldiers in the Middle East because of so many cultural restrictions of women. I am so blessed to live in a country where my rights as a woman are equal to those of a man!
Signed,
Catherine Sheane
August 12, 1996
Dear Diary,
My trip to Australia has been the best ever! Job's Daughters has had so many positive changes occur at this Supreme Session. This is the first time a girl from the Philippines has been selected as Miss International Job's Daughters. I am so proud of my Jobie Sisters all over the world. I love the opportunity to travel to so many other countries. Now I just can't wait for Supreme Session to be held in Brazil.
Signed,
Julianne Summerford.
From Tiny seeds planted in fertile Nebraska soil, a mighty tree has grown, with branches reaching across four continents. With the loving support of both Daughters and adults, who knows how mighty our Order will grow!
This is not an empty envelope, but a hope chest waiting to be filled...