Tales of our Beginnings

Cadott • Cornell • Lake Holcombe areas

An Early Feminist?

Years ago, a woman often wasn’t allowed to control her own finances. If her husband met an untimely death, immediately her father, brother or brother-inlaw, would take over control of all money or assets, and determine what would happen to the family. Well, my great-grandmother lived at the end of these times. But even now, the husband had the only, and final, say, on how their money was spent.

My grandmother often told me how badly her mother wanted a car to go to church and meet her friends. In Chippewa Falls, there were quite a few cars and, oh, they looked so beautiful, could go so fast and were so comfortable.

Well, great-grandpa said it was out of the question. Who needed a car when one had a good horse and wagon, already paid for? Besides, great-grandpa had a business – he sold fruits and vegetables to Sokup’s Market, and a car wouldn’t be good for that.

Time went on and great-grandma thought about how she could buy a car. Options – laundress? Already one in town. Teacher? Had to be single. Restaurant? Already enough in town. Or, heaven forbid – prostitution? She didn’t think either she or grandpa would approve.

Well, finally after much consideration, she decided to sell some home brew made by a friend. She would be a middleman. She would sell it from her home in Chippewa Falls, to help out her friend.

To make a long story short, as soon as she had enough money, she bought her car. And, did she love it. But, no matter where she and grandpa went, she went in the car, and he went by horse and buggy. He was a stubborn old man.

(Submitted by a member of the Cadott Area Historical Society about her great-grandmother.)