Amelia’s Impact
By: Bob Ford
( Articles and Podcasts are complementary from those helping to preserve our history: Nodaway Valley Bank, Eagle Communications, Mastio, and Anonymous Buffs.)
Did you ever feel you didn’t fit in? Did you care if you didn’t? You know if you would just conform, life would be so much easier, but it’s just not in you.
That’s how Amelia Earhart must have felt in Atchison, KS, especially since she grew up in the early 1900s. It’s people like Coco Chanel, Marie Curie, Osa Johnson, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Amelia who stayed focused and true to themselves that changed the world.
Amelia Earhart was a handful at the get-go. When she attended her first airshow in 1920, at the age of 22, Amelia knew what she wanted to become, an aviator.
Life in the early 20th century was difficult at best for women who challenged the norms, but after Amelia tasted success and her achievements were first accepted then acclaimed by a male-dominated society she thirsted for more. Faster, higher and further she went as records were broken, accolades rolled in and dreams achieved.
Once Amelia did give into social mores by finally accepting one of George Putnam’s marriage proposals, but only under her terms. She wrote her future husband a letter outlining what she would not become — a traditional subservient wife. George agreed, Amelia kept on flying with the blessing and promotional help of her husband.
No doubt, Amelia’s mysterious disappearance added to her legacy, but her bravery and accomplishments inspired mostly young girls to dream, strive and succeed.
A visit to the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum is a great escape for people of all ages. Each room is laden with Victorian furniture, Amelia memorabilia and stories of her adventures. You get the “feeling,” in this quaint house, overlooking the Missouri River that Amelia could walk into the room at any time wearing her signature leather jacket and cropped pants.
Take a drive and tell Heather and Madison you are FOB’s. Knock on the solid cherry banister that I’m sure Amelia rode down most every morning getting her first thrill of the day and rankling her parents as she slid towards immortality.
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Bob Ford’s articles will run on the 1st and 15th of each month. You can find more of his work including his
Bob Ford’s History, Mystery and Lore podcast on his website bobfordshistory.com.
The podcasts are also available on most streaming services. Bob can be reached at [email protected]