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Women
in History
The Benefactor, the Bigamist and the Businesswoman - Stockton, CA
By Tod Ruhstaller - Executive Director & Curator of History at
The Haggin Museum in Stockton, CA
Eila Haggin McKee (1873-1936) In 1929, as the
San Joaquin Pioneer and Historical Society was try--with little
success--to raise funds to build a history museum in Stockton, Eila
Haggin McKee was living in New York. Nevertheless, her husband,
Robert T. McKee--writing on her behalf--offered the Society $30,000
and 180 paintings from his her family's art collection if they would
expand the focus of their planned museum to include an art wing
named in honor of her late father. The offer was gladly accepted
and it proved to be the impetus for a successful fund-raising
effort; two years later the museum opened as the LOUIS TERAH HAGGIN
MEMORIAL GALLERIES AND THE SAN JOAQUIN PIONEER & HISTORICAL MUSEUM.
Emma
LeDoux (1875-1941) Emma LeDoux holds
the ignominious honor of being the first woman in California to be
legally sentenced to die for murder. Convicted of murdering one of
her five husbands in Stockton in 1906, She never did meet her fate
on the gallows, but led a rather "colorful" existence--in and out of
prison--for the next thirty-five years.
The trunk in which
she stuffed her victim remains one of the more grisly items in the
Haggin history collection.
Tillie
Weisberg Lewis (1901-1977) A New Yorker who
came to California to find the right location to grow a special type
of tomato, Tillie would start a business empire during the
Depression that would last over 50 years. This businesswoman--known
variously as "Tillie of the Valley" and the "Tomato Queen"--left an
enduring legacy characterized by acumen and innovation. One of the
most interesting artifacts on display at the museum is one of the
vacuum cookers she used in her original cannery--and the story of
how it came to the museum is a tale in itself.
Blend
Radio Interview Tod Ruhstaller was a featured guest
on Way Back When online history radio, on Feb. 21, 2009, where he
talked about the fascinating lives of these three intriguing ladies.
To listen to the show, double click on the play button below.
Discover
Beautiful Historic Stockton
– Whether you are
planning a visit to the Greater Stockton region with your family, a tour
or conference group, the Stockton Conference & Visitors Bureau is at
your service to help you plan everything from lodging and dining, to
event and meeting recommendations. Plan your trip to Stockton.
www.VisitStockton.org
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Women
in History
Emma
LeDoux (1875-1941)
Tillie
Weisberg Lewis (1901-1977)
