Precious and Adored: The Love Letters of Rose Cleveland and Evangeline Simpson Whipple, 1890-1918
A Discussion with authors Tilly Laskey and Lizzie Ehrenhalt
Wednesday, October 2, 2019, 7pm
Please join Tilly Laskey and Lizzie Ehrenhalt in a discussion about their book “Precious and Adored: The Love Letters of Rose Cleveland and Evangeline Simpson Whipple, 1890-1918”.
In 1890, Rose Cleveland, sister of President Grover Cleveland, began writing to Evangeline Simpson, a wealthy widow who would become the second wife of Henry Whipple, Minnesota’s Episcopal bishop. The women corresponded across states and continents, discussing their advocacy and humanitarian work–and demonstrating their sexual attraction, romance, and partnership. In 1910, after Evangeline Whipple was again widowed, the two women sailed to Italy and began a life together
The letters, most written in Cleveland’s dramatic, quirky style, guide readers through new love, heartbreak, and the rekindling of a committed relationship. Lillian Faderman’s foreword provides the context for same-sex relationships at the time. An introduction and annotations by editors Lizzie Ehrenhalt and Tilly Laskey discuss the women’s social and political circles and explain references to friends, family, and historical events.
After Rose Cleveland’s death, Evangeline Whipple described her as “my precious and adored life-long friend.” This collection, rare in its portrayal of nineteenth-century LGBTQ history, brings their poignant story back to life.
Books will be available for sale at the event.
Admission: $3.00/Non-member
Free for RCHS Members and Students of all ages with school ID
The Rice County Historical Society is at at 1814 NW 2nd Ave., Faribault, MN. For questions call the RCHS Museum at 507-332-2121 or email us at rchs@rchistory.org. Reservations for the program are not required but are encouraged.
Upcoming Events
Please Join Us!
We have three events/programs coming up in the next week:
Monday, September 23, 7pm: We’re hosting “WOW – Women of War”, with artist Al Smith. This event is co-sponsored by the Faribault Branch of the American Association of University Women. Click here for more information
Saturday, September 28, 4-7pm: We will hold our 7th Annual “Night at the Museum” event. This living history event is fun for all ages. Click here for more information.
Wednesday, October 2, 7pm: We are thrilled to host, “Precious and Adored: The Love Letters of Rose Cleveland and Evangeline Simpson Whipple, 1890-1918”. Join us for this conversation with authors Tilly Laskey and Lizzie Ehrenhalt. Book signing to follow the program Click here for more information.
“Collecting Toys”
a Talk with Don Hora & Pat O’Connor
c. 1950
Thursday, August 15, 2019 – 7:00 pm
Come and learn the ins & outs of collecting toys. Don collects toy tractors and Pat collects toy cap guns. Both are RCHS volunteers and have shared their collections with us for our temporary Toy Exhibit.
Join us and find out how they started and what keeps them going.
$3 per person Free for members. Walk-ins are welcome. Reservations are encouraged.
For more information call us at 507-332-2121.
RCHS’s Spring Flea Market
Saturday, May 18, 2019, 8:00 am-2:00 pm
Rain or Shine!
The Rice County Historical Society will be hosting its Spring Flea Market on Saturday, May 18. Market vendors will bring a great variety of items to shop for including; antiques, collectibles, crafts, glassware, kitchen appliances, wood benches, and more.
All who are interesting in being a vendor (of any experience level) are encouraged to give us a call. Vendor spots available are 10’x20’ stalls and can be reserved for $20 prior to the day of the event. If there are any spaces remaining, they will be available for $25 on the day of the event. You are encouraged to bring a tarp or table, canopy, or whatever necessary to display your items. First time sellers are welcome! Vendors will be able to set up starting at 5:30 am.
The Flea Market will be in the Museum’s front parking lot as well as behind the RCHS Museum of History, at 1814 NW 2nd Avenue, Faribault, MN 55021. Vendors are invited to reserve a spot for the Flea Market by making a fee payment and completing a Vendor Agreement Form.
RCHS will have bottled water and coffee available for purchase. The RCHS Museum of History will be open to the public during the Flea Market free of charge. There is free parking available for the event.
Please contact the Rice County Historical Society at (507) 332-2121 with any questions.