Ellen Swallow Richards

Today was a great day in Indiana.  We are back in our home state (Joyce and Bob) and took time out to spend a day with Ellen at Ball State University.  We have been to over 30 venues with the “Ellen Show” and this was a super event.  We were scheduled for the entire day with a precision that Ellen would have loved.  We spoke to a class early in the AM, and then a second class and a great reception hosted by the FACS Education students.  For lunch, we were treated to great hospitality at the home of Sue Whittaker, along with several faculty members.  We enjoyed much rich conversation about our work with family and consumer sciences through the years. We enjoyed the dialogue with the students about our history as well as their future in the work place.  Below are photos of some of the FACS Students at Ball State.

Nancy Thompson, FACS Ed Faculty, along with the President of the student organization, Ashley.

Last evening Ellen was pleased to visit with the District 8 FACS teachers for their professional development meeting.  Our hosts from Tuscola High School had decorated the local Stompin’ Ground Auditorium with gorgeous quilts and other familiar antiques. We shared the Life and Legacy of Ellen Richards, listened to a version of IN HER OWN WORDS and enjoyed much Rich Conversation about the history of home economics and family and consumer sciences in North Carolina.  Four counties were represented with teachers from  5 high schools represented.  Susan Holt, from Erwin HS in Asheville brought her former home economics teacher, Mary Smith.  Mary shared many memories of her home economics career.  Susan also was pleased to tell everyone that Lacey Grogan Davis also from Erwin was one of her students. We had three generations of teachers with us.  What a legacy to behold.  

Mary Smith, Susan Holt, Lacey Grogan Davis