What a fascinating story. Annie Deihm’s “Centennial Safe” really captures the spirit of 1876 —a mix of patriotism, promotion, and business opportunity. She clearly knew how to connect her project to big national names like Ulysses S. Grant and George Washington, while also building interest in her own publications. Wrapping a money-making idea in national pride was smart and she seems to have done it very well.
The image of that large, decorated safe, locked until 1976, is striking. It makes you think about how much of the Centennial was about honouring the past and how much was about leaving a mark for the future.
Every community should have multiple public community gatherings throughout the country celebrating 250 years of family stories, memorabilia, antiques and share them at public gatherings throughout the country--you know, we the peoples' stories!
This one came to me via email, Lori (in case you need to know after your recent hiccups with mail deliveries). A really interesting series ... She is such a resourceful and tenacious woman.
I’m loving this series Lori. Annie was a very savvy women and I would say, not to be messed with.
What a fascinating story. Annie Deihm’s “Centennial Safe” really captures the spirit of 1876 —a mix of patriotism, promotion, and business opportunity. She clearly knew how to connect her project to big national names like Ulysses S. Grant and George Washington, while also building interest in her own publications. Wrapping a money-making idea in national pride was smart and she seems to have done it very well.
The image of that large, decorated safe, locked until 1976, is striking. It makes you think about how much of the Centennial was about honouring the past and how much was about leaving a mark for the future.
I’m looking forward to reading more.
Every community should have multiple public community gatherings throughout the country celebrating 250 years of family stories, memorabilia, antiques and share them at public gatherings throughout the country--you know, we the peoples' stories!
This one came to me via email, Lori (in case you need to know after your recent hiccups with mail deliveries). A really interesting series ... She is such a resourceful and tenacious woman.
Thanks, Jane! Annie definitely was a “go-getter” as my grandma used to say 😉.
Hopefully the email issue has been corrected, tho Substack hasn’t contacted me yet to let me know what the problem was.