Louisa Gregory
Louisa Gregory | |
---|---|
Born | Louisa Catherine Allen December 9, 1848 Scott County, Kentucky, U.S. |
Died | May 1, 1920 Washington, D.C., U.S. | (aged 71)
Nationality | United States |
Alma mater | Illinois State Normal University |
Occupation | educator |
Employer | Illinois Industrial University (1874–1880) |
Known for | domestic science |
Spouse(s) |
Louisa Catherine Allen Gregory (December 9, 1848 – May 1, 1920), was a pioneer in the field of domestic science. She was born in 1848 in Scott County, Kentucky, and graduated from Decatur High School. She continued her pursuit of education, attending Illinois State Normal University. In 1874 Louisa Allen became a faculty member at Illinois Industrial University, as a pioneer member of the School of Domestic Science and Art.[1][2] In June 1880, she resigned as a professor at the University of Illinois after marrying Regent John Milton Gregory on June 18, 1879.[1][3][4] He died in 1898.[5]
Early life and education[]
Louisa Catherine Allen[4] was born in Scott County, Kentucky to David Skillman Allen and Amanda Risk Allen on December 9, 1848. Louisa Allen spent her childhood in the industrial revolution, where inventions such as the sewing machine made their debut.[6] She attended the local school in Mason County and committed herself to becoming a teacher in Illinois. She attended Illinois State Normal University in Bloomington, Illinois and obtained her degree in three years, graduating in 1870.
Shortly after leaving Normal University, Louisa Allen accepted a position as principal of the high school in Alton, Illinois. One year later she moved to Peoria and taught at the County Normal School until she was hired at Illinois Industrial University.[6]
Career[]
Louisa Allen became a professor at Illinois Industrial University, now known as the University of Illinois, in 1874 as a member of the School of Domestic Science and Art.[1][2] While teaching, Louisa Allen educated young women, proclaiming that " the house-keeper needs education as much as the house-builder," such that women can be "equals of their educated husbands and associates, and enabling them to bring the aids of science and culture to all the important labors and vocations of womanhood."[6] The curriculum for a degree in Domestic Science and Arts included everything from advanced botany, to medieval history, and Household Esthetics. While on staff at the university, Louisa Allen acted as the dean of women students, known as the Perceptress.[6] She resigned in 1880.[1]
Published Works[]
An American Housekeeper in Paris[]
Published on September 16, 1886, Louisa Allen Gregory submitted an article as a part of a publication called The Advance. This article focused primarily on the climate of American Housekeeping at that time. Gregory expresses her concerns about the "domestic issues in the United States" and how the French style of housekeeping may provide a solution.[7]
Death[]
Gregory died on May 1, 1920 in Washington, D.C..[8]
Legacy[]
Upon her death, scholarships were set up in Louisa Gregory's name at Kalamazoo College, University of Michigan and Illinois State University.[8]
References[]
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d Annual Report of the Board of Trustees of the Illinois Industrial University. Illinois Industrial University. Dec 31, 1881.
- ^ Jump up to: a b Course Catalog- 1875-1876. University of Illinois Archives: University of Illinois. 1875.
- ^ "Louisa Catherine Allen Gregory". Find a Grave. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "President Gregory's Captive". St. Louis Globe-Democrat. 1879-06-18. p. 4. Retrieved 2021-08-07 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Death of Dr. J. M. Gregory". The Champaign County News. Champaign, IL. p. 1. Retrieved 2021-08-07 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d Arnold, Louis Barber (1982). Women's Education in the Nineteenth Century. Columbia University.
- ^ Allen Gregory, Louisa (September 1886). "An American Housekeeper in Paris". The Advance. 21.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "Scholarships Only For Those Who Shun Booze and Tobacco". The Washington Herald. 1920-05-11. Retrieved 2021-08-07 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1848 births
- 1920 deaths
- American women academics
- People from Scott County, Kentucky
- Illinois State University alumni
- University of Illinois faculty