Ellen Galusha Smith, Part II: The Forgotten Playwright of the New Hamlet
In April 2025, we celebrated Ellen “Nellie” Galusha Smith (1849–1922) as a passionate artist and advocate for women’s education and civic leadership. But Ellen’s creative influence extended even further—into the world of literature, where she authored one of the most extraordinary and misunderstood plays of the early 20th century.
That play was The New Hamlet, published in 1902 under the byline “Wm. Hawley Smith and The Smith Family.” For decades, this was assumed to mean her husband, the well-known educator and lecturer, was the primary author. He wasn’t.
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Ellen “Nellie” Hinsdale Galusha Smith (1849–1922)
Do you ever wonder about the portrait of the lovely woman that hangs in our dining room at the Peoria Women’s Club? An artist, author, and visionary, Ellen Galusha Smith was a founding member of the Peoria Women’s Club and one of its most dynamic early figures. Born in Lisbon, Illinois in 1849 to a family of prominent Vermont lineage—including two early governors—Ellen inherited a love of learning and a pioneering spirit.
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Celebrating National Poetry Month
As we welcome March, we look ahead to National Poetry Month in April—a time to celebrate the power of words and the beauty of expression. President John F. Kennedy, in his remarks at Amherst College on October 26, 1963, honoring poet Robert Frost, eloquently captured the essence of poetry's role in our lives:
“When power leads men towards arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of man's concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.”
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The Story of Peoria Women’s Club Tea (and Coffee)
On February 17, 1896, the Peoria Women’s Club received a unique business proposition from Gauss & Shurtleff, a well-established local grocery firm. The company sought exclusive rights to name a special tea blend after the club. In return, they promised to provide the club with free tea. After a brief discussion, a motion was passed granting them the right to name it "Peoria Women’s Club Tea," modifying the originally proposed name by dropping "House" and adding "Peoria."
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Founders Day from the Archives
We are excited to revive a cherished tradition from our early years for this year's Founder's Day celebration. In honor of the club’s 139th anniversary, we invite members to present thoughtful gifts to the club, just as our founding members did in 1896.
These contributions will help us celebrate our past and look forward to the future of the Peoria Women's Club. Following this announcement, you will find a registry of items requested by the Social Committee. We look forward to celebrating this special occasion together!
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Stirring Change: How Suffrage Cookbooks Contributed to the Movement for Women's Rights
Suffrage cookbooks blended culinary tradition with political strategy, offering women a platform to showcase their skills while advocating for their right to vote. Descendants of post-Civil War charity cookbooks, these publications aimed to raise funds for war victims and church-related initiatives.
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Witches and Reform: The PWC’s Spellbinding Past
When the Peoria Women’s Club (PWC) was founded in 1886, it became a crucial platform for addressing issues like education, suffrage, and social reform. During this era, Spiritualism also surged, offering comfort and a unique public space for mourning. Séances and mediumship became popular as people sought solace.
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Lydia Moss Bradley: Shaping Community Through Visionary Support and Legacy
The Peoria Women’s Club (PWC) embarked on an ambitious quest to establish a permanent headquarters, with Lydia Moss Bradley playing a crucial role in bringing this vision to fruition.
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Community Relationships: Peoria Women's Club and the NSDAR
The Peoria Chapter NSDAR was founded on Flag Day in 1896, with Mary Rouse and Lucie Brotherson Tyng among its 16 charter members. Interestingly, Mary and Lucie helped found the PWC a decade earlier.
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Why is Shakespeare's Bust in the Peoria Women’s Club President's Office?
Notably, a Shakespeare Class was founded under the Art and Literature department in 1888, preceding the establishment of the first Shakespeare Club in Avon, Illinois, by six years in 1894.
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