60 Seconds for Thoughts on Thursday: You Can’t Because You’re a Girl!

Hello to you listening in Wakefield, Massachusetts!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is 60 Seconds for Thoughts on Thursday with your host, Diane Wyzga.

Charley Parkhurst was about 40 years old when hired on as a six-in hand stage coach driver with Wells Fargo & Co. working some of the most treacherous routes in Northern California. Charley’s style was a little unusual: clean shaven, leather gloves worn summer and winter, and boots with elevated heels. Even so, Charley battled bandits, fought, drank, smoked, and gambled with the best of them.

Charley’s death from cancer in 1879 revealed the disguise: Charley was born Charlotte Parkhurst in New Hampshire, escaped from an orphanage, dressed as a boy, learned to handle horses, worked as a lumberjack, and voted in a Presidential election some 50 years before women were given the right to vote.

“The only people who have occasion to be disturbed by the career of Charley Parkhurst are the gentlemen who have so much to say about ‘woman’s sphere’ and ‘the weaker vessel,’ ” The Providence, R.I. Journal wrote. “It is beyond question that one of the soberest, pleasantest, most expert drivers in this State, and one of the most celebrated of the world-famed California drivers was a woman. And is it not true that a woman had done what women can do?”

Question: What will you say when people tell you, “You can’t because you’re a girl”?

You’re invited: “Come for the stories – stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a nice shout out on your social media or podcast channel of choice, including Android, Amazon Music and Audible and join us next time! Remember to stop by the website, check out the Services, arrange a Discovery Call, and Opt In to stay current with Diane and Quarter Moon Story Arts and on Linked In: linkedin.com/in/diane-f-wyzga-78403919a

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

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