On this episode of A New York Minute in History, Devin Lander and Lauren Roberts discuss how the poor conditions of female textile workers in Capital Region cities led to the creation of a retreat on Lake George where women could “escape” the cities.
Wiawaka was founded by Mary Fuller, an advocate for women workers in Troy, and the wealthy philanthropists Katrina and Spenser Trask. Wiawaka originally included a planned artist’s retreat, called Wakonda, where Georgia O’Keeffe was invited to stay as a young artist and member of the Arts Students League. This introduction to Lake George had a monumental effect on O’Keeffe’s life and art, and she spent several years working in the area.
Guests include Doreen Kelly, executive director of Wiawaka, and Karen Quinn, art historian and curator at the New York State Museum.
A New York Minute In History is a production of the New York State Museum, WAMC, and Archivist Media, with support from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. This episode was produced by Jesse King. The theme music is “Begrudge” by Darby.
For a full list of this week’s New York Almanack podcasts announcements click HERE.
Fascinating histories that show the often peculiar way emergent industrial society tried to deal with class divisions and the loss of contact with nature in urban work.