Kate Gleason a Remarkable Pioneer
The Anthony House was delighted to feature author Janis F. Gleason for two programs on March 21, introducing the audience to the new biography of the woman Susan B. Anthony declared to be “the ideal business woman of whom I dreamed fifty years ago.” Engineer, entrepreneur, bank executive, and philanthropist were among Kate’s accomplishments. “She built a country club and a golf course, ran a trailer car company, and designed what was perhaps the first mobile camper pulled by an automobile. . .bought land. . .built houses. . .constructed a hotel, a resort” and helped “to rebuild the structure and spirit of the war-decimated town” of Septmonts, France, writes Gleason.
Here’s what executive director, Deborah L. Hughes, says about this new biography:
Kate Gleason was born into a world and a century that wasn’t ready for her confidence, courage, or competence,just like her friend and mentor, Susan B. Anthony. Kate was more than ready for the world. Plunge into the “Life and Letters” to journey with this remarkable woman whose life flows from the end of the Civil War to the beginning of the Great Depression, from Rochester to France, and from California to South Carolina. You will emerge feeling energized and renewed by what woman can accomplish.
The Life and Letters of Kate Gleason is available in our Visitors Center Museum Shop and in our online store.



We would like to introduce you to “Ms. Anthony.” Designed by the Abigail Riggs Collection for the Susan B. Anthony House, Ms. Anthony is a numbered, limited edition purse–a contemporary version of Susan B Anthony’s trademark alligator bag. Gail Riggs, principal of the Abigail Riggs Collection, designed the purse and generously offered it to the Susan B. Anthony House to use as a fundraiser. The Abigail Riggs Collection is known for its stunning, one-of-a-kind purses and gift items and for its generous philanthropy and support of the community. The Susan B. Anthony House is deeply grateful to Gail and the Abigail Riggs Collection for this opportunity.