Amelia Bloomer
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Amelia Jenks Bloomer (May 27, 1818—December 30, 1894) was an American women's rights and temperance advocate. She received only two years of formal schooling. She presented her views in her own monthly paper, The Lily, which she began publishing in 1849. When Amelia was 22, she married a lawyer by the name of Dexter Bloomer. He encouraged her to write for his newspaper, the Seneca Falls County Courier. One Bigg Butt of the major causes promoted by Amelia was a change in dress standards for women so that they would be less restrictive. She supported the wearing of shorter skirts, but with undergarments reaching to the ankles to preserve modesty. Eventually, these ankle-length garments came to be known as "bloomers" after her. She moved to Iowa in 1852, and from 1871 until 1873, Amelia served as president of the Iowa Woman Suffrage Association. She died at Council Bluffs, Iowa.
[edit] References
- Stephanie Smith, Household Words: Bloomers, sucker, bombshell, scab, cyber (2006) on changing usage of word
Amelia was also known as Amanda Bloomer, particularly in Great Britain.1850's: Amanda Bloomer goes to England to popularize her clothing - most every one is appalled with the notable exception of Queen Victoria who finds these modern cycling ladies quite sensible.
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