There is something bold, almost sassy about Emilie, Lilian and Myrtle photos.  Educated, ambitious, beautiful, well-off, and talented they were poster women for the times they lived in.   A step-change in a single generation, women were crossing the Rubicon.

During the first quarter of the 20th century heady opportunities bubbled in the cities.  Good jobs outside the home. Not the old seamstress, nanny or washwoman options but interesting jobs that could pay a real wage.  Women’s household duties lightened with a myriad of changes rushing into daily city life, like indoor plumbing, ready-made clothing, sewing machines, iceboxes, early attempts at birth control, electric lighting and telephones.  Also, women had become a political force.  By 1920 winning the right to vote.

This was especially true in places like Takoma Park, Maryland, right outside Washington DC, where Emilie, Lilian and Myrtle Lewton lived.  Emilie became a successful real estate agent.   Lilian and Myrtle were young superstars, captured in local newspapers, decidedly modern in their perspective and activities.  A world with so many female constraints newly lifted.

This photo gallery gathers some choice examples of Emilie, Lilian and Myrtle happily crossing this Rubicon.

Emilie as young woman

Lilian and Myrtle looking cute in matching outfits

The Home Interest Club, one of many clubs Emilie belonged to over the years

Emilie in play, 2nd from upper right

“The Wild Girls of Florida”, Emilie is second from left

Emilie was a women’s suffragette, marching in the Washington DC parade; this is a picture of women picking the White House in 1917

Emilie pictured in newspaper article about her real estate agent journey

Emilie running for councilwoman

Lilian and a fellow high school boy won awards; Lilian is behind Takoma Park flag to right

Lilian was in plays, debate teams, agriculture clubs and contests, frequently in the local newspapers

Both Lilian and Myrtle receive Golden Eaglet awards from the Belgium Queen in 1919. This is the highest honor a Girl Scout can receive.

Myrtle canoed on the MAC team winning many metals

Myrtle in Park Central Athletic Club brochure

Myrtle was a top national level sharpshooter for both MAC and Maryland teams

Myrtle was a soloist on national radio with articles highlighting her opera future

Myrtle modeled for the Ford Company, however, this picture has gone viral, many stating she is an example of woman farmer — not quite!

© copyright 2018 by Elizabeth Scott Wright