Author: Darla Shaw

Dr. Darla Shaw portrays Florence Powdermaker and tells the story of her sister Hortense, both Doctorates, who in the 1920s contributed greatly to the fields of psychiatry and anthropology, respectively. They lived on a 103-acre farm in Ridgebury for 30 years. Powdermaker Drive is named after them.

Dr. Darla Shaw portrays one of the town’s very first female entrepreneurs, Jeanne Cook, who moved to Ridgefield in 1970 and ran her own travel business on Main Street for over 25 years.

Dr. Darla Shaw shares the story of Jacqueline Seligmann, the “Cat Lady” of Barrack Hill and Old West Mountain Road. Darla speaks in the first person about her unusual relationship with Jacqueline.

Dr. Darla Shaw portrays Carmela Sabilia, better known as “The Peanut Lady” or “Mama Joe,” who emigrated from Italy to Georgetown in 1898.

Dr. Darla Shaw portrays Mildred Gilman Wohlforth, a well-known and highly paid crime journalist who lived in Ridgefield for over 60 years.

Dr. Darla Shaw portrays Dr. Blandina Worcester Brewster (1902-1984), who was a pioneering pediatrician and professor of pediatrics in New York City.

Dr. Darla Shaw portrays Kathryn Morgan Ryan, an accomplished writer and researcher, who lived and worked in Ridgefield for over 30 years.

Dr. Darla Shaw portrays Elizabeth Biglow Ballard who lived in the former home of Philip Burr Bradley. This property is now Ballard Park.