Category: Women’s History

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.

Edwina Eustis Dick was a pioneer in the field of music therapy and was a founding member of the American Symphony Orchestra.

Dr. Darla Shaw portrays editor, journalist, and publisher Abigail Goodrich Whittlesey who founded The Mother’s Magazine in the 1830s. She grew up in Ridgefield and was the daughter of Reverend Samuel Goodrich and the sister of prolific children’s author Samuel Goodrich (Jr.) also known as Peter Parley.

Dr. Darla Shaw portrays humorist Irene Kampen who wrote several books about her life. Irene’s parents lived in Ridgefield and so did she for over 30 years.

Dr. Darla Shaw portrays internationally acclaimed harpist Lois Bannerman who later in life had a career in film, television, and on Broadway. She lived in Ridgefield in the 1950s on one of the largest pieces of land in the Turner Road/Saw Mill area of town.

Dr. Darla Shaw portrays socialite, jewelry designer, and business woman Jolie Gabor, Countess de Szigethy. She is most well-known for being the mother of actresses and fellow socialites Eva, Zsa Zsa, and Magda. The four Gabors were known as the “blonde bombshells of Bulgaria.” Jolie moved to Ridgefield in the late 1960s.