No Ordinary Women Rose Stein and Lynn Pontillo

This week we drink margaritas from Brazo's while Lynn tells us about the absolutely awful life of Elizabeth Bathory. Elizabeth was a Hungarian noblewoman and a purported serial killer. She and four of her servants faced accusations of torturing and murdering hundreds of girls and women between 1590 and 1610.












Thank you to our sources!
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/bathorys-torturous-escapades-are-exposed  
https://www.historyhit.com/the-blood-countess-facts-about-elizabeth-bathory/ 
https://serialkillershistory.wordpress.com/2017/12/20/the-true-story-of-elizabeth-bathory-the-blood-countess-2/ 
Photos:
Čachtice Castle https://www.historyhit.com/app/uploads/2021/09/C%CC%8Cachtice-Castle.jpg 

 




 











 

This week we drink enormous Dark ‘n Stormy’s while Rose tells us about a sweet family trying to live a quiet life on a farm in Mexico. But we all know that is NOT how it ends. Jayne Valseca went to hell and back trying to save her husband’s life while at the same time fighting for her own. And of course, she also had to take care of three kids and run a ranch. Like a boss!  
Thank you to our sources!
https://www.oxygen.com/dateline-unforgettable/crime-news/eduardo-valseca-wife-jayne-mexico-kidnapping 
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/jayne-rager-whose-husband-was-kidnapped-in-mexico-dies-at-45/2012/05/07/gIQASKy08T_story.html 
https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna35781197

This week Lynn tells us about ANOTHER woman who took matters into her own hands. Told all the men what to do, played the role of father, mother, wife, husband, and caretaker. All while overseeing the building of this little bridge called the BROOKLYN BRIDGE! 
Yep you heard it right, a woman was behind the erection of that stunning bridge. 
Look how long it’s lasted…why do we continue to doubt the capability of women?
 
Thank you to our sources!!
https://www.asce.org/about-civil-engineering/history-and-heritage/notable-civil-engineers/emily-warren-roebling 
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Emily-Warren-Roebling
https://theglindafactor.com/emily-warren-roebling/
https://www.magnificentwomen.co.uk/engineer-of-the-week/83-emily-roebling
https://wams.nyhistory.org/industry-and-empire/labor-and-industry/emily-warren-roebling/#teaching
https://guides.archives.rpi.edu/agents/people/146
https://www.womenhistoryblog.com/2014/06/emily-warren-roebling.html 
Photos:
https://www.bkwaterfronthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/unsung_builders_5-634x960.jpg 
https://assets.editorial.aetnd.com/uploads/2009/11/brooklyn-bridge-gettyimages-90002294.jpg?width=828&amp%3Bheight=400&amp%3Bcrop=2%3A1&quality=75&auto=webp
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/80/Brooklyn_Museum_-_Portrait_of_Emily_Warren_Roebling_-_Charles-%C3%89mile-Auguste_Carolus-Duran.jpg
https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/10/13/78481631-12815103-Emily_Roebling_right_pictured_next_to_her_husband_Washington_Roe-a-112_1702215945515.jpg
https://willplumb.com/wp-content/uploads/Emily-Roebling.jpg 

In May 1973, after conquering Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain, Hannelore Schmatz and her husband set their sights on a new challenge—Mount Everest.
Tragically, exhaustion overcame Hannelore and American climber Ray Genet in the Death Zone. Despite sherpas advising them to press on, Genet chose to stay, leading to his death from hypothermia. Hannelore's descent continued but ended in her passing at 39, becoming the first woman and German to die on Everest.
Her lifeless body, eerily well-preserved, remained on Everest, known as the "German Woman." In 1984, an attempt to recover her body ended in more tragedy. Finally, a gust of wind sent her body over the Kangshung Face, lost forever.
Hannelore's story sheds light on the challenges of Everest, where fatigue, harsh conditions, and risky decisions can lead to tragedy. With over 200 bodies on the mountain, it serves as a stark warning to those daring to venture into the Death Zone.
Thank you to our sources!!
https://allthatsinteresting.com/hannelore-schmatz
https://www.tranquilkilimanjaro.com/about-hannelore-schmatz-the-first-german-and-first-woman-to-die-on-mount-everest/
https://thoughtnova.com/hannelore-schmatz-the-first-woman-to-die-on-everest-and-the-dead-bodies-on-mount-everest
http://www.mounteverest.net/expguide/permit.htm
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/article/climbing-mount-everest-1
https://www.businessinsider.com/dead-bodies-on-mount-everest-are-hard-to-get-down-2019-5
https://basecampmagazine.com/2020/01/18/requirements-climbing-mount-everest/
https://www.globaladventurechallenges.com/journal/mind-blowing-facts-about-mount-everest
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/12-extreme-facts-about-mount-everest/CAX46UUCXLFBWBUVKLK7RHTHHU/
 

In an era when women faced societal restrictions in the legal field, Belva Lockwood emerged as a fearless advocate for justice and equality. Born in 1830, she overcame adversity to become the first woman to practice law before the U.S. Supreme Court.
From a humble beginning in Royalton, New York, Belva lacked social status and riches. Widowed at 22 with a toddler, she fought for education and persuaded Genesee College to admit her. Despite societal norms, she became a prominent lawyer, challenging gender stereotypes.
Belva's vibrant household in downtown Washington became a legal hub. She fearlessly commuted on her bike, challenging societal norms. Her legal career saw notable cases, including being the first woman to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court in Kaiser v. Stickney.
In her 70s and 80s, Belva continued her legal career, advocating for peace and representing the Eastern Cherokee in a successful Supreme Court case. An advocate for women's suffrage, she marched for the cause until her passing in 1917 at 86.
Belva Lockwood's legacy lives on as a pioneer for women in law and politics.











Thank you to our sources!!
https://www.womenofthehall.org/inductee/belva-lockwood/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belva_Ann_Lockwood
https://awpc.cattcenter.iastate.edu/directory/belva-lockwood/
https://postalmuseum.si.edu/exhibition/women-on-stamps-part-1-political-firsts/belva-ann-lockwood
https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2005/spring/belva-lockwood-1
https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/buffalo/news/2023/03/22/niagara-county-pioneer-belva-lockwood-first-to-shatter-glass-ceiling
https://nwculaw.edu/belva-ann-lockwood-biography
 PHOTOS:
https://tpsteachersnetwork.org/images/tps/images/116095cae06490f5c23.89344126.jpg
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT_fm02HfrLuqIXxbg4yjPX3-e4HoC3UJMoEg&usqp=CAU
https://i0.wp.com/nursingclio.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Belva-Lockwood-1915-LOC.jpg?ssl=1

In January 1988, Susan, an ER nurse, embarked on a journey to find love. Little did she know, her path would lead her through highs and lows, testing her strength and resilience.
After a whirlwind romance, Susan and Michael's marriage took a dark turn. Facing financial conflicts, anger issues, and strained relationships, Susan bravely confronted the challenges head-on. Her decision for a trial separation marked the beginning of a life-altering event.
Fast forward to September 6, 2006 – a night that would redefine Susan's strength. A brutal attack in her own home by a man named Ed Haffey, linked to a haunting past of conspiracy and murder. In a gripping 14-minute struggle, Susan fought for her life, emerging victorious against all odds.
The aftermath revealed a sinister plot involving her ex-husband, Michael, offering money for Susan's murder. The weight of the evidence led to Michael's conviction, yet he never acknowledged guilt until his passing.
Susan's resilience shines through as she took precautions against potential threats, sought justice through legal means, and became an advocate for crime victims. Her journey is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure, overcome, and inspire.
Thank you to our sources!
https://www.wweek.com/news/2016/08/17/a-hit-man-came-to-kill-susan-kuhnhausen-she-survived-he-didnt/
https://www.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2008/03/woman_who_strangles_attacker_w.html
https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2014/06/portlander_who_hired_hitman_to.html
https://original.newsbreak.com/@true-crime-mysteries-megan-1588233/2807116309578-man-sends-a-hitman-to-kill-his-wife-but-she-strangled-her-attacker
https://www.wweek.com/news/2016/08/17/a-hit-man-came-to-kill-susan-kuhnhausen-she-survived-he-didnt/
https://blurredbylines.com/articles/susan-kuhnhausen-walters-survivor-hitman-portland/