Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities - Episode: "Pack It In" Release Date: November 14, 2024

Introduction

In the latest episode of Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities, host Aaron Manke delves into two captivating historical narratives that intertwine heroism, deception, and the enduring power of literature. This episode, titled "Pack It In," explores the remarkable life of Sarah Emma Edmonds, a woman who defied societal norms during the American Civil War, and the pioneering efforts of the Packhorse Library program that brought books to the remote Appalachian Mountains during the Great Depression.

Sarah Emma Edmonds: A Woman of Many Faces in the Civil War

Aaron Manke begins the episode by recounting the extraordinary life of Sarah Emma Edmonds, born Sarah Edmondson in New Brunswick, Canada, in 1841. Growing up on a farm, Sarah faced gender-based abuse from her father, leading her to seek escape through stories of fantasy and adventure. Inspired by the fictional pirate captain Fanny Campbell, Sarah's desire for a better life prompted her to leave home at 15, adopting the surname Edmonds with her mother's assistance to avoid impending marriage and her father's control.

Defying Gender Norms

At 15, Sarah fled her oppressive environment:

"There must be something better out there, away from her father." ([00:41])

To pursue autonomy, Sarah disguised herself as a boy named Franklin Thompson, securing employment as a door-to-door Bible salesman in Connecticut. Her transformation was not merely for economic gain; it was a strategic move to carve out a space for herself in a male-dominated society.

Enlisting in the Union Army

With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Sarah saw an opportunity to contribute more significantly to the Union cause. Adopting the alias Franklin Flint Thompson, she enlisted in the 2nd Michigan Infantry. Her roles during the war were diverse and critical:

• Support Roles: Assisting wounded soldiers and serving as a mail carrier.
• Combat Participation: Fighting in pivotal battles like the Siege of Yorktown, Virginia.
• Espionage Activities: According to her memoir, The Female Spy of the Union Army, Sarah undertook daring missions behind Confederate lines. She employed various disguises, including altering her appearance with silver nitrate to appear as a black man and posing as an Irish peddler to glean intelligence from Confederate soldiers.

A notable moment in her espionage was when she confessed the fictional elements of her memoir:

"Not strictly so." ([05:50])

Sarah's admission that her memoir contained fabricated stories has led historians to debate the veracity of her claimed spy activities. Despite the skepticism surrounding her espionage claims, her contributions to the Union effort are undeniable. Her fellow soldiers regarded her as a dedicated and effective member of the infantry, irrespective of her true identity.

Legacy and Heroism

While questions remain about the extent of her spy activities, Sarah Emma Edmonds undoubtedly played a vital role during the Civil War. Her ability to navigate and survive in a variety of challenging roles showcases her resilience and determination. Although she may have embellished aspects of her story, Sarah remains a fascinating figure who challenged the gender norms of her time and left a lasting impact on history.

The Packhorse Library: Spreading Knowledge in Rural Appalachia

The second narrative transports listeners to the depths of the Appalachian Mountains during the Great Depression. Aaron Manke explores how President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal initiative, specifically the Works Progress Administration (WPA), addressed both economic hardship and illiteracy in eastern Kentucky through the innovative Packhorse Library program.

Origins and Challenges

Initiated in 1935, the Packhorse Library program aimed to make literature accessible to the nearly 33% of eastern Kentuckians who were illiterate and living in remote areas. Building on Mae Stafford's 1913 attempt, the program enlisted women to deliver books via mules and horses to isolated mountain communities.

"They had to travel nearly 100 miles a week through rain and snow, sometimes arriving home with their feet frozen to the stirrups." ([07:16])

The logistical challenges were immense. Without modern infrastructure, librarians faced treacherous terrains, harsh weather, and threats from wildlife. Additionally, securing funding for mules, horses, and books required resourcefulness from the communities themselves.

Impact and Success

Despite the obstacles, the Packhorse Library program thrived. By 1937, it served over 50,000 families and nearly 200 public schools. The libraries stocked a diverse collection, ranging from practical guides to engaging novels, which fostered communal reading and learning.

"It truly is a miracle, an evidence of the enduring power of books." ([07:16])

Families often gathered to read together, with children assisting their parents, thereby improving literacy rates and strengthening community bonds. The program not only provided educational resources but also a sense of hope and normalcy during a period of widespread economic despair.

Transition to Bookmobiles

With the onset of World War II and the consequent shift in economic priorities, New Deal projects began to wind down. The Packhorse Library program concluded in 1943, having laid the groundwork for future literacy initiatives. The advent of roads facilitated the introduction of motorized bookmobiles in 1946, ensuring the continuation of accessible library services. Today, Kentucky's libraries operate 75 bookmobiles, a testament to the lasting legacy of the Packhorse Library program.

Conclusion

In this episode of Cabinet of Curiosities, Aaron Manke masterfully intertwines the stories of two pioneering women who leveraged unconventional methods to overcome societal and logistical barriers. Sarah Emma Edmonds' clandestine contributions during the Civil War and the Packhorse Library program's dedication to rural education both highlight the extraordinary lengths individuals and communities will go to achieve progress and empowerment. These narratives not only entertain but also inspire, underscoring the resilience and ingenuity that define human history.

Notable Quotes:

• Sarah on her quest for a better life: "There must be something better out there, away from her father." ([00:41])
• Sarah admitting her memoir's fictional elements: "Not strictly so." ([05:50])
• On the enduring power of books: "It truly is a miracle, an evidence of the enduring power of books." ([07:16])

For those intrigued by these stories, consider subscribing to Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities on Apple Podcasts or visiting curiositiespodcast.com to explore more fascinating tales from the annals of history.