Behind the Scenes Minis: Helen and Ada Stuff You Missed in History Class – Released February 7, 2025

Hosts: Holly Fry and Tracy B. Wilson
Producer: iHeartPodcasts

1. Introduction to Helen McNichol and Ada Coleman

The episode opens with Tracy B. Wilson expressing her enthusiasm for Impressionist art and highlighting the significant roles played by women artists like Helen McNichol and Dorothea Sharp. Tracy emphasizes the importance of these women carving out spaces for themselves in a male-dominated world.

Tracy B. Wilson [02:23]: "I love that she and Dorothea Sharp made a space for themselves in a world that was not really amenable to women living on their own."

2. Researching Helen McNichol: Challenges and Insights

Holly and Tracy discuss the difficulties encountered while researching Helen McNichol. Due to the scarcity of detailed personal records, it was challenging to paint a comprehensive picture of McNichol's life and personality. Tracy speculates that undiscovered letters or diaries might offer deeper insights into McNichol's thoughts, including her views on the suffrage movement.

Tracy B. Wilson [02:56]: "It was a challenging episode to work on because there's just not a lot of information about details that would be really helpful to know more about for an episode like this."

3. The Fluidity of Artistic Movements: Impressionism’s Spread

Holly delves into the complexities of defining historical timelines, particularly with artistic movements like Impressionism. She points out that while the Renaissance had a defined period in certain regions, its influence rippled differently across the globe.

Holly Fry [06:03]: "We lose our ability to recognize the wiggly ness of the timeline... in some places, but other places we're still working it out."

Tracy adds that Canadian Impressionism emerged later than its French counterpart, underlining the regional variations in adopting and adapting artistic styles.

Tracy B. Wilson [07:15]: "Impressionism became popularized in Canada so much later than in France."

4. Ada Coleman and the American Bar: A Legacy in Mixology

The conversation shifts to Ada Coleman, the renowned bartender at the American Bar in London. Holly and Tracy discuss Coleman's charm, her ability to build lasting relationships with patrons, and her significant impact on the bar’s reputation.

Tracy B. Wilson [17:19]: "I love looking at pictures of the same essential scene that she did and that Dorothea Sharpe did and kind of comparing how they're similar and how they're different."

Tracy highlights the personal connections Ada fostered, noting that some patrons left her money in their wills, a testament to her influence and friendship qualities.

5. Addressing Historical Injustices in the Hospitality Industry

Tracy expresses her frustration with a 1905 report from the Joint Committee on the Employment of Barmaids, which condescendingly compared the struggles of white barmaids to those of enslaved Black individuals. She vehemently condemns the flawed and racist perspectives presented in historical documents.

Tracy B. Wilson [14:19]: "Anytime you see that in a document, whether modern or old, please know it's wrong. That just made my blood boil when I was reading."

6. The Role of ADA and Advocacy for Women in Bartending

The hosts critique the outdated notion that women should exit the bartending profession due to harsh conditions, instead advocating for protective legislation. They commend Ada Coleman’s role in challenging societal norms and promoting a dignified image of bartending.

Tracy B. Wilson [17:19]: "Why are you saying that women should get out rather than men making laws that would protect them?"

7. Modern-Day Relevance: Inclusive Mixology

Holly appreciates the American Bar’s current menu, which offers both alcoholic and mocktail versions of their drinks. This inclusive approach ensures that all patrons, regardless of their choice to consume alcohol, can enjoy sophisticated beverages.

Holly Fry [17:19]: "It's nice to remember that those people deserve to have fun times in a bar as well. It doesn't have to be about being intoxicated, but tasting delicious things."

8. Conclusion: Celebrating Helen and Ada’s Contributions

The episode concludes with reflections on the enduring legacies of Helen McNichol and Ada Coleman. Tracy expresses her commitment to supporting ADA's projects and encourages listeners to explore more about these influential women.

Tracy B. Wilson [21:55]: "We hope that you do get some rest and relaxation and that everyone is kind to one another. We will be right back here tomorrow with a classic story and then on Monday we will have a brand new episode."

Notable Quotes:

• Tracy B. Wilson [02:20]: "I love the women artists. And I love that she and Dorothea Sharp made a space for themselves in a world that was not really amenable to women living on their own."

• Holly Fry [06:03]: "It's important to remember when studying anything historical is where they're from is a really important part of where they fit into that bigger artistic timeline."

• Tracy B. Wilson [14:19]: "Anytime you see that in a document, whether modern or old, please know it's wrong."

• Holly Fry [17:19]: "They're like, here's the alcoholic version, here's the mocktail version... it's nice to remember that those people deserve to have fun times in a bar as well."

This episode offers an engaging exploration of two remarkable women who navigated and shaped their respective fields amidst societal challenges. Through thoughtful discussions and insightful critiques, Holly and Tracy shed light on the historical contexts that influenced Helen McNichol and Ada Coleman’s lives and work.