SarahJHale

Sarah J. Hale



Sarah Josepha Hale was born in 1788 and received her early education from her mother. After several years as a teacher, she married David Hale, a lawyer, who helped her further her education. When her husband died suddenly in 1822, she was left with 5 young children to support.

 After a brief period working in a millinery, she published a book of poems and a novel, __Northwood__, which led to her being offered the position of editor at //Ladies Magazine and Literary Gazette//, which was renamed //American Ladies’ Magazine//, to highlight the fact that Hale only included pieces from American writers. Louis Godey first offered her a job in 1836, but she didn’t accept until he offered to buy out her magazine, combine the two, and let her continue editing from Boston. She moved to Philadelphia, where Godey’s magazine was based, in 1841.

 During her 40 years editing the //Lady’s Book//, Hale continued to only print pieces from American writers, and even produced three issues featuring all articles by women. Her editorials were highly influential, most notably a series advocating for the establishment of Thanksgiving as a national holiday, which came to pass in 1863 under the presidency of Abraham Lincoln. She was also highly involved in the creation of Vassar College.

 Although Hale often focused her editorial space on women’s efforts in areas such as missionary and medical work, and was a constant advocate for the education of women, she believed in the traditional domestic sphere of women, and did not support the women’s suffrage movement.

 She retired from her post as editor in 1877, when Godey sold the magazine, and died in 1879 at the age of 90.

Excerpts from Sarah Hale's Thanksgiving editorials

Home