In Conversation with Mary Cronk Farell
| I am so glad I was introduced to Mary Cronk Farell by Suzanne Morgan Williams. Mary has had a long career as a writer in a variety of formats -- news broadcaster, blogger, historian, and writer. The best explanation is found on her website (https://www.marycronkfarrell.net/). Check it out and explore her blog and read her biography. I can not express how much I enjoyed reading Close Up on War and then getting to talk about it with Mary. This book is a gem and many more people should know the story of the photojournalist, Catherine Leroy. |  |
Summary
Steven and Mary discussed the importance of women's contributions in historical narratives, with Mary sharing her research and writing process for her books, including "Pure Grit" and "Never Flinch". They also discussed the stories of various women, such as the US military nurses in the Philippines, labor organizer Margaret Sanger, and war photographer Cat Katrine. The conversation concluded with Mary's upcoming nonfiction project and her interest in writing fiction, with plans for potential future collaborations.
Steven and Mary discussed the importance of women's contributions in historical narratives, with Mary sharing her research and writing process for her books, including "Pure Grit" and "Never Flinch". They also discussed the stories of various women, such as the US military nurses in the Philippines, labor organizer Margaret Sanger, and war photographer Cat Katrine. The conversation concluded with Mary's upcoming nonfiction project and her interest in writing fiction, with plans for potential future collaborations.
Mary Cronk Ferrell's 'Pure Grit' Discussion
Steven welcomed Mary Cronk Ferrell as a guest on his show, where Mary introduced her background and passion for writing non-fiction, particularly about women and their experiences. Mary shared the story of her book "Pure Grit", which highlights the lives of US military nurses who were taken prisoner by the Japanese during World War II while stationed in the Philippines. These nurses, who had no combat nursing training, found themselves treating wounded soldiers and eventually had to retreat to the Bataan Peninsula and Corregidor, where they were captured by the Japanese. Mary's book aims to shed light on these women's experiences and their significant contributions.
Steven welcomed Mary Cronk Ferrell as a guest on his show, where Mary introduced her background and passion for writing non-fiction, particularly about women and their experiences. Mary shared the story of her book "Pure Grit", which highlights the lives of US military nurses who were taken prisoner by the Japanese during World War II while stationed in the Philippines. These nurses, who had no combat nursing training, found themselves treating wounded soldiers and eventually had to retreat to the Bataan Peninsula and Corregidor, where they were captured by the Japanese. Mary's book aims to shed light on these women's experiences and their significant contributions.
Feminist Histories and Labor Movement Discussion
Steven shared his experience of learning about feminist histories at a summer seminar, emphasizing the importance of women's contributions being accurately represented in history. Mary agreed and discussed her own efforts to make history accessible through succinct yet informative books, primarily focusing on the stories of women. She also mentioned her work on a new project about a labor organizer named Sellins, who was shot to death during a strike but no one was ever convicted. Mary highlighted the brutality of the labor movement at the time and how many people, like Sellins, did not receive justice.
Steven shared his experience of learning about feminist histories at a summer seminar, emphasizing the importance of women's contributions being accurately represented in history. Mary agreed and discussed her own efforts to make history accessible through succinct yet informative books, primarily focusing on the stories of women. She also mentioned her work on a new project about a labor organizer named Sellins, who was shot to death during a strike but no one was ever convicted. Mary highlighted the brutality of the labor movement at the time and how many people, like Sellins, did not receive justice.
Margaret Sanger and the Labor Movement
Steven and Mary discussed the labor movement, specifically focusing on the contribution of a woman named Margaret Sanger. Mary explained that Sanger started her activism as a seamstress in Saint Louis, where she helped found a union at the Clothing Company. After being banned from the street in front of the factory, she and another woman went on a nationwide tour, raising money and garnering support for the union. The union eventually won the strike after four years. Sanger later traveled to West Virginia to support coal miners but was arrested and jailed for speaking about the labor union. After her release, she moved to the Pittsburgh area. Steven noted that the labor movement was growing before World War I, with immigrants uniting to fight marginalization, and highlighted the efforts of other activists like the nurses in the Philippines.
Steven and Mary discussed the labor movement, specifically focusing on the contribution of a woman named Margaret Sanger. Mary explained that Sanger started her activism as a seamstress in Saint Louis, where she helped found a union at the Clothing Company. After being banned from the street in front of the factory, she and another woman went on a nationwide tour, raising money and garnering support for the union. The union eventually won the strike after four years. Sanger later traveled to West Virginia to support coal miners but was arrested and jailed for speaking about the labor union. After her release, she moved to the Pittsburgh area. Steven noted that the labor movement was growing before World War I, with immigrants uniting to fight marginalization, and highlighted the efforts of other activists like the nurses in the Philippines.
Mary's Book Research Approach Discussed
Steven asked Mary about her approach to researching for her book. Mary shared that she began her research by reaching out to people, specifically the family members of the nurses she was writing about. She found that most of the families didn't know much about their mothers' wartime experiences as they didn't speak about it due to the pain of the memories. However, Mary discovered that there were letters, journals, and audio recordings of the nurses' personal interviews from the eighties, which provided valuable insights.
Steven asked Mary about her approach to researching for her book. Mary shared that she began her research by reaching out to people, specifically the family members of the nurses she was writing about. She found that most of the families didn't know much about their mothers' wartime experiences as they didn't speak about it due to the pain of the memories. However, Mary discovered that there were letters, journals, and audio recordings of the nurses' personal interviews from the eighties, which provided valuable insights.
Using First-Hand Accounts in Historical Narratives
Mary and Steven discussed the importance and value of using first-hand accounts in writing historical narratives. Steven highlighted the existence of archives that document slavery during the Depression, which Julius Lester utilized in his book. Mary shared her experience of using government archives and personal connections for her book "Pure Grit." She also mentioned her editor's suggestion to write about an all-black, all-female battalion in World War II, which resulted in her book "Never Flinch." Mary emphasized the usefulness of newspaper articles as a source for her research.
Mary and Steven discussed the importance and value of using first-hand accounts in writing historical narratives. Steven highlighted the existence of archives that document slavery during the Depression, which Julius Lester utilized in his book. Mary shared her experience of using government archives and personal connections for her book "Pure Grit." She also mentioned her editor's suggestion to write about an all-black, all-female battalion in World War II, which resulted in her book "Never Flinch." Mary emphasized the usefulness of newspaper articles as a source for her research.
608 Battalion and Enigma Girls' Contributions
Mary informed Steven about the 608 battalion, a unit of 880 black women who served in the US Army during World War II. Due to the initiative of Eleanor Roosevelt and black women leaders, these women were allowed to train as officers and enlist, despite the army's segregation policy. Initially, they were stationed domestically and not sent overseas, but in 1944, they were assigned to clear a backlog of mail in England. The women, working in three shifts, completed the task in three months instead of the expected six. After the war, most of the women were dismissed, and their contributions were largely overlooked, a story mirrored by the enigma girls, a group of codebreakers whose achievements were also underappreciated.
Mary informed Steven about the 608 battalion, a unit of 880 black women who served in the US Army during World War II. Due to the initiative of Eleanor Roosevelt and black women leaders, these women were allowed to train as officers and enlist, despite the army's segregation policy. Initially, they were stationed domestically and not sent overseas, but in 1944, they were assigned to clear a backlog of mail in England. The women, working in three shifts, completed the task in three months instead of the expected six. After the war, most of the women were dismissed, and their contributions were largely overlooked, a story mirrored by the enigma girls, a group of codebreakers whose achievements were also underappreciated.
Mary's Inspiration for "Pure Grit
Steven and Mary discussed Mary's recent book, "Pure Grit", which was published in 2014, marking about a decade of her publishing career. Mary shared the story of her inspiration for writing the book about Cath Leroy, a war correspondent who had captured Steven's interest. Mary explained that she first encountered Katrine's story while writing her weekly newsletter featuring historical women. She was struck by Cath's unique perspective on the Vietnam War, captured through her letters and writings. Mary then decided to compile a book that merged Cath's letters and her own research, offering a vivid account of Cath's experiences during the war.
Steven and Mary discussed Mary's recent book, "Pure Grit", which was published in 2014, marking about a decade of her publishing career. Mary shared the story of her inspiration for writing the book about Cath Leroy, a war correspondent who had captured Steven's interest. Mary explained that she first encountered Katrine's story while writing her weekly newsletter featuring historical women. She was struck by Cath's unique perspective on the Vietnam War, captured through her letters and writings. Mary then decided to compile a book that merged Cath's letters and her own research, offering a vivid account of Cath's experiences during the war.
Discussing Cath's War Efforts and Women's Rights
Steven and Mary discussed a book that Steven found engaging and recommended for national and state book awards. The book is notable for its unique format, which includes excerpts from personal letters and focused chapters on specific events. Mary then shared her thoughts on the remarkable woman the book is about, Catherine, who undertook a significant task during the war. Mary emphasized the significance of Cath's actions in the context of women's rights at the time, which were virtually nonexistent in the United States.
Steven and Mary discussed a book that Steven found engaging and recommended for national and state book awards. The book is notable for its unique format, which includes excerpts from personal letters and focused chapters on specific events. Mary then shared her thoughts on the remarkable woman the book is about, Catherine, who undertook a significant task during the war. Mary emphasized the significance of Cath's actions in the context of women's rights at the time, which were virtually nonexistent in the United States.
Catherine Leroy's Resilience and Bravery in War Photography
Mary and Steven discussed the story of Catherine Leroy, a war photographer who was 5 feet tall and had a precocious nature. They talked about her remarkable resilience and bravery, which allowed her to be present in various combat zones and capture stunning photographs. Despite facing several injuries, she continued to return and participate in major operations. Her involvement in the Vietnam War made her stand out among her male colleagues, as she was often in the thick of the battle, unlike other reporters who mostly stayed in safe areas.
Mary and Steven discussed the story of Catherine Leroy, a war photographer who was 5 feet tall and had a precocious nature. They talked about her remarkable resilience and bravery, which allowed her to be present in various combat zones and capture stunning photographs. Despite facing several injuries, she continued to return and participate in major operations. Her involvement in the Vietnam War made her stand out among her male colleagues, as she was often in the thick of the battle, unlike other reporters who mostly stayed in safe areas.
Catherine's Life and War Photography
Steven and Mary discussed the life and career of photojournalist Catherine, who captured striking photographs of the Vietnam War, particularly of the North Vietnamese army and refugees. Mary emphasized Catherine's dedication to telling the whole story, enduring any condition to get a picture. Despite her remarkable career, Catherine's life was tragically cut short at the age of 62 due to cancer, with no evidence linking it to her exposure to war. The discussion also touched on the psychological impact of war on soldiers, with Steven sharing his friend's experience and Mary highlighting Catherine's struggles with post-traumatic stress.
Steven and Mary discussed the life and career of photojournalist Catherine, who captured striking photographs of the Vietnam War, particularly of the North Vietnamese army and refugees. Mary emphasized Catherine's dedication to telling the whole story, enduring any condition to get a picture. Despite her remarkable career, Catherine's life was tragically cut short at the age of 62 due to cancer, with no evidence linking it to her exposure to war. The discussion also touched on the psychological impact of war on soldiers, with Steven sharing his friend's experience and Mary highlighting Catherine's struggles with post-traumatic stress.
Mary's Writing Projects and Collaboration Plans
Steven and Mary discussed Mary's upcoming nonfiction project and her newfound interest in writing fiction. Mary shared her plans to attend the NCTE conference and the Alan workshop, with Steven offering to facilitate connections with organizers. They both recognized the dedication and immersion required in the writing process, with Mary emphasizing the importance of focusing on the reader. Mary's previous work focused on women's courage in the military, and her personal connection to the topic was evident. Steven expressed his admiration for Mary's work, particularly her book , and shared his intent to feature it on his blog. They agreed to maintain communication for potential future - Close Up On War - collaborations.
Steven and Mary discussed Mary's upcoming nonfiction project and her newfound interest in writing fiction. Mary shared her plans to attend the NCTE conference and the Alan workshop, with Steven offering to facilitate connections with organizers. They both recognized the dedication and immersion required in the writing process, with Mary emphasizing the importance of focusing on the reader. Mary's previous work focused on women's courage in the military, and her personal connection to the topic was evident. Steven expressed his admiration for Mary's work, particularly her book , and shared his intent to feature it on his blog. They agreed to maintain communication for potential future - Close Up On War - collaborations.