Flights of Fancy: The American Heiresses Who Soared Beyond Society's Expectations

Flights of Fancy (American Heiresses Book #1)

by Jen Turano

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10737 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	371 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

In the early 20th century, a group of daring young American heiresses defied social norms and pursued their passions with vigor. These women, many of whom inherited vast fortunes from their wealthy families, used their wealth and influence to make a difference in the world. They became pioneers in aviation, education, and the arts, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations.

Aviation Pioneers

Perhaps the most famous of these American heiresses was Eleanor Roosevelt. The future First Lady was a distant cousin of President Theodore Roosevelt and inherited a substantial fortune from her family. Roosevelt was a passionate advocate for social justice and used her platform to raise awareness about poverty, inequality, and the rights of women.

In 1933, Roosevelt became the First Lady of the United States when her husband, Franklin D. Roosevelt, was elected president. She used her position to champion social programs and policies that helped to improve the lives of millions of Americans. Roosevelt was also a strong supporter of aviation and became the first woman to fly in a presidential aircraft.

Another notable American heiress who made her mark in aviation was Jacqueline Cochran. Born in 1906 to a wealthy family in Florida, Cochran was a talented pilot who set numerous aviation records. In 1938, she became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean solo. Cochran also served as a pilot during World War II and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for her bravery.

After the war, Cochran continued to break aviation records and became the first woman to fly faster than the speed of sound. She also founded the Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASP),a group of female pilots who served in non-combat roles during World War II.

Education Reformers

In addition to aviation, many American heiresses also played a significant role in education reform. Anne Morrow Lindbergh, the wife of famed aviator Charles Lindbergh, was a prolific writer and advocate for educational opportunities for women. In 1940, she founded the Anne Morrow Lindbergh Foundation, which provides grants to support research on the education of girls and women.

Another heiress who made a significant contribution to education was Nancy Harkness Love. Born in 1914 to a wealthy family in Connecticut, Love was a brilliant student who graduated from Vassar College and the Yale Law School. In 1949, she founded the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, which provides grants to support research in science, technology, and economics.

Love was also a strong advocate for higher education for women. She served on the board of trustees of Vassar College and was a major donor to the college. Love also helped to establish the National Science Foundation, which supports research in science and engineering.

Arts Patrons

In addition to aviation and education, many American heiresses were also patrons of the arts. Florence Lowe Cahen, the daughter of a prominent Jewish banker, was a passionate supporter of the arts in New York City. In 1934, she founded the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA),which is now one of the most prestigious art museums in the world.

Cahen was also a major collector of art and her collection included works by Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, and Henri Matisse. She donated many of her works to MoMA and her generosity helped to build the museum's reputation as a world-renowned institution.

Another notable arts patron was Ruth Elder, a wealthy heiress who was born in Ohio in 1898. Elder was a talented pianist and singer who studied music at the Paris Conservatory. She also had a passion for flying and in 1927, she became the first woman to fly solo from New York to Paris.

After her successful flight, Elder became a celebrity and used her fame to promote aviation and the arts. She also became a spokesperson for the American Red Cross and toured the country giving lectures on aviation and music. Elder's legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and aviators.

The American heiresses of the early 20th century were a remarkable group of women who defied social norms and pursued their passions with vigor. They became pioneers in aviation, education, and the arts, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations. These women proved that wealth and privilege can be used to make a positive difference in the world and that anything is possible if you have the courage to follow your dreams.

Further Reading

• Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Public Service
• Jacqueline Cochran: The Aviatrix Who Broke Speed Records and Gender Barriers
• Anne Morrow Lindbergh Foundation
• Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
• Museum of Modern Art
• Ruth Elder: The First Woman to Fly Solo from New York to Paris

Flights of Fancy (American Heiresses Book #1)

by Jen Turano

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10737 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	371 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE