Finding Examples of Women’s Philanthropy in the Northampton Boot and Shoe Industry in 1870 to 1950 – The Case of Catherine Lewis
Finding Examples of Women’s Philanthropy in the Northampton Boot and Shoe Industry in 1870 to 1950 – The Case of Catherine Lewis Women’s philanthropy is a topic which is often overlooked in Northampton’s huge tapestry of history. In fact, women’s history in general is often unnoticed and overshadowed by that of the men of the Boot and Shoe industry. This piece will focus on showing examples of philanthropic activity carried out by women, who often had links to the Boot and Shoe Manufacturers. It is firstly important to understand that philanthropic activities are not just those of monetary value. As Frank Prochaska’s Women and Philanthropy in 19 th Century England suggests much of the charitable acts carried out by women involved organising bazaars, sitting on committees for a variety of organisations, visiting duties and general voluntary work. [1] This wasn’t to say that these women did not give generously to causes, but this view simplifies the contribution ...