In the Know with OCMS - March is Women's History Month

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March 8th, 1857 was a turning point for working women. Women working in factories all over New York City staged protests about poor working conditions. In 1909, after many more struggles and protests, the U.S. celebrated the first Women’s Day. The idea of Women’s History Month began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California, when the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women planned and hosted Women’s History Week beginning March 8, 1978, corresponding with International Women’s Day. As the movement spread, communities across the country organized their own celebrations the following year.

A consortium of historians and women’s groups, led by the National Women’s History Project, successfully lobbied for national recognition. President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring March 8, 1980, as National Women’s History Week, “From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.” -President Jimmy Carter

Each year following Carter’s proclamation, presidents designated the week until 1987 when Congress passed Public Law 100-9, naming March as “Women’s History Month.” Since 1995, each president has issued an annual proclamation of March as Women’s History Month.

https://www.womenshistory.org/womens-history/womens-history-month

 The 2022 theme as selected by the National Women’s History Alliance captures the spirit of the times-  “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.” Last year’s theme of Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to Be Silenced, (the Suffrage Movement) was reflected in the traveling Smithsonian exhibit, Museum on Main, hosted by OCMS and Sponsored by Main Street Iowa.

To explore more about Women’s History these organizations present displays and activities to illustrate women’s vital roles in American History and encourage celebration: The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.  https://womenshistorymonth.gov/

 OCMS Business Member Spotlight

Osceola boasts many women entrepreneurs. These business owners are trailblazers and can be role models for the next generation. Joanne Taylor began her business 32 years ago in July. After one year of community college studying agriculture, and working in two-three Western Wear stores, Joanne opened the Southern Iowa Saddle Shop in 1990. The first location was a historic barn located on East Washington where the Washington Apartments now stand.

Hanging on the walls near the ceiling in the back of her store at 112 East Jefferson, photos, plaques, belt buckles, and other memorabilia illustrate Joanne’s long love, knowledge, and expertise of horses. Accolades for Pleasure Riding and Team Roping at county fairs to the Iowa State Fair and National shows include several World and Reserve Champion prizes earned riding her favorite Buckskin horses.

Reared on a farm near Swan, Iowa, Joanne’s love of horses began at an early age, “I used to beg my dad to let me sit on his work horse.” By age three, she was riding a pony to help round up the family’s milk cows. Along with horses, Joanne also showed the family’s Jersey cows at county fairs, the Iowa State Fair and National shows.

Joanne’s lived experiences helped her build relationships with long-standing customers as well as new ones who come looking for anything they need to wear day-to-day or in the showring, plus all the supplies for riding and grooming horses. Although her competitive days are behind her, Joanne continues to ride horses for her own pleasure. She shares her knowledge with anyone who asks for advice and is happy to give pointers on preparing to show, what equipment to use for various events, how to choose a saddle and much more.

She carries clothing for 0-three months up to four X in Men’s, “I keep my inventory basic, and I know what sells. I have learned to help people with clothing from years of experience- I can usually guess close to someone’s size.” Joanne says although it is her job to help customers, most of them thank her for helping which always makes her feel good.

Joanne says her most popular clothing items are Wrangler ‘Advanced Comfort Jeans,’ for men and women; leather goods such as belts made in the USA; cell phone cases, and Justin footwear from shoes to boots, “Justin’s comfort can’t be beat, and the footwear comes in hard-to-find sizes. Their shoes are just as tough as the boots.”

If asked to share advice about being an entrepreneur, it would be ‘prepare for long hours.’ Joanne says she learned early on that she underestimated the long days, “I spend 70-80 hours at work some weeks.”  As an OCMS member, Joanne appreciates events that bring people into her shop. “The wine walk is fun and has introduced hundreds of people to what I have. They may not buy that night, but they look and become repeat customers.”

Regular Store Hours M/T/W/F 8:30AM-5PM, Thursday 8:30-5:30, Saturday 8:30-4. Thanksgiving through Christmas the store is open seven days a week.

Business Buzz

Revelton Distilling Company Activities:  April 1st- find Primary Distiller Rob Taylor at SalonRed sharing information about spirits and offering Revelton samples;  April 16- Jesse and the Medicine Men.

 

SalonRed Salon, Boutique and Herbal Shop: April 1st -Sip-N-Shop Open House, 10AM-6PM. Meet all the staff and learn about Lotus Box Vegan Skincare and Confections; check out the newest vendors and pop-up vendors, make and take classes, chair massages and more.  Rob Taylor, Primary Distiller at Revelton Distilling Co. will be sharing samples and knowledge of the industry.

Osceola Public Library: National Library Week April 3-9.

Timber Ridge Country Market: Those famous snack sticks are now restocked!

Iron Horse: Every Tuesday from 11AM-9PM, kids eat free with every adult meal purchase of $10 or more.

Clarke County Conservation: Campsite reservations are open, get yours early.

Osceola Parks and Recreation Needs: Seasonal help- applications available @ https://osceolaia.net/.../city-of.../parks-and-recs-forms/ or City Hall; They need one more spring soccer referee-games are Saturday mornings April 2, 9, 16, and 23 call 342-2288. Watch for their latest updates on their Facebook Page.