A Patriotic Foremother

Bilerico Jul 03 09

Here's a quick historical tidbit in honor of the many patriotic songs played this weekend: Katherine Lee Bates, author of "America the Beautiful," lived for 25 years with fellow Wellesley College professor Katherine Coman, in what is commonly called a "Boston marriage." (I find it eternally funny that the term has existed since the late 19th century, and in 2004 Massachusetts became the first state to legalize marriage for same-sex couples.)

It may be ahistorical to call Bates a lesbian in a modern sense; we don't have evidence of any sexual relationship between the two women. One only need read "Yellow Clover," the volume of poetry Bates wrote upon Coman's death, however, to know that their bond went beyond mere friendship. Full story...

Tagged: 19th century, boston marriage, college professor, coman, fellow, friendship, katherine lee bates, marriage,

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