“Well-behaved women seldom make history.”
― Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
Wild Roses of Iowa is a website dedicated to Iowa women. As a woman, I have been inspired by all the women in my life. My mother, sister, aunts, grandmothers, cousins, friends, co-workers, neighbors and strangers are all part of this inspiration. Their strength, humor, intelligence, compassion and resilience have provided me with a solid foundation from which I have had freedom to grow and explore. And as an Iowan, I have a deeply ingrained pride in my state. From its wild weather and expansive farms to its eclectic cities and hard-working people, Iowa is my perfect home.
Wild Roses of Iowa is a rather obvious title, but I like it! The wild rose, or wild prairie rose, is the state flower of Iowa. It was adopted in 1897 after being used as the design for a tea set given to the U.S.S. Iowa. The State Federation of Women’s Clubs in Dubuque also assisted with the state flower decision. Why did they select the wild rose? Well, it is one of Iowa’s most hardy and bountiful wild flowers. Although there is more than one variety, lawmakers elected to not stipulate one species; rather all wild roses are the state flower. This suits the many different backgrounds and achievements of the women featured on this website.
My genuine hope is to create a website that may be used as a resource for those interested in learning more about Iowa women and their history. If nothing else, it will be something I can learn from and enjoy.
Iowa's Wild Roses 