Penning Patriotism — Katharine Lee Bates and "America the Beautiful"

Send us Fan MailThe recent hatching of baby eaglets in Big Bear, CA has Amy thinking a lot about patriotism and what it actually means in turbulent times for our country. Lost lady of lit Katharine Lee Bates — a staunch activist for social justice who decried America’s isolationist policies — must have considered the same when, during a trip across the country in 1893, she penned what would eventually become the lyrics to “America the Beautiful.” The original words to her poem are a bit more pointed than the version we know today, offering a new perspective on pure (but not blind) patriotism.Mentioned in this episode:Big Bear Eagle CamFriends of Big Bear ValleyKatharine Lee Bates“America the Beautiful” and changing lyrics over time“America the Beautiful”: The Stirring True Story Behind our Nation’s Favorite Song by Lynn SherrChicago Columbian Exposition of 1893“America the Beautiful” rendition by Ray Charles“Goody Santa Claus on a Sleigh Ride” by Katharine Lee BatesSupport the showFor episodes and show notes, visit: LostLadiesofLit.comSubscribe to our substack newsletter.Follow us on instagram @lostladiesoflit. Email us: Contact — Lost Ladies of Lit Podcast