DOC Nothing Daunted: The Unexpected Education of Two Society Girls in the West by Dorothy Wickenden in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An Unexpected Pleasure to Read!By AliceThis was "a sleeper"! Published in 2011; I believe; this book was unknown to me until a friend assured me I would like this true story. And sure enough! I loved learning about these two Auburn; New York women and their improbable 1916 adventure to teach in a consolidated country school on the western slope of Colorado. The story emerges from letters; interviews; and historical documents painstakingly gathered and vetted by Dorothy Wickenden; granddaughter of one of the women. This "sleeper" has reawakened an interest in the U.S. history of the late 1800's--early 1900's. This personal historical view of Elkhead area of western Colorado tells of the costs of economic development and homesteading; relentless winter blizzards; courageous community life centered around the school; true hardships; and solid relationships that lasted a lifetime.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Amazing!By JBThis story of two New York socialites living in the early 1900's serves as a reminder of just how difficult life was for others in our nation to scratch a livelihood in the early years of Colorado's statehood. As the two best friends sign-on for a year of teaching in a remote Colorado one room school house; it demonstrates the contrasts in society. The book was a slow start but as it unfolds; history of politicians; industrialists; and commonalities are woven into the storyline to grab your interest. I had the greatest admiration for these gals as they shared their challenges; hardships; and successes. Each grew more than they could ever imagine; each touched the lives of others for years afterwards. Certainly a great read and skillfully crafted!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Different Take on the Westward TrekBy ME MeadWhat a delightfully refreshing story of two eastern girls meeting the west when it really was "The West;" 1916; just before WW1. The cheer; the good humor; the overcoming of hardships gives a different view of 'manifest destiny.' Their main form of transportation was their own legs or a horse's; autos were rare; trains belched black smoke into the blue; blue skies on the west side of the Rockies.The girls went to teach in a two-room school; and found education went both ways. Their experiences reflect what both my husband and I had heard from our parents who were roughly the same vintage and also experienced the west coming from an urban eastern background. Both he and I thoroughly enjoyed the book; and I find myself recommending it to friends; as it was recommended to me by a friend.