I don't just write about astrology! Let me know if this should go to a library or historical society you know....

Sally Cragin 

1138 Oak Hill Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420 978-407-6482 x sallycragin@verizon.net

March 7, 2011

Dear Program Director,

I am writing to let you know about a lecture I think your patrons would enjoy: "The New England Medicine Show" is an interactive lecture focusing on health, patent medicines, and their providers with a focus on New England practitioners. This presentation arose from a course I presented for Fitchburg State University, "Seers and Seekers: New England Visionaries and Crackpots." I found that the  individuals focussed on health and medicine made for a fascinating stand-alone lecture

Lydia Pinkham is our best known character -- famous for creating "Lydia Pinkham's Vegetable Compound." She also provided specific and technical gynechological information to women and she was one of the first to use testimonials in advertising. In the 19th century, everyone in America knew who she was. And you know what? You can still buy the compound. 

In the 19th century, E.E. Dickinson and Henry Thayer, M.D.  took a home folk remedy: witch hazel, and built commercial empires on their product, which was an extract drawn from the witch hazel shrub. Both men are from New England, and are excellent examples of how medicine and commerce interacted. 

Dr. Alvin Chase's  "Recipes"  includes information as varied as what a farrier, blacksmith and grocer should stock in their supplies, to a lengthy section on medical complaints. His comments about a dire ailment: dyspepsia is one of the funniest pieces of writing I've ever read, and has left audiences gasping with laughter. 

Fanny Farmer and other cookery experts revolutionized a basic need: the family meal. She is best known for pioneering standardized measurements for cooking, but she and her contemporaries also made readers aware of health benefits of certain foods for the convalescent. I present a section on "foods for the convalescent" that is funny and sad. Toast tea? Barley water? It's all good for what ails you. 

My presentation is enlivened with a variety of antiques, props and (safe!) items that the audience can hold and examine and, if they want, sample. (witch hazel, smelling a "sleeping pillow"). 

My rates are reasonable, and I am happy to travel. Please call or email for more information. 

Sincerely, 

Sally Cragin

BIO: Sally Cragin teaches history and writing at Fitchburg State University. She is also the author of The Astrological Elements, (Llewellyn Worldwide). She is a columnist for the Boston Phoenix and  arts reviews and features have appeared in the  Boston Globe, St. Louis Riverfront Times, Yankee Magazine and many o69ther magazines. She has also worked as a script doctor. She has also taught writing at Harvard Extension School, Webster University (St. Louis) and can be hear every Thursday on WCRN-830 AM at 12:40 commenting on arts/entertainment.