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Lilian J. Rice (1889 – 1938)
By biographer Diane Y. Welch
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Too many women's lives are ignored. HIStory is full of biographies about men. Herstory is an important one to tell. This woman achieved much, while raising a family of four daughters. If you like the 1930s, architecture, old photographs, strong women, famous people, or biographies, you will like this one.
I had never heard of Lilian Rice, being Canadian. Some of the homes she built are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, several garnered her honor awards from the American Institute of Architects. There are amazing photos, architectural plans, and copies of paintings in the book. My favourite photo, however, is a 1927 one of Lilian Rice about to climb up into a Mack dump truck to operate it 'in order to work and keep the project on schedule!' It is also on the front cover!
It's an amazing area: Rancho Santa Fe, a master-planned community catering to the rich and famous. If you like to examine the homes from the time, the photos will interest you. She worked with Douglas Fairbanks Sr., Bing Crosby, as well as movers and shakers of the times, to build or renovate their amazing houses.
What I found interesting is the the foreword is written by Audrey Geisel, wife of the late Theodore J. Geisel (AKA Dr. Seuss). Another review I wrote this week is a book by Dr. Seuss, You're Only Old Once.
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@Barrie Summy
book review blogs
@Barrie Summy
