Amelia Bloomer

NAME Amelia Bloomer

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Amelia Bloomer is famous for her work as a women's rights advocate and for popularizing a style of women's clothing known as "bloomers," which became a symbol of the dress reform movement in the 19th century.

BIRTH Amelia Jenks Bloomer was born on May 27, 1818, in Homer, New York, USA.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Amelia was born to Ananias Jenks and Lucy Jenks. Her family was modest, and her upbringing was typical of a working-class family in the early 19th century.  Her father and mother had at least four daughters and two sons besides Amelia.

CHILDHOOD Amelia grew up in a rural environment, helping with household chores and gaining practical skills. Her early experiences instilled in her a strong work ethic and a sense of independence.

EDUCATION Amelia received a basic education typical for girls of her time. She attended her local district school and was largely self-taught through reading and personal study.

CAREER RECORD Amelia began her career as a schoolteacher before becoming an editor.  Here's her resume;

Teacher: Amelia began her working life as a teacher in her local community.

Writer: She later became a prolific writer, contributing articles on various topics to newspapers.

Newspaper Editor: A pivotal moment came in 1849 when she founded and edited The Lily, the first newspaper in the United States edited entirely by a woman. The publication addressed social issues and became a platform for women's rights advocates.

Activist: Throughout her life, Amelia remained a vocal advocate for women's suffrage and temperance (the anti-alcohol movement). She campaigned for legal and social changes to empower women and improve society.

APPEARANCE Amelia was of average height with a modest and unassuming demeanor. She often wore practical clothing that reflected her advocacy for dress reform.

Portrait of Bloomer from A Woman of the Century by Frances Willard, 1893

FASHION Amelia saw a problem – women swathed in layers of petticoats and corsets that would make a mummy blush. Talk about constriction! So, Amelia did what any red-blooded reformer would do: she proposed a radical solution. Enter the Bloomer costume – Turkish-style trousers paired with a short skirt, offering unimaginable freedom of movement.

Amelia even published instructions for American women to whip up their own Bloomer outfits. Newspapers, never ones to miss a story, gleefully dubbed it the "Bloomer dress." Now, the Bloomer costume never quite became mainstream fashion, but it did have its moments. Women donned them for gymnastic endeavors and other physical activities well into the next century.

However, across the pond, the Bloomer found new life. In England, these trousers became a favorite among young ladies taking up the newly fashionable activity of bicycling.

CHARACTER Amelia Bloomer was known for her intelligence, passion, and determination.  She was a strong advocate for what she believed in, even in the face of criticism and ridicule.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Amelia had a keen sense of humor, often using wit and satire in her writings to address serious social issues and critique the status quo.

RELATIONSHIPS Amelia married Dexter Bloomer, a lawyer and newspaper editor, on April 15, 1840. Dexter supported Amelia's activism and was a significant influence in her career.

Her marriage was a springboard for Amelia. Dexter opened doors to a wider social circle and the whirlwind of reform movements brewing at the time. Amelia, with a mind as sharp as a tack, started writing for Dexter's newspaper, tackling current affairs with gusto.

MONEY AND FAME Amelia did not achieve great wealth, but she gained considerable fame and respect for her contributions to women's rights and social reform.

FOOD AND DRINK Amelia was a temperance advocate, so was likely to be moderate in her alcohol consumption, if not tee-total.

Published biweekly from 1849 until 1853, The Lily began as a temperance journal, but came to have a broad mix of contents ranging from recipes to moralist tracts. 

Dexter Bloomer supported his wife's activism; he even gave up drinking as part of the Temperance Movement. 

MUSIC AND ARTS Amelia appreciated the arts and supported the inclusion of women in all cultural and artistic endeavors, though there are no specific records of her personal involvement.

LITERATURE Amelia was an avid reader and writer and contributed significantly to feminist literature.. 

In 1849, Amelia began editing the first newspaper by and for women, The Lily. Originally focused on temperance (think anti-booze!), it soon blossomed into a champion for women's rights, thanks in part to the influence of another formidable woman, Elizabeth Cady Stanton. 

NATURE Amelia enjoyed the outdoors and believed in the health benefits of fresh air and physical activity, which aligned with her advocacy for practical women's clothing.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Amelia enjoyed writing and reading. Her time and energy was mainly spent on social reform activities.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Amelia valued education and supported the inclusion of women in all academic fields.

ACTIVISM While the Bloomer itself wasn't a runaway fashion success, Amelia's impact was undeniable. She shone a spotlight on the absurdity of restrictive women's clothing and, more importantly, the fight for gender equality. Her writing and activism paved the way for future generations of feminists, and for that, we owe Amelia Bloomer a big ol' thank you.

And Amelia didn't stop there. She co-founded the Iowa Woman Suffrage Association, becoming its first president, and remained a vocal advocate for women's rights until her death in 1894. 

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Amelia was a devout Christian and had a deep connection with the Episcopal Church. She believed that her work for women's rights and social reform was guided by her faith and a sense of moral duty.

SCANDAL Amelia's promotion of "bloomers" was controversial and faced significant backlash, with critics arguing that her clothing choices were scandalous and unfeminine.

MILITARY RECORD Amelia had no direct military involvement, but she supported social causes that intersected with issues of justice and equality during her lifetime.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Amelia advocated for healthy living, including proper diet and exercise. Her support for dress reform was partly driven by the desire to improve women's physical health.

HOMES Amelia lived in various places throughout her life, including Homer, New York; Seneca Falls, New York; and Council Bluffs, Iowa, where she continued her activism.

TRAVEL Amelia traveled extensively to promote women's rights and social reform, speaking at conferences and engaging with like-minded activists across the United States.

DEATH Amelia Bloomer died on December 30, 1894, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, at the age of 76.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Amelia has been featured in numerous books, articles, and documentaries about the women's suffrage movement and dress reform. Her life and work continue to be studied and celebrated by historians and feminists.

ACHIEVEMENTS Though not the designer, her advocacy brought attention to the "bloomer" style, sparking debate about women's clothing options.

Bloomer Suit

Pioneered social reform journalism with The Lily.

Championed women's rights, advocating for suffrage and legal equality.

Promoted temperance, encouraging responsible drinking habits.