Edith Claire Cram facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edith Claire Cram
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| Born |
Edith Claire Bryce
May 6, 1880 New York, New York
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| Died | February 28, 1960 (aged 79) New York, New York
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| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Mrs. J.S. Cram Edith C. Cram Edith Bryce Cram |
| Occupation | Philanthropist, pacifist |
| Known for | Founder of the Peace House, New York City |
| Spouse(s) | John Sergeant Cram |
| Children | 3 |
| Parent(s) | Lloyd Stephens Bryce Edith (née Cooper) Bryce |
Edith Claire Cram (born Bryce; May 6, 1880 – February 28, 1960) was an American peace activist. She was also an heiress, meaning she inherited a lot of money.
Edith Cram founded Peace House. This organization created anti-war messages and held talks to promote peace. She also supported the War Resisters League.
During World War I, she shared her peaceful ideas in newspapers. She even wrote an open letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II. In this letter, she asked him to help find a peaceful solution. She also helped with women's education at Cooper Union.
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Early Life and Family
Edith Claire Bryce was born on May 6, 1880, in New York City. Her father was General Lloyd Stephens Bryce. He was once the United States Ambassador to the Netherlands.
Her mother was Edith Cooper Bryce. Edith's grandfather was Edward Cooper, a former Mayor of New York City. He was also the son of a famous industrialist named Peter Cooper.
The family lived in a large home called Bryce House in Roslyn, on Long Island. When her mother passed away, Edith inherited a significant amount of money.
Edith had a sister named Cornelia. Cornelia married Gifford Pinchot, who was a leader in the Conservation movement. He was the first Chief of the United States Forest Service.
Fighting for Peace
During World War I, Edith became a pacifist. This means she believed that all wars are wrong. She used newspapers to share her views. She paid for advertisements and wrote articles in major newspapers.
After France and Belgium invaded the Ruhr region in Germany, Albert Einstein was upset. Edith sent him a telegram in 1923. She thanked him for supporting peace and offered to pay for his trip to the United States.
Peace House
Edith Cram was a major leader in the peace movement. She started Peace House in New York City in 1923. This organization worked to advance peace around the world.
Peace House held plays, lectures, and exhibits. It also offered advice to conscientious objectors. These are people who refuse to fight in wars because of their beliefs.
Edith fully funded Peace House herself. The War Resisters League helped her with anti-war ads and peace messages. Peace House reached millions of people with its campaigns. A common message on their posters was: "Too young to vote but not too young to be killed."
World War II Efforts
During World War II, Edith believed the United States should remain neutral. She wanted the country to stay out of the war. In 1939, she held a meeting at Carnegie Hall. Senators and representatives spoke there, calling for peace.
She wrote an open letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the war. This letter was published as an advertisement. She asked him to help mediate a peaceful solution to the conflict. Edith Cram was known as a "one-woman campaign for peace" because of her dedication. The Peace House property was sold in 1946.
Supporting Women's Education
Edith Cram also cared about women's rights and education. She was part of the Advisory Council at Cooper Union. This council helped guide the Woman's Art School, the School of Secretarial Training, and the School of Telegraphy for Women. She worked to create more educational opportunities for women.
Personal Life
Edith married John Sergeant Cram on January 17, 1906. He was involved in politics and served as the chairman of the Democratic National Committee. He was also president of the Dock Board.
They had three children together. Their first child was Henry Sergeant Cram. Their second child was Edith Bryce Cram. Their third child was John Sergeant Cram.
The Crams were part of New York society. They lived in Old Westbury on Long Island. They also had a home on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, across from Central Park.
Her husband, John Sergeant Cram, passed away in 1936. Edith Cram died in New York City on February 28, 1960. She was buried in Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.
