Harriet Abbott Lincoln Coolidge facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Harriet Abbott Lincoln Coolidge
Born	Harriet Abbott Lincoln 1849 Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Died	May 1902
Occupation	author, philanthropist, reformer
Language	English
Nationality	American
Subject	children
Spouse	George Austin Coolidge ​ (m. 1872)​
Relatives	Frederic W. Lincoln (father)

Harriet Abbott Lincoln Coolidge (1849 - 1902) was an American woman who helped many people. She was a writer, a helper of others (philanthropist), and someone who worked to make things better (reformer).

Harriet Coolidge taught young mothers how to care for their babies. She also worked to improve conditions for infants in special hospitals called foundling hospitals. She wrote many articles about kindergarten and gave "nursery talks" to mothers at her home in Washington D.C.. She even set up a model nursery there to show how to care for babies.

Coolidge was the editor of a magazine called Trained Motherhood. She also wrote several books, including In the Story Land and Talks to Mothers. She was one of the first members of the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also very active in four major charity groups in Washington.

Early Life and Family History

Harriet Abbot Lincoln was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Her father, Frederic W. Lincoln, was known as the "War Mayor" of Boston. He served as mayor during the entire American Civil War.

Harriet's family had a long history in America. Her great-great-grandfather was Paul Revere, a famous figure from the American Revolution. Her great-grandfather, Amos Lincoln, was a captain in the army during the Revolution. He even helped with the Boston Tea Party.

As a child, Harriet was often sick. But she showed a kind spirit early on. She helped with flower missions and hospital work in Boston. She grew up near famous writers like Louisa May Alcott. Harriet was taught at home for several years. Later, she went to Dr. Dio Lewis's School for Young Ladies.

Helping Mothers and Children

In 1872, Harriet married George Austin Coolidge. After having her own children, she became very interested in how to keep babies healthy. She started writing articles for a New York City magazine to teach mothers. She also spent three years visiting children's hospitals in New York.

Later, she moved back to Washington, D.C.. She saw that many mothers, both rich and poor, needed help learning how to raise their young children. She started writing to other people who shared her concerns.

Harriet worked hard at the Foundling Hospital in Washington. She made big improvements in how the babies were cared for. During the six months she was on the hospital's board, no babies died there.

Mothers often asked her for advice on baby care. This gave her the idea to start "nursery talks" for mothers. She even created a model nursery in her home. This way, she could show mothers all the things needed for a baby.

Her "Nursery Talks" began with a "Nursery Tea." About 500 women came to learn. She formed classes, some free and some paid, so everyone could get information. Even in the summer, she kept answering questions from mothers. She stayed in Washington to help mothers feed their infants properly. This work sometimes made her health suffer.

Afterward, she studied health and hygiene more deeply. She became the president of the Woman's Clinic. This clinic helped women and children get care from women doctors.

Community Involvement and Writings

Harriet Coolidge was very active in her community. She was a member of four important charity groups in Washington. She also belonged to the Woman's National Press Association. She supported all efforts to improve women's education.

In 1890, she was one of the first people to sign up for the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She also led the School Suffrage Committee. This group worked on issues related to voting in schools.

Coolidge's book, In the Story Land, was a collection of stories. These stories were for kindergarten, school, and home. The book was made from three smaller books. Some of the stories included "Little Black Fairy" (about Coal) and "The Discontented Raindrop."

Later Life

Harriet and George Austin Coolidge had a daughter named Emelyn Lincoln Coolidge. Emelyn later became a doctor who specialized in children's health (a pediatrician).

Harriet Abbott Lincoln Coolidge passed away in May 1902. She died at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.

Selected works

• In the story land : a series of original and instructive stories for the kindergarten, the school and the home, 1895
• The man who made the well, 1899
• A talk with the children, 1899
• What the little sunbeams saw, 1899