Jeanne L'Strange Cappel facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jeanne L'Strange Cappel
Jeanne S. Cappel, from a 1926 newspaper
Born	Jeanne Marie Strange May 10, 1873 Dundas, Minnesota
Died	September 27, 1949 Los Angeles, California
Other names	Wa-be-no O-pee-chee, Wabena Opechee, Jennie Strange Rolson
Occupation	Writer, teacher, playground director, clubwoman
Notable work	Chippewa Tales (1930)

Jeanne L'Strange Cappel (born May 10, 1873 – died September 27, 1949) was an American writer and teacher. She was also known by her Ojibwe names, Wa-be-no O-pee-chee and Wabena Opechee. She wrote a famous book called Chippewa Tales. This book shared traditional stories from the Ojibwe people.

About Jeanne's Early Life

Jeanne Marie Strange was born in Dundas, Minnesota. Her parents were Edward and Laura Strange. Jeanne was a member of the Ojibwe (Chippewa) people. She often spoke about her Ojibwe grandmother in her talks. She later went to college at the University of Southern California.

Jeanne's Career and Work

Jeanne Cappel worked as a physical education teacher. She also directed playgrounds in Los Angeles. She loved sharing stories and culture.

Sharing Ojibwe Stories

Jeanne wrote two books called Chippewa Tales. These books were published in 1928 and 1930. They retold old, traditional Ojibwe stories. She also wrote a novel called The Mother You Gave Me in 1941. She wrote this book with Beatrice Phillips Cole.

Jeanne often gave talks about American Indian traditions. She spoke to many community groups. She even visited a Campfire Girls camp. Sometimes she wore traditional clothing for her presentations. Her son would sometimes join her to help.

She explained why these stories were important. "The Indian tales deal so much with things in nature," she said. "They not only give a practical suggestion that is real education for the child mind, but they also afford the imagination a delightful impetus." This means the stories teach kids about nature and help them imagine new things.

Starting a Club for Women

Jeanne helped start a group called the American Indian Woman's History and Art Club. She was also the first president of this club. The club required its members to have Native American ancestry. In 1933, Jeanne wrote and directed a play for the club. It was called Out of the Past. She also acted in the play.

Other Activities

Jeanne was involved in other groups too. She was active with the Dickens Fellowship. This group celebrates the works of writer Charles Dickens. She was also part of the Los Angeles branch of the National League of American Pen Women. This group supports women writers and artists. She was even reported to be the first woman of her background to join the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Jeanne's Personal Life

Jeanne Marie Strange married Richard O. Rolson in 1891. They had a son named Robert Earl Rolson. The family moved to California, but Jeanne and Richard later divorced. In 1916, she married Albert Cappel in Los Angeles. Albert passed away in 1937.

In her later years, Jeanne lived in Laguna Beach. She died in 1949 in Los Angeles, when she was 76 years old. She is buried in Inglewood Park Cemetery.