Zella de Milhau facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Zella de Milhau
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| Born | 1870 New York City
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| Died | March 5, 1954 (aged 83–84) Southampton, NY
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| Awards | Croix de guerre Medal of French Gratitude |
Zella de Milhau (1870–1954) was an amazing American woman. She was an artist, an ambulance driver, and even a motorcycle policewoman! Zella was also a community organizer. This means she helped bring people together to improve their neighborhoods.
One of her big projects was "Block Beautiful" in 1902. This program helped make a neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York much prettier. As an artist, Zella was famous for her etchings. These are special prints made by carving designs into metal. Her etchings are now in many museums.
During World War I, Zella went to England to help. She became a recruiting sergeant. Later, she raised money in Southampton to buy an ambulance. She then drove this ambulance in France. She moved injured soldiers from the front lines to hospitals. For her brave service, the French government gave her two special awards: the Croix de guerre and the Medal of French Gratitude. When she came back to Southampton, she briefly became the area's first motorcycle police officer!
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Zella de Milhau's Life Story
Zella de Milhau was born in 1870 in New York City. Her family lived in the Colonnade Row buildings. Her parents owned a successful drug store. Zella first studied art at the Art Students League of New York.
By 1896, Zella had her own art studio in New York. She drew pictures for magazines. Her art appeared in The Decorator and Furnisher in 1891. It was also in the Monthly Illustrator in 1895. Around 1898, she moved to Brooklyn.
Making Brooklyn Beautiful
In 1902, Zella started the "Block Beautiful" project. She wanted to add more trees and plants to her neighborhood. She encouraged her neighbors to join in. The New York Times wrote about her efforts. She convinced people to add window boxes. They planted trees and green plants. They also cleaned up their backyards. Zella even found florists and carpenters to help with the small jobs.
Moving to Southampton
Zella often visited Southampton, New York. She also went to the Shinnecock Hills Summer School of Art there. In 1896, she bought a student house in the "Art Village." She named her new home "Laffalot." In 1904, she moved to Southampton for good.
Helping During World War I
During World War I, Zella left Southampton. She went to England in 1914 and 1915. She worked with the O.H.M.S Volunteer Training Corps. She was made a recruiting sergeant. This meant she helped find people to join the army.
Zella then raised money from people in Southampton. She used the money to buy an ambulance in France. She drove this ambulance herself. She transported injured people between the front lines and hospitals. For her brave work, she received the French Croix de Guerre. She also got the Gold Medaille de la Reconnaissance francaise. She received special mentions from three hospitals and the town of Verberie, France.
Back in Southampton
After the war, Zella returned to Southampton. She bought a motorcycle. She became the town's first motorcycle police officer! She was "officer number 6." The New York Tribune reported this in July 1920. They called her the "Society Girl Motor Cop." She chased drivers who were speeding. By September 1920, she stopped riding the motorcycle. She then worked as a parole officer. She also helped translate for foreigners in court.
Where to See Her Art
Zella de Milhau's artwork is in many important museums. You can find her pieces at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Her art is also at the Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art. Other places include Smith College, the Guild Hall of East Hampton, and the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
Images for kids
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Montauk Bluffs, by Zella de Milhau (1920)
