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Hailing from the home of industrious, strong and creative individuals, the women of the Catskills have embodied this rugged spirit best. Though often overlooked in Catskill Mountain history, their stories are inspiring, like that of Candace Wheeler, who used her rural upbringing to achieve personal success and improve life for others. They are personal, such as Lucy Lobdell's story. A century ahead of her time, she challenged conventional thoughts on equality and lifestyle. Most of all, they reflect the spirit of their surroundings, as independent women like Marion Bullard challenged the status quo to build a better community. Overcoming the physical challenges of mountain life and the societal obstacles they faced because of their gender, Catskills' most fearless women are revealed by local historian Richard Heppner.
About the author
Richard Heppner has served as town historian for Woodstock, New York, for the last ten years. He also serves on the board of directors for the Historical Society of Woodstock and the Woodstock Memorial Society. Over the years, he has authored and edited numerous essays and texts on Woodstock's unique history. He is a graduate of the State University of New York at Albany with a degree in political science and history. He also holds a master's degree in media studies from the New School for Social Research. Since 1988, he has been employed by Orange County Community College, where he has served as a faculty member, department chair, associate vice-president for liberal arts and currently as vice-president for academic affairs. Residing in Woodstock, New York, with his wife, Deborah and two children, Eliza and Jonathan, his previous work for The History Press includes Remembering Woodstock (2007).
