March is Women’s History Month. First celebrated in 1987, the designation serves as an observance to highlight the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. Two local legislators took time on the House Floor in Springfield this week to recognize important women from their districts.
Dave Severin chose national and regional agricultural icon, Sarah Frey of Frey Farms in Keenes, just west of Wayne City.
Sarah Frey is a true pioneer in agriculture, a successful businesswoman, an author, and an inspiring example of leadership, innovation, and determination. Sarah’s journey of hard work and success began at a young age, helping her family on their small farm. At 16, Sarah borrowed $10,000 to buy a used truck to take over her family farm’s melon route. She quickly grew the farm’s client list from 12 to 150. When the farm fell on hard financial times, at the young age of 18, Sarah bought the farm outright and started what would become a wildly successful pumpkin farm operation. Sarah now grows more pumpkins than any other farmer in the United States, earning her the nickname ‘Pumpkin Queen of America’.
Learn more about Frey’s story at https://freyfarms.com/our-story/
Representative and House Republican Floor Leader Patrick Windhorst chose “The Weaver Sisters” – Betty Weaver Foss, Jean Weaver, and Joanne Weaver calling them trailblazers who made their mark on the baseball diamond and helped pave the way for generations of female athletes to follow.
Betty, Jean, and Joanne were standout players of the Fort Wayne Daisies in the All-American Girls professional baseball league.
Betty, whose nickname was ‘Fossey’, was Rookie of the Year in 1950, and Player of the Year in 1952. She was the league’s all-time leader in doubles and the single-season record holder for hits, doubles, and triples.
Jean’s best season came in 1953 when she posted a 7-in-1 pitching record with a .313 batting average as a hitter.
Joanne whose nickname was ‘Joltin’ Jo’, won three consecutive batting titles. In 1954, she set the league single-season record for batting average, home runs, and stolen bases, winning the Player of the Year award.
The Weaver sisters’ incredible talent, determination, and passion for the game occurred during a time when opportunities for women in sports were few and far between. Their dedication to excellence and love for the game earned them a lasting place in the history of women’s professional baseball.
The legacy of the Weaver sisters lives on thanks to the beloved movie, A League of Their Own, which drew inspiration from the league.
