🔒 Penning Patriotism — Katharine Lee Bates and "America the Beautiful"

Subscriber-only episode Send us a text The recent hatching of baby eaglets in Big Bear, CA has Amy thinking a lot about patriotism and what it actually means in turbulent times for our country. Lost lady of lit Katharine Lee Bates — a staunch activist for social justice who decried America’s isolationist policies — must have considered the same when, during a trip across the country in 1893, she penned what would eventually become the lyrics to “America the Beautiful.” The original words to her poem are a bit more pointed than the version we know today, offering a new perspective on pure (but not blind) patriotism. Mentioned in this episode: Big Bear Eagle Cam Friends of Big Bear Valley Katharine Lee Bates “America the Beautiful” and changing lyrics over time “America the Beautiful”: The Stirring True Story Behind our Nation’s Favorite Song by Lynn Sherr Chicago Columbian Exposition of 1893 “America the Beautiful” rendition by Ray Charles “Goody Santa Claus on a Sleigh Ride” by Katharine Lee Bates For episodes and show notes, visit: LostLadiesofLit.com Subscribe to our substack newsletter. Follow us on instagram @lostladiesoflit. Email us: Contact — Lost Ladies of Lit Podcast