175 Years Ago to the Present
By Samuel Loudon
In the past 175 years changes continually occur leaving us with entirely different lifestyles and societies. We all see how technology has evolved, but what has that really done to us? The advancement of technology has changed our work ethic, our communities, and our families. My question is; has it changed for the better?
With the rise of technology, jobs and work ethic have changed drastically. 175 years ago almost everything was hands-on and more physical, bringing people to a physical state. The most common jobs in 1800s consisted of farming, blacksmithing, and wood cutting. In contrast, programmers sit at their desks writing code to support the induction of artificial intelligence (AI). With obesity rates tripling in recent years we can conclude that it is because we do not engage in physical labor as much as we used to. Replacing workers with AI has already been happening, but with new developments, we can expect it to jump significantly. I believe that spending more time outside in God’s creation brings individuals more fulfillment and satisfaction. In the last year over 50 million have been recorded to have quit their jobs. This evidence shows how unfulfilled we feel today in our work. When you do not feel fulfilled your work ethic will decline significantly.
175 years ago people needed their community’s help to survive. If one was a blacksmith, he would need to get food from a farmer. If one was a builder, he would use the blacksmith’s nails to build. This necessity for interdependence brought people closer and created a tighter community. A century and a half ago people wanted to help their friends and neighbors. With barn raising consistently happening throughout this time period we can see this evident. In today’s day and age, we don’t need to rely on each other to get supplies. We can go online; order whatever we need, and it will come to us in a couple of days. Bringing us to a state of independence we lose the community we once enjoyed.
Understanding how families build relationships continues to alter given technology’s encroachment. With the average screen time of teenagers being seven hours a day, this leaves very little time for families to flourish. Connection points between loved ones are harder to come by these days. A century and a half ago trades and businesses were passed down through generations. Learning your family’s trade brought a deep connection point with your father or grandfather leaving people with a closer and more intimate family environment. On the other hand, relationships with extended family seem more convenient. With cars and cell phones, one can visit, call, or FaceTime extended family with ease.
Change remains inevitable, but that does not mean we cannot change for the better. Dwelling on the past helps us see patterns of ways people have failed or succeeded and prepares us more adequately for the future. Ultimately our decision-making and our choices determine if we are going to change for the better.
1848- 2023 Celebrating 175 Years in Ortonville
By Joseph Loudon
One might think not much has changed from 175 years ago, but many things have changed. As I strolled through the Old Mill in downtown Ortonville, I found many things that caught my eye. Radios, televisions, newspapers, and letters were a few of the many interesting ways to communicate back then and now.
Heinrich Hertz invented the first radio in 1888 although it was not used for the purpose you may be thinking of. The radio’s main purpose back then was to communicate with ships using Morse code. It was not until the 1920s that the radio’s main purpose shifted to news and entertainment. In today’s day and age, we still use the radio as a way to listen to news and music, but so much more is available using your cell phone. A popular way of gaining knowledge and news today is by listening to podcasts on your phone. Cell phones have made it much easier to listen to your choice of music, through apps such as Spotify and Apple Music. People can also purchase cell phone accessories such as earbuds, which allow an immersive audio experience as one places the tiny speaker in his ear canal free from any wires using wireless technology.
By 1955, television had replaced the radio in half of American homes. While the radio relied solely on audio, tv combined both audio and visual elements. Television broadcasted some major historical events to
Americans, like Neil Armstrong landing on the moon, John F. Kennedy’s assassination, and the terrorist attack on the twin towers. Television has had a remarkable transformation from the past to the present. At first, there were only a handful of channels showing programming at set times. With streaming technology now available, viewers do not have to wait to watch their shows. Additionally, channels have developed and expanded that are tailored to viewers’ interests, for example. Animal Kingdom and HGTV (Home and Garden.)
175 years ago, the newspaper served as a major source of communication. The newspaper told what was going on in the world, and it would talk about other local events like ordinary people just going shopping or families visiting other families. We may not use the newspaper much today, but we have other media platforms, such as Facebook, where people share similar social information as in the past.
Decades before instant messaging letters held an importance in communication. People would take time and pour their hearts into their letters. Letters carried the weight of distance, bridging gaps between loved ones. Truly letters were the way to communicate with a friend, family member, or loved one. In contrast, emails remain the digital letter system individuals rely on today.
Radios, television, newspapers, and letters served as communication tools both then and now. Scores of technological advancements have created many more efficient ways for people to communicate today. The old ways feel archaic but possess sentimental ties of a gone-by era where time stood still and one relished in family, friendships and fellowship.
1848 VS Now
By Haylee Allen
There are many differences in our world between today and 1848. There was no internet, no smartphones, and no cars in 1848. People communicated through letters and telegraphs, news traveled much more slowly than it does today. The world in 1848 was also much less connected, with countries often still ruled by monarchs or emperors.
Today we live in a much more internet connected world. The internet has made it possible for people to communicate instantly with each other, no matter where they are in the world. Social media has also made it easier for people to stay connected with each other, and to share news and information. Having cars and airplanes made it possible for people to travel quickly, easily and for goods to be transported across long distances.
A big change since 1848 is housing itself. Today our housing is fancy and has many technological advancements like electric appliances, heated garage floor/driveways and fancy built in fireplaces. These advances have slowly changed over the years, but the change is very significant.
In 1848 the houses were made out of wood. Carpenters framed housing with balloon framing which is stud walls that extend to the foundation all the way to the roof. The houses were not very big. There was no electricity back then. The first electric power station was not built until the 1880’s. Before that people used candles, oil lamps, and gas lamps for lighting. Today our electricity is the source for almost everything. The electricity is distributed through power lines to give electricity to homes and businesses. The electricity provides a source of light, heating, cooling, and powering appliances.
Another change in housing is the plumbing. In 1848 there was no plumbing in houses. People relied on outdoor wells or pumps for their water supply. Waste was often disposed of in outhouses or privies, and there was no sewer system to carry away waste. Some wealthy homes had indoor plumbing, but it was still relatively uncommon. Today indoor plumbing is common in most houses and businesses. Houses are typically connected to a water supply, which provides clean and safe drinking water. Waste is carried away through a sewer system. Plumbing systems in modern homes typically have pipes for hot water and cold water, as well as drains for waste.
The big change is refrigeration in home kitchens. In 1848, refrigeration technology was not available in homes. People used a variety of methods to preserve foods, including salting, smoking and drying. They also used ice boxes which are wooden or metal containers lined with tin zinc and insulated with sawdust, cork, or straw. Ice was delivered to homes and businesses by ice wagons and people would place the ice into the ice box to keep food and drinks cold. Today our refrigeration is much more advanced than the past. Most businesses and homes use refrigeration to keep items cold and from spoiling. The refrigerators now can make ice cubes in just seconds to have ice water. They are much more efficient and can keep food longer without them spoiling. We also have walk-in freezers that can hold large quantities of food and beverages.
While housing has changed significantly since 1848, homes built in this year are still around today, just updated. There are many ways that housing is still similar with the wood structures, having fireplaces, but modern updates over time have led to much more efficient and comfortable way of living.
Ortonville: A Living Time Capsule
By Abigail Rowe
Found just on the edge of Metro Detroit, the town of Ortonville measures at less than 1 square mile and has a small population of 1250, but the size does not define the impact that the small town has had on many lives. The village of Ortonville was founded in 1848 and it’s safe to say that the lives of those who live, work and gather here have changed drastically with the times. Even so, the homey and nostalgic feel of Ortonville and Brandon Township remains strong for everyone who’s been a part of our tight knit community for the past 175 years.
In 1848, the Village of Ortonville was home to many small businesses that benefitted from the small but growing population. These businesses were what you would typically expect from a town of our size in the late 1840’s; a saloon, blacksmith and baker were just a few of the many businesses run by Ortonville’s early generations. In the following years, Ortonville became the commercial hub of Brandon Township, most likely due to the presence of the Town Hall and Post Office. Today Ortonville is still home to small businesses and the hub of Brandon Township, the addition of events and activities has made Ortonville even more of a central area of the entire township. In 2023, Ortonville is home to Septemberfest, Abigail’s Pride, a Farmers Market, and Christmas in the Village, as well as Parades for Homecoming and Memorial Day. Because of these events and activities, Ortonville has evolved into not only a commercial center but a community hub.
Naturally, the everyday lives of everyone in Ortonville are vastly different than they were 175 years ago. This particularly impacts the teenagers here. In the past, teens were expected to work on their families farm or for their families business, Education was limited as we only had a one room schoolhouse. Now teens in Ortonville have much more of a chance at education at Brandon High School. There’s also plenty more opportunities for teenagers to partake in social activities, programs run through the library as well as the Brandon School District give teens a safe environment to socialize and partake in leisurely activities.
As we’ve seen, there have been many changes in the daily life of the people who live in Ortonville. Despite the drastic changes, we have retained the closeness that this community has provided people since its earliest days. The early days of Ortonville remain in part of the community, just as much as the modern technology and innovation that has been incorporated as a part of the everyday lives of the people who live here. Even Though the village is, to many people, merely a gas station run on the way to Grandma’s cabin up north, Ortonville holds a place in the hearts of the many people who live or work in Brandon Township and consider Ortonville their home.
Ortonville’s Business Throughout the Years
By Isaiah Ricard
What is your favorite place to shop in downtown Ortonville? Could it be the South Street Exchange, a newer store offering a plethora of unique items. Or maybe even Hamilton’s which has been serving the community an entire century. Many local businesses have come and gone throughout the years following the tides of change within the community. With Ortonville’s 175th year anniversary approaching, it’s important that we acknowledge the continuities and changes of the many local businesses that have come and gone since the year 1848, and how the desires of the community have affected these changes.
It wouldn’t make sense not to begin with what was the first business and ultimately would become a trademark symbol of Ortonville and its history – The Old Mill. The Old Mill was built by Amos Orton the founder of Ortonville, and began operation in the year of 1856. Mr. Orton built the Old Mill with the intent of the local farmers using it to grind the produce. Originally named the Ortonville Grist Mill it remained in operation until 1960. Its closure was a result of the agricultural revolutions of the late 1800’s and the mid 1900’s as many local farmers had already gained access to post-industrial revolution technologies, rendering the services of the mill no longer necessary. Today, the Old Mill stands as a historical museum, housing relics of the past of Ortonville. It serves its community as a place of education for anyone intrigued on learning about the life of those who have forged the local communities of Ortonville, Atlas, Hadley, and Groveland. Ultimately, the Old Mill is a symbol of local pride and commerce, enabling the economic scene of Ortonville standing in this town from its fletchling years to this day.
Who doesn’t love food? Ortonville has seen many restaurants fade in and out of its downtown scene. Today we might be in the mood for a burger from the Village Pub. Maybe something a little bit healthier, like a smoothie from Impact North. These are all things we might consider today, but what about 100 years ago? Well, 100 years ago might be a bit too far back, as restaurants were only beginning to gain traction in the United States during the 1920’s. Not only that, but the village of Ortonville avoided all commercialization (opening businesses only for financial gain) for a long time. This really ended when Ortonville’s A & W drive-in restaurant opened in the early 1950’s. A & W gained immense support over the years, but inevitably changed with developments in health consciousness in the U.S. A & W has a place in many people’s hearts, maintaining the retro vibe it had decades ago. Although many regard A & W, McDonald’s, Jet’s Pizza and other fast food establishments as staples of the village’s food scene, local residents weren’t always limited by fast food. In 1915 a bakery stood where Moon Bodyworks now stands today. While on the topic of downtown restaurants, it’d be impossible not to mention Papa Bella’s and the Village Pub. At this moment in time, they are the longest standing restaurants in the downtown area. With Papa Bella’s serving pizzas and more since their opening on October 1st, 1991 and the Village Pub operating since sometime during or before the 90’s, both have been feeding local residents for decades.
While it’d be difficult to cover every business that has transitioned in and out and around downtown Ortonville, I’m going to cover some of the main ones. Where the MSU Credit Union is located today the Clarkston-Brandon Credit Union occupied the building in 1994. The Citizen Newspaper has covered local affairs since 1994 in the building of 331 Mill Street, now located at 12 South Street. The lone-standing brick building that houses the Hudson Insurance Group originally held the Bank of Ortonville in 1905. As I had mentioned earlier, 391 Mill St. which is now Moon Bodyworks housed a bakery in 1915 but in later years was a gas station, insurance office, a beauty salon, a deli and even more! Where Lynn’s Dance Studio is today used to be a dry goods store, a post office and even a fabric store. As I’ve said before, it’d be tough to name off every business that has been a part of this town, but they all share one thing in common; they have contributed to the success of our small town.
While looking retrospectively upon the history of businesses in the Village of Ortonville, one thing is for certain – that is that each and every one business that has made its way into Ortonville has contributed to the town’s success. Even the companies that don’t exist today have played a crucial role in the local economy. The businesses of the past and the present are what uphold the community and without them we might not be here to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Ortonville.
Construction in Ortonville 1848 vs 2023
By Stefan Austin
Ortonville was founded in 1848 by Amos Orton, who built a dam across Kearsley Creek to supply water power for his grist mill, and built many of our town buildings that are still in use today.
It’s one thing to say that he built that dam and all of those buildings, but have you ever wondered what efforts it took to make a whole town out of nothing?
If I were to start building a town today, the first thing I would do is hire a tree clearing company to cut trees and remove them. They use gas-power chainsaws, big cranes and trucks to haul it away.
After laying out the plans, I would hire a cement company to pour foundations and basements. I would then hire teams of companies like plumbers, electricians, framers, roofers and landscapers. They all use power tools and lights so they can keep working at night.
I would use my cell phone to research the companies and contact each one for my project. I would bring materials to the job sites in my truck on paved roads.
Things were much different 175 years ago. Men had to cut down trees with axes and hand saws. Once they cut them down, they would cut them into smaller pieces and boards. If you were lucky, you had a mill to power saws to cut the boards.
Back in 1848, everything was hand-made and there was no machinery to help with the process. Even supplies like nails had to be created in the blacksmith shop.
Amos Orton had to personally find the workers to complete the projects simply by asking around. He didn’t have the resources like the internet.
Back then, foundations were made by gathering rocks, stacking them and mortering them together. They had to dig the foundations with hand-held tools and back breaking labor.
Working at night was almost impossible. They had candle light but that was not enough to keep working at night. This made the process much slower.
Back in 1848 there were nothing but carriages pulled by horses. Not only was it hard to ride in carriages, it was even harder with the conditions. Rocks, logs, sticks, sand…none of the so-called roads were paved like we have today. To think that Orton rode in one of these carriages, bringing bundles of logs and plenty of other materials back and forth to build the mill, blacksmith shop, Town Hall, barber shop, drug store and much more is just incredible.
My dad owns Austin Brick Pavers, located across from the Dollar General in Ortonville. I work for him during the summers, and wow, if I had to go back 175 years and work on the same things that my dad was doing with his machines, I would just think it is impossible!
Overall, the things that Amos Orton did to construct the well-built town of Ortonville has lasted 175 years and is still thriving because he put in the maximum effort.
Go Fish, The And Now
(1848-2023)
By: August Austin, 9th Grade
In 175 years there have been a lot of changes with fishing in Ortonville, but there are a lot of similarities too.
Let’s start with the differences. Today, I have a carbon fiber rod that can break into three pieces for easy carrying and traveling. It has a flip bail spinning reel with braided line. I have a full tackle box full of all different choices; hula poppers, spinners, swimbaits, spoons and more! Some of them have shiny colors and reflective finishes. I can also head up to the grocery store or gas station to get a container of rightcrawlers. I keep all of these things in a state-of-the-art fishing backpack that I wear when I ride my bike from lake to lake.
If I ever need to know the weather when I’m about to go fishing, I grab my phone and check the weather app to see what the weather is for the day and for the next 7 days. When I catch fish, I use that same phone to take a picture and then immediately send it to all of my friends and social media. I can also make a quick phone call to my mom or dad so that they can pick me up from the lake.
To protect myself from the sun and heat, I put sunscreen on and also wear my long sleeve sun guard fishing shirt. I usually grab a bottle of water or two from the refrigerator as I’m walking out the door. When I catch fish that I want to keep, I can toss them in a cooler filled with ice to save for later.
A 14-year-old kid in 1848 would have a completely different fishing experience compared to mine.
In 1848, people were most likely fishing with wooden fly fishing rods. These were long wooden rods with a basic reel that had to be cast to look like bugs flying and landing in the river. If they were reel casting, they would have to find bait nearby, under rocks or by digging a hole in the ground. If they were really skilled, they would have to use wool and threads to tie flies into realistic looking bug shapes.
The weather was usually a guessing game in 1848. There was no way of telling what the forecast was. They would have to use clues like wind patterns and the rustling of leaves, sometimes how the animals would behave.
Protecting yourself from the sun back in 1848 was not that easy; you needed to wear over dressed clothes with hats or scarves, even if it was hot out. If you caught fish that you wanted to keep you would have to hurry home and clean it before it rotted.
The differences in fishing 175 years ago do not compare to the similarities.
My house is along the Kearsley Creek. Today I can walk down the same shore that Amos Orton stood on in 1848. One of the best things about Ortonville is that I get to enjoy the same sounds, smells, animals, fish and birds that lived here 175 years ago.
The things that you can’t see and touch are exactly the same that they were in 1848; standing alone on the shore, casting your line and patiently waiting. The best part is the moment when it hits your line and you get to reel in a big fish.
In 175 years there have been a lot of changes with fishing in Ortonville, but there are a lot of similarities too.
Ortonville in 1848 vs Today
By Hailey Owens
Ortonville, Michigan is a beautiful and friendly community that has gone through a lot of changes and difficulties over the years. It was founded in 1848 by pioneers who set out to build a new community and they chose a beautiful location amongst all the hills and shining lakes. Today, Ortonville is still a darling little village that continues to grow into a small charming community.
Ortonville was named after Orton Amos, in honor or being one of the town’s early settlers. Orton was born on June 7th, 1809. Orton went through a difficult journey to find Ortonville. He traveled with his wife and two children and they went through muddy old Indian roads across the wilderness from Detroit, royal oak, troy, and pontiac, just to find the calm and peaceful land, known as, Ortonville today.
When Ortonville was first founded, it became a thriving place of industry and trade. There were many gristmills and saw mills that made Ortonville thrive and it provided jobs for the local residents. The small community became home to many businesses like a bank, flower shop and many other small stores. Overtime, there was a major shift in Michigan during 1848, that affected Our charming community, Ortonville. The major shift was the decline in the lumber industry. When the lumber industry started to decline it led to many mills closing. This shift led to this small town leaning towards other industries and many small businesses closing and changing locations.
Another significant change that happened overtime is the growth of Ortonville’s residential population. As said before many businesses had to close or relocate. There wasn’t much in Ortonville, Joe Wojo the owner of Wojos stated that during 1984, people were leaving michigan like crazy and unemployment was high because of the oil industry and not many people lived in Ortonville. When Joe first started his business it was a very rural area and the first stoplight was downtown Clarkston and there is now one at oakwood road, M-15, grange hall road and one by the Siko gas station. Since then, Ortonville has grown to about 1,250 people living in Ortonville and business everywhere. Ortonville is still known as a quiet and small community. The village is able to show off several historic buildings and landmarks, such as the Ortonville United Methodist Church and the old grist mill which was donated by Emeling hamilton in 1968. They are there as reminders of its early years from the beginning 1848. In addition, Ortonville has many natural landmarks like parks and recreational areas, providing residents and visitors with various outdoor activities which are so much fun for friends and family. These features make Ortonville an attractive place to live and visit, preserving its rich history while embracing its future.
Ortonville’s strong sense of community is one of its most significant assets. The village’s community organizations, such as the Ortonville Lions Club and the Ortonville Community Historical Society, play an important role in preserving the village’s history and promoting a sense of community among residents. Furthermore, Ortonville is renowned for its friendly and welcoming residents, who are always eager to greet newcomers and make them feel at home. This sense of community is further strengthened by the village’s numerous events and festivals, such as the popular Ortonville Flea Market and the annual Fourth of July Parade, which bring residents together and create lasting memories.
In conclusion, Ortonville, Michigan has undergone significant changes since its founding in 1848. While it was once a busy center of industry and trade, it has since evolved into a more peaceful and residential community. Despite these changes, Ortonville remains a charming and beautiful community that has an outstanding history and a strong sense of community spirit. The village’s numerous community organizations, friendly residents, and various events and festivals create a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy for newcomers to feel at home. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer, Ortonville is a lovely little village that is sure to capture your heart.
Writing Contest
By Olivia Kentros
The topic I chose to write about comparing 1848 to 2023 is schooling. Schools have drastically changed in the past 175 years. Schools went from one-roomed schoolhouses, where everybody shared the classroom, to towns with up to three elementary schools. Back in mid-1800s children were only in school for as little as 5 years, with about 59% of children even having the option to attend school. Parents often had their kids stay home after so few years of schooling to help with farm work, housework, chores, or even sometimes gardening.
Most girls didn’t even have the option to go to school, having to stay home and work on housework, or take care of their siblings. The girls that were lucky enough to go to school mainly got reading and writing in their curriculum, in a separate room or place, away from the boys. Since schools were only one room, there was only the need for one teacher/adult in the whole school. Some teachers even relied on the older male students to teach the other younger students. Today though there are hundreds of adults on the staff at every school in the district. As the years went by, laws were formed to make children stay in school longer, till they were about 18 years old.
The time that schools started though, hasn’t changed that much over the years, back in the 1800s schools started at 9am and ended anywhere from 2pm to 4pm. The school year on the other hand has changed, it went from about 132 days in the 1800s to 180 days this year. Technology has also become a big change in schools in the past 200 years. Schools went from writing on slates, to parchment, paper, typewriter, then finaly what we are the most familiar with now, the computer. Even within the past 5 years, schools have started using computers, chromebooks, or even iPads more and more frequently. Children also had no busses, or parents who could drive them. Children had to manage the hike to school, all by themselves or with a buddy until they graduated. Teachers were also paid far less than they are now, many not even being able to afford somewhere to live, had to live with multiple students’ families.
The behavior and discipline has also changed a lot. Discipline was very strict and normally involved humiliation, or a beating of some sort. Even a small act of idiocy could get one expelled. Now, students can get away and do a lot before even getting a talking to. Even with going on little to no breaks, students were a lot better behaved and got along with each other in a much easier and better way. The younger students weren’t scared of talking to the older students like many are.
Schools have changed so much in 175 years, and personally I would much rather go to school today than back then. Living roughly 5 miles from school, I know I wouldn’t want to walk that far to school every day.
Then and Now: Ortonville at a Glance
By Michael Olrich
Amos Orton and his family established Ortonville in the free soil of Michigan after an arduous journey from New York. Little did he know that his small settlement would remain a prosperous pillar community in the area nearly seven generations later. The technological advances that have been made the world over have irreversibly altered our way of life in Ortonville. So much so that, in some ways, the Village is nearly unrecognizable from its humble origins as a few small buildings nestled in the thick wood of 1848.
One of the first things that Amos Orton built upon Ortonville’s founding was a saw mill. In the following years, he constructed a blacksmith shop and a flour mill (the latter of which would become the Old Mill Museum). Along with being used for the production of their respective commodities, these businesses served a secondary purpose to attract settlers. Similarly, present-day establishments such as Escamilla Amigos, Papa Bella’s Pizza, Hamilton’s Feed Store, and other local businesses help to attract people to the Village and ensure that the economy thrives. By providing the town with a healthy flow of capital, these businesses have allowed the town to prosper for nearly two centuries, and is sure to support countless more.
However, life in the mid-19th century was not without its hardships. Medical attention was typically administered by local doctors with limited supplies, and the speed of the most common forms of transportation made it unrealistic to travel to the larger medical institutions found in more populous locales. Furthermore, the practice of medicine was poorly understood, which unfortunately had a noticeable effect on the community. In 1848, an estimated 280 out of every 1000 children born would not see their first birthday, and life expectancy was estimated to be as low as 21. Amos Orton himself lost his firstborn shortly after conception, most likely due to an intestinal illness such as cholera or dysentery. Such diseases were often a death sentence because of the lack of treatment available for those affected. Today, the expectancy at birth is around 77 years. Such a large difference can be owed to the huge developments in biomedical sciences throughout the past century.
The scientific progress exhibited throughout the medical industry makes it evident that communication is an integral part of any society. It was no less essential in Amos’s time. In fact, it was so indispensable that the very first post office was established in Amos Orton’s own home in 1856. At that time, mail was sent by horse, covering 100 miles over a 24 hour period. Modern technology has revolutionised communication. Email enables instantaneous communication of messages that would have otherwise taken months to send. Thanks to transportation technology like cars and planes, even physical mail can be shipped ten times faster than in 1848. While it would have taken the Pony Express about 10 days to travel coast to coast, priority mail sent from the same location could arrive at its destination under 24 hours.
From the founding of Ortonville to its 175th year celebration, our small town has seen many transformations, survived so much change, and has always adapted to overcome the odds and become the place we live in today. Once a hodge-podge of buildings, now the focal point of a successful, flourishing community, one can only imagine what the future has in store for our little Ortonville.
1848 Women rights compared to today 2023
By Jenna Voss
In 1848, women’s rights were very different from what they are today. Women were not allowed to vote, hold political office, or even own property in many parts of the United States. Their role was to serve and listen to men and focus on domestic duties like cooking, cleaning, and taking care of children. Fast forward to today, and the situation for women has improved dramatically from 1848. Women now have gained the right to vote, and they now hold political office at all levels of government. Women now also have the right to own property and have access to a wide range of educational and career opportunities.
During July, 1848, we had the first Seneca Falls convention which was also the first step in the feminist movement. This convention was the first women’s right convention to be held in the United States. There were about 300 people at the convention even thought it didn’t have much publicity. This meeting led to the woman’s suffrage movement which later led to the right for women to vote. The convention organizer was Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Elizabeth and her husband were known for being active abolitionists. This convention led women to fight for equal rights. Later on, in 1849 there was the first national women’s convention; there were more than 1,000 people there. This shows people were taking a stand for equal rights.
Although there have been significant advances, women still face discrimination and inequality in many areas of life today. For instance, gender pay remains an issue, and women are underrepresented in various fields, such as science, technology, engineering and math. There is an urgent need for continued action to address these challenges and make sure that women have equal opportunities and are treated fairly in every aspect of today’s society. Reproductive rights have been an issue since 1848 and are still a problem today. Moreover, many women lack access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare services, which has a significant impact on their overall health and well-being.
Gender-based violence is another area where women continue to face significant challenges. Despite increased awareness and efforts to address issues such as sexual harassment and assault, women still experience high rates of violence in the United States and globally. Today, there is still gender based violence but women are working hard to prevent that from continuing. Women continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of women and work towards creating a society where all women can live free from violence and discrimination.
In summary, while there have been improvements in the situation for women since 1848, there is still a long way to go. Women have achieved significant gains in areas such as voting rights, political representation, and access to education and career opportunities. However, they still encounter significant challenges in areas such as pay equity, reproductive rights, and gender-based violence. It is required for all of us to continue to fight for change and to work towards a more fair and equitable society that values and respects the rights of individuals, regardless of gender.
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