Portsmouth Women: Madams & Matriarchs Who Shaped New Hampshire's Port City

by Laura Pope (Editor)

In the history of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, countless women rose above a rigid society to make their marks on the seaport city. In the eighteenth century, Allice Shannon Hight became a successful tavern keeper, outliving two husbands and providing for ten children. Others flourished in more scandalous ventures, like Alta Roberts, otherwise known as the Black Mystery of Portsmouth--always donned in black, she operated a successful brothel at the Roberts House Saloon in the nineteenth century. Even greater achievements would come in later years from the likes of Mary Carey Dondero, who became one of the first women elected mayor in New England. This collection of essays, compiled by author and historian Laura Pope, celebrates the victories--large and small--of Portsmouth's notable women.

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 21, 2013

Reviews

[Sylvia Snowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing is clumsy and amateurish, something of a chore to wade through it. Still, I recommend the book to anyone interested in Portsmouth history. Lots of interesting details and well researched.