August 23, 1890
The Birth of Hazel Schmoll
On August 23,1890, Hazel Schmoll was born. Hazel was an American botanist who made HERstory a couple of times. Hazel was the first Woman to earn a doctorate degree in botany from the University of Chicago. The year was 1932 & it was a time when most people still thought a Woman's primary focus should be finding a husband & marrying rather than pursuing an education (sadly, 'tis true!) Hazel made HERstory a second time when she became the first person to conduct a systematic study of plant life in southwestern Colorado. Google "astragalus schmolliae", aka "Schmoll's milkvetch." The lady was a wonder!