A Woman's Path to Liberation

May 31, 1961

Janine took me down to the Mansfield News Journal office today to talk to the publisher. We walked in, me in a bright yellow cocktail dress, and Janine in a pinstriped grey flared skirt without side seams. She even wore a white button up shirt that is normally exclusively male. She is so brave. The publisher was taken aback as he witnessed two strong women sit down in his office. I brought out my briefcase (one of James' older ones) and took out my proposition. At a loss for words, the publisher accepted the notes and fumbled with his glasses. I said, "We are here to save the paper," to which he finally got his bearings back and started to chuckle. Before he could say anything I pointed to the documents and told him to read. It was exhilarating to command a man.

He took a few minutes to examine our proposition and when he was finished, he heaved a great sigh. "There are 16 days before this paper is supposed to close." He said. "If we don't meet our quota of 8,000 papers sold before then, the Mansfield Journal is finished. While I am hesitant to let a bunch of women into the news, I have no other alternatives." He paused and eyed us, his bushy brows stern. "This paper has been in my family since its conception and I would rather see women infiltrate it than close its doors for good. I will have the lawyer review your proposition and we will call you later tonight." Never had my heart soared so high! Cloud 9 doesn't even begin to describe my feelings! We were going to be writers!

June 3, 1961

The women all cheered for me at the meeting today. We have all been working tirelessly getting ready for our two columns. We will be in tomorrow's paper! I have chosen the pseudonym Mrs. Potts. James still doesn't know, but I will save the surprise for when he opens it to read with his breakfast. I can't wait for the look on his face when he sees that I am a real writer!

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