EXHIBITS
Virginia Hanson: Introduction
Introduction to Virginia Hansen
Although Virginia’s life, including her career and her decision not to marry, may seem unusual for a post-war American woman, she had more in common with her contemporaries than one might think, especially with the others of her generation who had grown into adults before World War II began and had found other ways to use their maternal instinct than having children of their own.
Nellie Virginia Hansen (Hanson), born February 19, 1907 in Cornish, Utah. She was a beloved teacher and head librarian of the Cache County Library. She recorded decades of her life in journals that portray her spunky personality and head strong attitude.
She continuously challenged gender roles by rejecting numerous suitors and scoffing at the thought of getting married. She was infamous for her sarcasm and pointed attitude toward men. Marriage was not something Virginia thought highly of, and the typical domestic life did not suit her. Though she never had children of her own, she invested a lot of time and energy into the futures of many.
Virginia contradicted herself in her religious views. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS church), which highly supports marriage between a man and a woman and the creation of a family with children, yet she repeatedly rejected men's offers of dating or marriage, and as a result never had children of her own. She noted in numerous instances in her journals events she helped prepare for in Relief Society or caring for the people in her community. She often cooked complete meals for families in need and crafted for events. Though Virginia strayed from following her religion’s teaching of marrying young and creating a family, she still projected the love for children and caring for them that reflected her beliefs.
Virginia created countless connections with people across the globe during her lifetime through letters and friendly interactions. Her correspondences with Eleanor Roosevelt, the Disney Corporation, Langston Hughes, and many other people in high powered positions lead to her name being known across the map. We decided to organize Virginia's life in respect to her different spheres- her private sphere, her public sphere, and her global sphere, to show how Virginia fits into the bigger, historical picture.