How did bertha palmer die
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Meet Bertha Palmer, the “Queen of Chicago Society”
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re pleased to feature Bertha Palmer, one of the most accomplished American women of her day.
By Dave Lifton (@daveeatschicago)
Behind the pollution-filled air and chaotic streets of 19th century Chicago was wealth and elegance. And it was exemplified by Bertha Palmer.
She was born Bertha Matilde Honoré on May 22nd, 1849 into a wealthy Kentucky family of French descent. Her father, Henry Hamilton Honoré, relocated his family to Chicago when Bertha was six and bought undeveloped land on the West Side. Honoré Street (1828W in Chicago’s grid) is named for him.
Due to her status, Bertha received an elite private education. When she was 13, Potter Palmer, a successful dry goods store owner, visited the Honoré house at 231 S. Ashland Ave., where he met Bertha. Despite a 23-year age difference, he was struck not just by her beauty but her intelligence and charm. Palmer asked her father if he could call upon her when she was of age. Mr. Honoré consented.
Bertha continue
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Palmer, Bertha Honoré (1849–1918)
Chicago socialite and philanthropist who was the main organizer of the Woman's Building at the Columbian Exposition of 1893. Name variations: Mrs. Potter Palmer; Bertha Honore Palmer. Born Bertha Honoré in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 22, 1849; died of breast cancer in Chicago, Illinois, on May 5, 1918; daughter of Henry H. Honoré (a businessmanin hardware and cutlery) and Eliza J. (Carr) Honoré; graduated from the Convent of the Visitation in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., 1867; married Potter Palmer (an entrepreneur), on July 28, 1870; children: sons Honoré (b. February 1, 1874) and Potter II (b. October 8, 1875).
As a leading figure in Chicago society, Bertha Honoré Palmer was at the center of social events and causes in that city throughout her life. She organized benefits, held receptions, and hosted dinners to fete scions of American business and government, European nobility, labor leaders, and welfare reformers; she was also a supporter of Jane Addams' welfare work at Hull House, and was concerned with the issues of women in the
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Bertha Palmer
American art collector (1849–1918)
Bertha Matilde Palmer (née Honoré; May 22, 1849 – May 5, 1918) was an American businesswoman, socialite, and philanthropist. She was the wife of millionaire Potter Palmer and early member of the Chicago Woman's Club, as well as president of the Board of Lady Managers. She is most known for her work during the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, as well as her donation of her impressionist art collection to the Art Institute of Chicago.
Early life
Born as Bertha Matilde Honoré in Louisville, Kentucky, her father was businessman Henry Hamilton Honoré. Her family moved to Chicago in 1855, when Bertha was six years old.[1] Known within the family as "Cissie", she studied in her home town and achieved a reputation as a musician, linguist, writer, politician, and administrator. She was one of six children, and the oldest of the Honoré daughters.[1] Her sister, Ida Marie Honoré, was married to Frederick Dent Grant, eldest son of general and president Ulysses S. Grant. She was a graduate of Georgetow
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