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The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
PHOTO PROMPT © Liz Young
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
DESTINED TO CARRY A NATION
Crumpling the telegram in her fist, Carrie flung it to the floor. Anger, coupled with grief, bubbled from the depths of her being. “That worthless excuse for a husband, Charles Gloyd. I just knew demon rum would kill the shameless sot sooner than later.”
Baby Charlien awoke to the sound of her mother’s sobs and added her own squalls. Carrie lifted her daughter into her arms and cuddled her to her breast. She softly sang, “Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war…”
As the child’s eyes fluttered shut, Carrie whispered, “Men are nicotine soaked, beer besmirched, whiskey greased, red-eyed devils.”
“You have put me in here a cub, but I will come out roaring like a lion, and I will make all hell howl!” Carry A. Nation upon being locked in jail.
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Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Woe unto ye if ye shall rise up in the morning to seek after strong drink.
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I want all hellions to quit puffing that hell fume in God’s clean air.
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What a woman, what a story! Too bad all her efforts came to naught. Prohibition was a smashing. . . . .failure. Alcoholism is rampant in America, in spite of organizations like AA and other rehab programs. I’m a teetotaler myself, never had any desire to get anywhere near something that can take over my mind and body and make be act like a fool. Carrie was right about alcohol, but she was wrong to put ALL men into the same category.
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Dear Linda,
She was definitely driven although I’m not sure I’d agree with her methods. I agree about alcoholism. But, obviously Prohibition was not the answer. I think Carrie’s thoughts on men stemmed from her own unfortunate experiences. 😉 Thank you for a wonderful comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Crivvens, what an awful woman!
But good story, you portray her anger very vividly.
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Dear CE,
She wasn’t one who gave off warm fuzzies, was she? Thank you re my story. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a wonderful play of words in the title, loved it. Again another history lesson, thank you!
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Dear Loré,
It’s lovely to see you back among us. You have been missed. Thank you for such a sweet comment on this story of a not-so-sweet woman.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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❤
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I learned a bit of history here. She was a fiesty woman, alright. Rather combative too…but I feel her heart was in the right place. Love the title. (name of hubby..yes?)
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Dear Vivian,
I’m glad you caught my play on words. Her second husband was David A. Nation. Perhaps a prophetic union. 😉 As always, I’m happy to share history, particularly when so well received. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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There were some interesting characters in the temperance movement and a lot of them were women. Great story as usual.
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Dear Trent,
Interesting…kind word for such a fanatical woman. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, I was being kind 😉
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I like how you use the action to tell us such a lot about Carry in this story. We see the tender mother and the deeply religious person, as well as the angry, bitter woman who went on to become such a hatchet wielder for the temperance movement. Good piece! And thanks for the link about her!
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Dear Penny,
I love the way you went exactly where I wanted you No author can hope for more. 😀 Carrie was an interesting person to be sure and, we recently learned, at one point in her life, lived very close to where we live now. It’s a little frightening when religion and bitterness join forces, isn’t it? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The world is filled, most notably now, with Carrie Nations’,~self.appointed guardians of the public weal, who feel free to decide for others how they may and must live
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Dear Larry,
And so shall there always be.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Actually, the song is the most horrifying aspect of this piece. It’s always reminded me of the Christian Crusades, though it was written in the 19th century.
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Dear James,
Bingo. That’s my thought exactly and that’s why the song was important to this story. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Her character has been superbly etched’ the anger and the bitterness brought forth brilliantly.
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Many thanks for a lovely comment, Neel.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very interesting, both the story and the background. We all have points in our lives that define our future paths, though sometimes they don’t go to plan
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Dear Siobhán,
We do have those moments, don’t we? I wonder if Carrie had any inkling of where life would ‘carry’ her. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow, what a character! The idea of her attacking a tavern with a hatchet would send me home without a tipple!
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Dear Iain,
I’m not sure I’d want to come face to face with her…and certainly not with a drink in my hand. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well, she sounds like a woman of conviction. 😦 Interesting topic, expertly delivered as usual. She reminded me about the Order of Rechabites, with whom, as a child, I accompanied a friend on a day trip to the seaside. I spent the entire day in an ecstacy of anxiety in case it was discovered that both my parents liked a drink. 😦
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Dear Sandra,
I’ve heard that when you learn something it causes a wrinkle in your brain. I felt mine wrinkle just now. I’d never heard of the Order of Rechabites. Thank you. And thank you re my story. L’chaim. (I’m drinking coffee at the moment. 😉 )
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Darn-tootin’ we are!!! Not a happy woman, the picture you presented us. Realized in 100 words.
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Dear Stu,
I think Carrie must’ve been a very unhappy person. Sadly, she was also a fanatic. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Carrie Nation with her axe! I wonder how many people wound up dead because of her crusade. The Eighteenth Amendment made liquor into a murderous business. Well done.
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Dear Josh,
There are better ways to fight alcoholism, aren’t there? She doesn’t look like a likable person in any case. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Quite a story about Carrie. I had no idea of the long history attached to her. Interesting reading for sure. Good job and teaching of history.
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Perhaps I should’ve been a history teacher. 😉 However…back in the day who cared about history? Not I. Hindsight and all that. Thanks, m’luv.
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Dear Rochelle,
That Carrie certainly looks as if she was a force to be reckoned with, and I think you’ve got her voice down to a T.
I have two real life stories attached to the hymn “Onward Christian Soldiers”. One is related to a relative of mine who hated arguments, so used to close her eyes and sing the hymn rather than get in a fight. Then there was a friend of mine who said that the best way to get around the supermarket in a hurry was to fly around with your trolley while singing Onward Christian soldiers. She said it cleared the aisles of people very quickly indeed!
That’s an interesting and quirky prompt this week. I’ll take it away in my head and see if anything suitably offbeat springs to mind.
Hope you’re having a wonderfully creative week. I’m going to do something unheard of for me tonight, which is to watch a football match on television. I wonder why 😉
All best wishes,
Sarah
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Dear Sarah,
Creative week indeed! I’ve revisited and tweaked the first four (and only existing) chapters of “Last Dance with Annie” and have written a prospective chapter for “What the Heart Wants,” the story of how Winnie’s parents met.
It’s only Thursday so dare I still hold out hope of seeing you amongst the Hollywood Squares?
In any event, thank you for your generous comment and for sharing your stories. Love it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
What a busy bee you’ve been! Well done 🙂
Yes, I will be posting a contribution to FF tomorrow. I’ve just written 100 words of dark humour this afternoon (UK time) and am glad to announce that my writer’s block has now officially unblocked.
All best wishes,
Sarah
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Well now. She was hardly a retiring wallflower was she? Another interesting person from American history. I love the way you bring all these fascinating people to us, Rochelle.
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Dear Eric,
At six feet tall and wielding a hatchet for emphasis? Definitely not a shrinking violet. 😉 Thank you for your high compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a great way to impart history, If only you had been one of my teachers.
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Dear Mike,
Thank you for such a compliment. I wish my teachers had made history more interesting, too. It wasn’t my favorite subject in school by any stretch.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well, yikes. I would have thought she would have scared her husband sober, but perhaps had the opposite effect. Excellent story, Rochelle.
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Dear Sascha,
She was quite a bit younger when her first husband drank himself to death. Although six feet tall she might not have been the imposing character of later years. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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She certainly had a dim view on men. I can’t say I blame her, but I also notice that prohibition was revoked. Maybe a less hard line is better?
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Dear Alice,
Carrie was before Prohibition, even though she might have had some influence.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I always learn something from your stories! 🙂
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Dear Jan,
I think we might be even in the learning/teaching exchange. 😉 Thank you for a high compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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For some reason, I’ve actually heard a lot about Carrie. A remarkable woman for her time, outspoken too.
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Dear Lish,
I’m sure her height and hatchet helped. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You really brought her to life in your story. Short, blunt sentences that said it all. Glad she wasn’t my neighbor. REALLY glad she wasn’t my mom!!!
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😀
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Never underestimate a woman who can make hell howl! Great take, Rochelle. Carrie was obviously an exceptional lady.
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Dear Jilly,
I’ve no doubt she could back her claims. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow, definitely a woman you don’t want to meet in a dark alley, for sure. Kinda reminds me of the one who called herself my mother. And from the picture…she actually looks a bit like my Gr. Grandmother who didn’t take bull off of anyone, either. She was a staunch Methodist who took prohibition to heart… too bad she didn’t know about Gr. Grampa’s still back behind the city building where he worked…heheeh! She’d have kilt him for sure! Love this little trip down memory lane, Rochelle… been a long time since I remembered Grama before she lost her mind to senility. Shalom ~ and guard your axes!
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Dear Jelli,
I think your comment is more entertaining than my story. 😉 Thank you. (for everything)
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Lily Putian W(T)F,
You’ve probably seen this photo. Is it any wonder so many men of that era were heavy drinkers? I think not!
https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=%2fHXOH0CX&id=7B810262169041561D474716075AD06F861AC317&thid=OIP._HXOH0CX-ZH1l0VG-HreeQHaFS&mediaurl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.calliopegifts.co.uk%2fimages%2f_lib%2flips-that-touch-liquor-shall-not-touch-ours-boxed-mug-3007580-0-1431605683000.jpg&exph=360&expw=504&q=lips+that+touch+liquor+shall+not+touch+ours&simid=608045484631787570&selectedIndex=0
Cheers,
James Beam
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Dear James Beam,
Yep that would drive any man to drink. Even I’d rather have liquor touch my lips that the lips of those barracudas. 😉 Thanks for sloshing by. Hic!
Shalom,
Lily Putian W(T)F
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Dear Rochelle,
Brilliant play on words with that title. And, yes, you have given us a lovely history lesson. Methinks she was a “tad” extremist, but then again, one had to be to be heard, yes? Ferocious in her convictions. I’ll just gingerly step back so’s not to get in her way, whilst hiding my glass of wine in my voluminous skirts…
Lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Wine? What wine?…I don’ got no wine. 😉 I fear anything taken to extreme. She’s definitely someone I wouldn’t want to run into in a dark alley as Jelly says. Just shows how entertaining history can be, doesn’t it? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nope… none of that demon’s drink here… step away and keep walking, nothing to see here…
Yes, history is fascinating…
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What a Woman ! From her photo, I can so imagine her fighting the good fight against the Demon Drink. Expect she didn’t go in for small talk, or to suffer any-one who disagreed with her. Great historical cameo Rochelle.
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Dear Francine,
She doesn’t look like the warm fuzzy sort, does she? 😉 I don’t imagine she allowed anyone, male, female or beast to get in her way. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very clever title.
According to the link she used to attack taverns with hatchet. Blimey!
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Dear Ali,
She was a tower of hatchet-wielding strength fraught with fanaticism. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beware of the self-righteous. Extremists like that never cause any progress, only problems. Great story, Rochelle, and an interesting glimpse into history again.
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Dear Gabi,
I agree. Extremism, no matter how seemingly good the intent is dangerous. History repeatedly shows us this.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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As usual a great story, Rochelle. Alcoholism has ruined so many families.
My take on the prompt
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Dear Piyali,
Alcoholism certainly ruined Carrie’s young family. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Marriage to an alcoholic is a hell on earth, as my daughter discovered.
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Dear Liz,
Alcoholism is horrible for everyone involved. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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for sure, she was a force of nature. i wonder how her husband felt about it. 🙂
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Dear Plaridel,
Her first husband drank himself to death and she eventually was divorced from Mr. Nation. I don’t know who served whom though.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Querida Rochelle,
Muy bien escrito … como siempre.
I went to a lecture with a history professor who spoke about CA Nation. It was intriguingly interesting. Of course, he was a great speaker. She seemed a bit extreme for those times but what do I know I wasn’t alive. lolol
Alcoholism is an evil thing in extremes. I know of many who have suffered in different ways. It isn’t something to be taken lightly. Sadly, because it’s legal people don’t consider it addictive. Ahhh … the conversations that could be discussed about so many addictive things.
Me … I enjoy my vino once in a while. I can’t imagine craving it or going bonkers without it. To those who do have a problem I hope they manage to see that and get the help they need. Banning something from everyone for those who overindulge seems drastic.
Cheers 🍷🍷
Abrazos y Carino,
Isadora 😎
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Querida Isadora,
Just about anything taken to extremes, en mi humilde opinión, es muy pelígro. I’ve seen how alcoholism can destroy relationships. I’m happy to say that my own brother is 17 years clean and sober. 😀
On the other hand, we see how well prohibition worked. 😉 También I enjoy a glass of wine on occasions. I can also live without it.
Food can also be addictive with devastating effects.
As for Mrs. Nation. Oy vey! Pretty extreme. ¡Demasiado!
Gracias para tus palabras amables. (?)
Salúd y abrazos,
Rochelle.
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Querida Rochelle,
Es verdad todo se puede hacer sin extremo. Las personas que beben mucho – hay veces – y es solo mi opinion tienen problemas que quiten olvidar o no quieren sentir dolor. Es triste porque es una enfermedad. Ahora puedes practicar mucho con este comentario.
Abrazos y Carino
Isadora 😎
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Oy vey this one was not my idea of a porch I’d like a light left on come night. I understood her outrage, but never her methods or righteousness. Radicalism rarely comes out well, or leads to any good, in my view. Let alone when the end justifies the means …
Well done, though!
Added my slant on this prompt (a little radical in its own way, perhaps, but the photo would hardly lend itself to cuddliness…) to the blue-frog-link-a-thing but here it is copied, just for fun:
Le’Chayim …
Na’ama
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Na’ama Y’karah,
I hear your oy vey and raise you a gevalt. 😉 I don’t think extremism accomplishes much, at least nothing too positive. I do like trolling for the humanity in people of the past. Not sure there was a lot with Carrie A. Nation. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, it IS a valuable thing to try and see the richness of people, especially those who history may have render unidimensional. One does wonder, with such a name, how much she felt she had to ‘carry a nation’ (a bit desperate and a very possible tendency for the grandiose?) 😉 Na’ama
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I’m reading this while sipping on a glass of chardonnay. My opinion may be skewed
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Dear Dawn,
I’m partial to Sauvignon Blanc. 😉 L’chaim and thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Roar! Terrific piece, Rochelle.
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Dear Laurie,
Thank you for roaring by. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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this is quite powerful in 100 words. I loved the last line specially..
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Dear Deepa,
I must confess the last line is a quote from Carrie herself. Sometimes the true words enhance fiction. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Fascinating flash, Rochelle, and interesting historical background. I had never heard of Carrie. She looks terrifying. I can easily imagine her wielding the hatchet! Scary attitude to men, too.
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Dear Luccia,
She does look terrifying, doesn’t she? Not to mention she was 6 feet tall. So that added to her intimidating demeanor I’m sure. Add the hatchet and I’m sure she put the fear of God in a few elbow-benders. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Much said in a few words, Rochelle.
“Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”
The little one will grow up hating men for sure.
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Dear Anita,
I think I read somewhere that the little one was a little off emotionally but still managed to marry and raise 5 children of her own. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Quite a woman and looks it too! Thanks for another snippet from history, which I never knew could be so much fun!
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Dear Dahlia,
History can be very entertaining. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This was a very entertaining piece! I always learn something from your posts. I’m with Carry on the corset thing but the extreme nature of her convictions is a little bit frightening. Her passion was probably born from something else, deeper, as you portrayed in your story. Well done!
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Dear Brenda,
I’m with you on the corset thing, too. 😉 Extremists are frightening. I’m sure her first husband’s drinking himself to death had something to do with her crusades. Glad you were entertained. History shouldn’t be text book dull. I might have enjoyed it in school. 😉 History was my worst subject next to science and math. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You and me both. I had some dreadfully boring History teachers. Math’s not my thing naturally, but I had a couple of good Math teachers and so I made it through (barely anyways). Have a nice weekend! =)
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I can see how this woman’s picture and the prompt photo coalesced in your mind…there is something about these old photos that makes the kindest soul look eerie or downright evil.
You do wonder how little Charlien turned out.
I know they were into props back then, but who poses with a hatchet? Perhaps Lizzie Borden was next in line at the photographers’…great origin story.
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Dear Andrea,
I couldn’t find out a lot about Charlien, other than she had her own emotional issues. She did marry and raise five children. Your comments have me laughing out loud. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS Perhaps I should write a piece on Lizzie. Hmmm
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A really great read. Learned more history from the piece too.
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That’s a high compliment, Lisa. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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She seems to be a bit too extreme for me 🙂 Just yesterday, I was reading about India’s first female winner of a gold medal in the World Under-20 400m championships, Hima Das. Apparently, she’s a firebrand who forced a country liquor shop in her village to shut down, much before she became famous.
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Dear Anurag,
I had to search for Hima Das. Wow! She already forced a liquor shop to close? She’s only 18. The world better watch out for her. Thank you for sharing that with me.
As for Carrie. Yeah, she was more than a tad extreme. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Once again you entertain and educate. Thank you.
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Thank you for such a lovely compliment, Sheena.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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…which led me in to the Jaybird-Woodpecker War. Who’duth thought it?
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Jaybird-Woodpecker War? I that a real thing?
Thanks for stopping by, Patrick.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And so it is. Should’ve Googled first. 😉
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It’s clear from her bitterness that she has had her own bad experience with men and alcohol, that narrowed her understanding and vision.
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Dear Fatima,
I think her first husband drinking himself to death might’ve had something to do with it. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Carrie was one tough woman! I understand why she had such a aversion to alchohol, but her methods were rather extreme.
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Dear Magarisa,
I agree. Using a hatchet to get your point across is a little on the extreme side. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you for this story and the link. Carrie was a force to be reckoned with, and I love the last line you put in her mouth.
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Dear Sarah Ann,
At six feet tall and wielding a hatchet, Carrie was definitely a force to be reckoned with. The last line is a quote from her. Seemed the right place to put it. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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How much suffering made her say that. All men are not same but alcohol resposible for most henious crimes. Beautifully written. Shalom.
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Dear Indira,
She did have cause to feel the way she did. Alcohol is a drug and when abused, a weapon. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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She was hardly a retiring wallflower was she? Another interesting person from American history. I love the way you bring all these fascinating people to us, Rochelle.
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Dear Decanter,
Nope, Mrs. Nation was no retiring wallflower. 😉 Thank you for such a nice compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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