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 © Dale Rogerson
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
O MERMAID BOLD
Holding up a typical swim dress, Charlotte glared at the all-male committee of the Amateur Athletic Leage “One lap in this meshuggeneh getup and a girl will sink like a stone.”
One of the men studied her proposed swimsuit on the table. “Are you suggesting women be allowed to compete? In this skimpy thing?”
“Indeed, I am, sir.”
Charlotte never wavered and in 1915 one-piece swimsuits for women were sanctioned and pools were open to both genders.
Affectionately known as Eppy, Charlotte Epstein is remembered as the Mother of Women’s Swimming in America. Nu? Who doesn’t appreciate a Jewish mother?
CLICK to learn more about this amazing woman. One of her proteges happened to be Gertrude Ederle. 😉
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Beauty pageants everywhere must sing her praises too
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Dear Neil,
You get a mini haha for that one. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I googled ‘old fashioned swimsuits’ to appreciate your story better. Hmm, her intervention certainly was a welcome one. I’d expect to drown if I tried to swim in one of those. Great story – very informative as always.
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Dear Sandra,
Is it any wonder women were considered delicate flowers who couldn’t possibly swim? I am grateful to her. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I like Eppy and I never even met her! We need more Eppys around, people who speak the obvious truth. Thankfully, there were men around who listened. That is the way it should be. Amen!
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Dear Clare,
I hadn’t heard of her before I saw the movie Young Woman and the Sea which is a movie about Gertrude Ederle. I had to look up Charlotte Epstein after seeing her character in it. I wish there was more about her personally. But there were a few articles about her accomplishments. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I can’t imagine trying to swim in those suits. But then again, I am a male and didn’t have to. lol. Glad Eppy changed the fashion. Good story.
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Dear Whoever You Are,
As a swimmer, I’m most certainly glad for the changes in swimwear. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, this was amazing, and so lovely!
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Thank you, Carol Anne.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another inspirational woman. She dared, she succeeded.
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Dear Keith,
It’s always fun to find these people in history. Eppy didn’t actually design the suits, but she was instrumental in getting them approved in the States. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well done. She challenged the opinion of the day and made progress.
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Dear James,
Progress usually comes with challenge, doesn’t it? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Thank goodness for the Charlottes of the world… I love how you bring to light all these wonderful women.
Shalom and lotsa unsinkable love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
I love it when I find them, too. She was a challenge to bring to life. Lots of facts but not a lot about WHO she was INSIDE. Glad you enjoyed and took the time to say so. Thank you for the picture.
Shalom and lotsa well-suited hugs,
Rochelle
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She made you work for her!
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She did indeed. 😉
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Forward thinking, bold and inspiring young woman. Kudos to her! Another great read, Rochelle.
Shalom.
~ Nancy
🕊️
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Dear Nancy,
Always fun to find those people. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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and so that’s how it all started. great for the wearers and onlookers too. 🙂
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Dear Plaridel,
Swimsuit watching has become something of a spectator sport in and of itself. I, myself, as a swimmer just enjoy a modest one piece. To me there’s a difference between a SWIMsuit and a BATHINGsuit. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Every days a school day Rochelle, thanks for this, awesome stuff
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Dear Anonymous,
Thank you. I’ll take that as a compliment. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Times change, well told,
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Myself and computers do not get on well these days. The above brief comment is from Mike Humphris. Perhaps at some point I will get inlinkz to show a picture again. Mike
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Dear Michael,
I really appreciate your identifying yourself. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You bring the stories of so many obscure women to life. You should write a book.
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Dear Dawn,
Hmmm. Not sure about that book. But then…never say never. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, I love this. Standing applause for Eppy! Thank you for sharing her story, Rochelle. 🙂
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Dear Brenda,
I’m so glad you enjoyed Eppy’s story. I really want to know more about her, but I could only find the facts. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Imagine! Showing all that flesh! What kind of woman…?
I’m grateful to all those who went before and moved the needle even a little bit in my direction.
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Dear Jen,
As a swimmer, I’m certainly most grateful for women like Eppy. I can’t imagine tryint to swim in all that fabric. Ugh. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Fantastic !
What an icon
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Thank you, Laurie.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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There’s actually more to this very interesting story; https://swimcoachingblog.com/2023/04/21/womens-racing-suits-in-early-20th-century/
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