The Maid and the Socialite

The Brave Women Behind Green Bay's Scandalous Minahan Trials

De: Lynda Drews

Narrado por: Megan Trout

In the shadows of progress, two women's stories were erased. Until now.

What if a respected surgeon could destroy your life with just one diagnosis?

In early twentieth century Green Bay, Wisconsin, this terrifying reality was all too true for two women. Mary, an illiterate maid, and Mollie, a college-educated socialite, fell victim to the physical violence and mental abuse of celebrated surgeon Dr. John R. Minahan. To silence them, he claimed they had the shameful and dreaded disease of syphilis.

This is the first full account ever written about Dr. Minahan, whose wealth built a college stadium, science hall, and six-story office building—all named for him—while history lost, or perhaps erased, Mary's and Mollie's heroic stories. Until now.

Eerily mirroring contemporary debates around gender equality, misinformation, and wealth disparity, this tale remains alarmingly relevant. It is a story of power, abuse, and the tireless pursuit of justice. Delve into this haunting yet inspiring historical tale to uncover the forgotten stories of Mary and Mollie, two courageous women who dared to stand up against a powerful adversary.

©2023 Lynda Drews (P)2023 Tantor

Brave Women

I loved hearing the tales of these brave women ahead of their time in a corner of the world that is not always written about. Anyone local to the Green Bay Area will enjoy hearing about locations they know well, while uncovering some dark secrets these buildings and homes hold.

Disturbing yet Important Story Needed to be Told

JR was the ultimate bully and intimidator. Such an evil man. The story is well constructed in the book. I wish that JR’s peers had stood up to him. There is no way they were unaware of his evil nature. Mary and Mollie were unsung heroes.

Great insights to Historic Green Bay

I live in Green Bay and I’m not even sure how I stumbled across this book, but was really impressed with the story and recording. I could envision many of the areas referenced in the book, so it felt a bit like a time machine. Great job!

Beautifully Narrated. Kept me hooked up all the way through

so well written and narrated! Makes one wish for more. A tribute to women's rights. Choice is a powerful gift. The persistence of the protagonists to be heard in spite of each obstacle they face is worthy of admiration and reflection.

Realities of life at the turn of the 20th century

A true story of Two very different class of women abused, belittled, and taken advantage of by a wealthy powerful physician.