Nantucketer Margaret Getchell LaForge, a mastermind behind Macy’s stores, is the first of three businesswomen in history to be featured in a planned “Hidden Gems” series of books for children.
The chapter book series aimed at ages 7-12, by author Sapphire Christine, is described as a “playful historical series (which) will transport readers back to the gilded age where some of the most important beginners for women in business history took place.”
Getchell (who later took the married name LaForge) was America’s first female director of retail, and in a Kickstarter campaign – aiming to raise $ 12,000 by May 31 – Christine notes: “These women’s achievements in the business world deserve to be remembered Children need to see more female role models lead companies. “
Getchell was born on the island in 1841. As Macy’s superintendent, Getchell is described by the Nantucket Historical Association as transforming Macy’s into the first modern department store.
What was at one time also the world’s largest department store was founded by Nantucket native Rowland Hussey Macy, later discovered to be a distant cousin of Getchell, the association says.
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Getchell rose to superintendent from first being hired as an entry-level clerk, and regularly presented Macy with new ideas, including the store’s five-pointed red star brand; add sections such as jewelry, home furnishings and gifts; development of window displays; and the addition of a soda fountain in the center of the store, according to the NHA.
Its historical account notes that despite her contribution to the store’s success, Getchell was asked to give up her salary in 1871 when her husband was promoted to partner.
Information about the Kickstarter campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hiddengemsforkids/hidden-gems-for-kids?ref=project_link.
‘Phoenix’ lands outside the Cahoon Museum
The Cahoon Museum of American Art features a colorful “Phoenix,” created in “quilted metal” by artist Robin Tost, as part of its Streetside series of outdoor sculptures along Route 28 in Cotuit.
“The Phoenix” was the third in a series of quilted metal birds created for The Mount, author Edith Wharton’s home in Lenox, which has a sculpture walk each season curated by an organization called SculptureNOW.
“The Phoenix” is 10 feet high and is made of metals found at landfills and car dumps, with wings made from abandoned commercial signs.
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The inspiration for Toost’s work, according to the museum, was mythology, the palette of colors that could be used, and the idea of ”rising from its destruction.” Tost got the idea for her metalwork, with pieces “sewn together” by wire connections, during a Vermont bike ride through a region devastated by factory closures, where she saw women sell duvets to supplement their family income.
A full exhibition of Toast’s work is scheduled to open on October 5 at the museum. Information: www.cahoonmuseum.org.
Japanese film debuts in Hyannis
In July, Hyannis Film Festival will host the world premiere of “Unplayed Lullaby,” an independent Japanese film created by writer-director Steve J. Martin, a former Cape Cod teacher. He and co-stars Kozue Ito and Nana Akuzawa are expected to attend the show on July 28 at the center of Hyanni.
Martin was born in the United States and previously taught at Riverview School in Sandwich, Cape Cod Academy in Osterville and Sturgis Charter Public School in Hyannis. He co-produced “Unplayed Lullaby” with the two co-stars with their company Must See Pictures. Film photographer Taiki Magyar and photographer / film colorist Geoffrey Bassett, both from Cape Town, are among the production team according to festival information.
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The film is set to be shown next fall in Tokyo and has already won praise from judges who chose the film, the statement said. “Unplayed Lullaby” tells the story of a mysterious friendship that takes place over the course of five days between two women, the guarded Sae and the uninhibited Sara. The two women, according to information about the film, “discover revelations about trauma, family, upbringing, and what it means to be a mother, wife, friend and daughter in a society with increasingly separate individuals.”
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In early 2021, Martin’s first film, “Once Upon a Time in Tokyo”, premiered on Vimeo after finding some success at international film festivals during the pandemic. Martin told the Times last year that he went back and forth and lived between the United States and Japan for more than two decades before settling in Tokyo in 2016.
Information about the local screening: https://www.hyannisfilmfestival.com/.
Beach Road Weekend adds partnership to the 2023 festival
With this year’s big Beach Road Weekend concerts still a few months away, Innovation Arts and Entertainment has partnered with Madison House Presents and Anschutz Entertainment Group to book the main names for the 2023 version of the music festival at the end of August.
According to a statement, the partnership agreement will allow festival leaders to play two venues over the same weekend – at Veterans Memorial Park in Vineyard Haven and at Forest Hills Stadium, a 13,000-seat stadium in New York City that celebrates its centenary next year.
Beach Road Weekend 2022 features performances by Beck, Wilco, The Avett Brothers, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Billy Strings, Dawes, Guster, Khruangbin, Mt Joy, Emmylous Harris, Lucinda Williams and more 26.-28. August. Three-day cards are sold out.
More information about the festival: https://www.beachroadweekend.com/.
Contact Kathi Scrizzi Driscoll at kdriscoll@capecodonline.com. Follow on Twitter: @KathiSDCCT.