Ep. 003 – Raymond, Always Raymond
Elizabeth was the oldest of seven siblings and Raymond was the youngest. Elizabeth remained his primary confidante throughout his life and because they were rarely together, much of their conversation was by letter and we are able to share in their confidences. While Elizabeth was living an artist’s life, Raymond was immersed in Progressive Era politics. You may not know his name, but his fingerprints are all over modern American government. Today’s guest, Dr. James Clark, first discovered Raymond while researching Claude Pepper. That’s the launching point that takes this podcast through many famous figures and events.
Related links & resources
Want more from the clever Dr. Clark? Check out his books
Intrigued by Raymond? Find out more: Biography on Raymond Reform and Revolution
Raymond in Russia Raymond Robins Own Story
Raymond & Elizabeth in Alaska Raymond and I
Listen to the full episode: Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon
Regardless of facts to support the feeling, THE Person hangs the moon. Their accomplishments inspire and astonish you and the very thought of their existence brings comfort. They are where you automatically turn for counsel and who you don’t feel you have to “choose your words carefully” with because they get you.
Elizabeth was Raymond’s Person from his earliest memory. He idolized her first as a mother figure, then as the determined young woman who willed her dreams into reality. But there came a much later moment when Raymond became Elizabeth’s Person. The occasion is lovingly recorded in her book Raymond and I, which we lightly touch on in today’s podcast episode. Elizabeth arrives in Nome, Alaska to find 27-year-old Raymond running the burgeoning city. He has started a hospital, a school, and a church. He’s President of the Chamber of Commerce and as an attorney is helping write government bylaws while he finds good political candidates so he can oust corrupt ones. He’s involved in getting the infrastructure in place to quell the typhoid problem that is killing settlers as fast as they arrive. Everywhere they go, people greet him by name and stop him to ask for his help or advice. He is beloved by most and feared by many. And he’s 27. 27! Elizabeth hardly knows what to do with Raymond but she is starstruck along with the rest of Nome.
Elizabeth and Raymond’s mutual admiration and adoration would be for life. It had its tests. Severe ones. They were both deeply emotional people and Raymond, in typical baby of the family form, sometimes had expectations of his sister that surpassed reason. And Elizabeth had too many opinions about too many things…in my opinion. Even as an outsider, some seasons of their correspondence are difficult to read because of the level of pain they reveal. And yet, they were always THE Person.
If Elizabeth were the Executive Producer of this podcast, it would contain much more content about Raymond. I sympathize because I like talking about Raymond myself, but this is Elizabeth’s podcast. He’ll pop in provocatively now and then like today because you can’t understand Elizabeth without understanding Raymond, but she is equally fascinating and my hope is you’ll love them both by the end!
- Natalie
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Credits:
Guest Dr. James Clark, University of Central Florida James C. Clark
References to Elizabeth Robins work printed/quoted with kind permission of Independent Age (Registered Charity No. 210729). Visit www.independentage.org to learn more.
Producer & Editor Lief Thomason, Odd Life Studios
Recorded at Profound Revelation Studios
Graphic Designer Barry Meindl, DaBarr Design
Web Designer and Social Media Manager Allisa Babor, Roots Creative Co
“Time is Whispering” Writer and Recording Artist Randi Olsen, Live Oak Theatre
Grant funding assistance by Florida Humanities
Rights to Elizabeth Robins materials owned by Independent Age
Host Natalie Kahler Natalie Kahler | Facebook
