Divided Paths, Common Ground: The Story of Mary Matthews and Lella Gaddis, Pioneering Purdue Women Who Introduced Science into the Home (The Founders Series) Paperback – Import, 15 March 2011

Wonderful book. Makes me miss Grandmother even more than I already did! Klink captures strong women in a strong period in American womens history. She shows that first steps really do lead forward.

The Diaries that the author had access to were revealing not only into the lives of the two sisters but in the era in which they lived.With the diary entries the history of Tippecanoe County and Purdue University are made so much more real.The hard work of all these women in a time where conveniences were few made this book a read in perseverance, determination and inspiration.

Divided Paths is a fascinating look into the lives, careers, and legacy of the two guiding women of Purdue University and the dual departments of Home Economics ( later to become Family and Consumer Sciences) and Home Extention Programs through the School of Agriculture. Mary E. Matthews and, more especially, but less often recognized, Leela Gaddis, created amazing opportunities for women who sought careers in the emerging world of home economics, dietetics, textiles, fashions in the 1920s-1950s. Angie Klink offers us a rare look into this world of rivalries, personalities, and the struggle of these remarkable women to gain recognition and support for their feminist vision. Of special interest is her interviews with other women who followed this vision. These first person accounts from other Purdue leaders such as Dr. Eva Gobel, add to the emerging canon of the rich history of what many merely thought of as " women's work".

I loved this book. I can't believe where I would be if it hadn't of been for these two women. I was in 4-H, entered foods in the Farmer's Institute, remember my mother going to Home Ec. Club, and a graduate of Purdue. I even lived at both Twin Pines and Home Management House. Good reading!

Angie Klink did a very good job telling this historic story about two outstanding women that took different paths adding to Purdue's national standing.