Local Author Brings Forgotten Women's Stories to Light
Sarah Dye has spent the last decade uncovering the hidden stories that shaped Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County, with a particular passion for illuminating the lives of women whose contributions have been lost to time. Her latest work, To Give and To Gain: The Women of Todd's Tavern Sewing Circle, sheds light on an incredible tale of community leadership that deserves recognition.
The book chronicles the extraordinary story of a group of rural women in 1930s Spotsylvania who formed what appeared to be a simple sewing circle but evolved into something far more significant. These women not only created a social and charitable organization but also went on to purchase and operate the Todd's Tavern Community Center for four decades, serving both their local community and their country during World War II.
"It's a story that has been lost in time," Dye explains. The inspiration came through a personal connection—friends Wade Haney and his sister, Barbara Faulconer, shared memories of their mother, one of the founding members. This blend of firsthand accounts and extensive research allowed Dye to paint a comprehensive picture of these remarkable women and their impact during a pivotal period in American history that resonates with readers.
Living in the Fredericksburg area has profoundly shaped Dye's work as a historian and writer. Having called the region home for most of her life, she has easy access to courthouse deed books, library research rooms, and the actual locations where history unfolded.
Dye's approach to historical writing is deeply rooted in authenticity. She seeks out original books from the time periods she researches, preferring to read accounts from those who actually lived through the events. "I want to read the accounts of those who lived it and understand the true political, social, and cultural events as they witnessed them," she says.
Beyond her book writing, Dye maintains a blog called "Rebellious Corsets," which focuses on the stories of women from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Her recent article about the Fredericksburg Library, operated by a small group of women in the historic courthouse from 1877 to 1949, continues her mission of highlighting overlooked female contributions to local history.
Dye has woven her passion for local history into her family life as her daughters have grown. They will often enjoy taking walks through downtown Fredericksburg and the battlefields, and even cooking 19th-century Virginia dishes at home – "especially ones no one has heard of."
For aspiring writers in the community, Dye offers simple but powerful advice: "Whatever you write, make sure you are passionate. Your passion will come through your writing."
Through her meticulous research and storytelling, Sarah Dye ensures that the voices of Fredericksburg's forgotten women continue to inspire new generations.
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To learn more about Sarah and her upcoming works, check out her blog “Rebellious Corsets” at rebelliouscorsets.com.
