Hello to you listening in Tamuning, Guam!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more for the story) for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Charley Darkey Parkhurst was about 40 years old when hired on in the 1850s gold rush as a six-in hand stage coach driver with Wells Fargo & Co. working some of the most treacherous routes in Northern California. These rugged teamsters held rein over six wild-eyed horses as they tore along precipitous mountain trails. Charley was one of a breed of skilled and fearless stage coach drivers who pushed themselves and their horses to the limit. For 15 years Charley battled outlaws, fought, drank, smoked, and gambled with the best of them.

Charley’s death from cancer in 1879 revealed the disguise: Charley was born Charlotte Parkhurst in New Hampshire, escaped from an orphanage at age 15, and seeing that the world of work was better for men adopted the role. Charley was an expert horseman, lumberjack, and voted in a Presidential election dressed as a man some 52 years before women were given the right to vote.  

“The only people who have occasion to be disturbed by the career of Charley Parkhurst are the gentlemen who have so much to say about ‘woman’s sphere’ and ‘the weaker vessel,’ ” The Providence, R.I. Journal wrote. “It is beyond question that one of the soberest, pleasantest, most expert drivers in this State, and one of the most celebrated of the world-famed California drivers was a woman. And is it not true that a woman had done what women can do?”

Story Prompt: What have you said when people told  you, “You can’t because you’re a girl”? Write that story!

Practical Tip: The magic of stories is also in the sharing. If you wish share your story with someone or something.   All that matters is you have a story.

You’re invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, follow, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time! Remember to stop by the website, check out the Services, arrange a Discovery Call, and Opt In to stay current with Diane and Quarter Moon Story Arts and on LinkedIn.  

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

All content and image © 2019 to Present: for credit & attribution Quarter Moon Story Arts