Honoring the Badass Women of Dayton: The Namesakes Behind Middleyak Goods
I take pride in crafting leather goods that reflect strength, style, and the stories of inspiring women. So as a Dayton-based business, I’ve been inspired by the incredible women who have left their mark on our city. Every permanent style in my collection is named after a local legend, celebrating their legacies of grit, determination, and innovation.
Without further ado, let me introduce you to the badass women behind my favorite pieces.
1. The Hallie Tote: Hallie Quinn Brown
Hallie Quinn Brown was an educator, orator, and civil rights advocate who paved the way for African American women in the early 20th century. Her dedication to social justice and equality was felt across the nation.
2. The Lib Jewelry Traveler: Lib Hedges
Lib Hedges, the queen of the Pearl Street Red Light District, demanded respect and held her customers and ladies to the highest standard. She was a successful business woman who took care of her own and her city by donating to relief organizations after the Great Flood and other charities.
3. The Natalie Notebook Cover: Natalie Clifford Barney
Natalie Clifford Barney was a Dayton native who became a celebrated figure in Paris’s literary and feminist circles. Known for her wit, intellect, and rebellious spirit, she was unapologetically herself and a champion of women’s independence.
4. The Alice Artist Roll: Alice Pike Barney
Alice Pike Barney, a prolific artist and advocate for the arts, dedicated her life to creative expression. She supported the cultural growth of both Dayton and Washington, D.C., and left behind a legacy of beauty and artistry.
5. The Electra Tote: Electra Collins Doren
Electra Collins Doren revolutionized Dayton’s public libraries and worked tirelessly to make knowledge accessible to everyone. A forward-thinking leader in library science and women’s rights, Electra believed in the power of education to transform lives.
6. The Jeraldyne Crossbody: Jeraldyne Blunden
Jeraldyne Blunden was a pioneer in the world of dance and founded the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC), one of the world’s leading African American dance companies. Her legacy lives on through the dancers she inspired and the company she built.
7. The Josephine and Hermene Wallets: Josephine and Hermene Schwartz
Josephine and Hermene Schwartz were pillars of the Dayton community, dedicating their lives to philanthropy and civic engagement. These sisters helped support vital initiatives in education, health, and the arts including founding the Dayton Ballet.
8. The Marguerite Sporran: Marguerite "Maggie" Doane
Marguerite "Maggie" Doane was a fearless bronco rider who became a legend in the world of rodeo. Known for her daring spirit and refusal to conform, Maggie broke barriers in a male-dominated field, earning national recognition for her skill.
Be Inspired
These women represent the heart and soul of Dayton.
Celebrate their stories by supporting Middleyak Leather Co. and carry a piece of Dayton history with you wherever you go.
