The Secret Life of Frances Perkins: A Hidden History

Frances Perkins was the first woman to work in a U.S. presidential cabinet. She became Secretary of Labor when Franklin D. Roosevelt was president. Her work changed many lives by creating important labor laws like the Social Security Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Her passion for helping workers began after she learned about the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. This terrible event showed her how dangerous some jobs could be. She worked hard to make sure workers were treated fairly and safely.

Susan Bean Perkins and Frederick W. Perkins, her parents, inspired her to care about others. Florence Kelley, her mentor, taught her about social justice. Frances Perkins believed that everyone deserved equal rights and fair opportunities.

Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt supported her important work. Together, they created the New Deal, which helped millions of people during hard times. Frances always focused on helping the poor and protecting workers.

Her efforts showed her kindness, intelligence, and strong determination. Frances Perkins will always be remembered for fighting for fairness in America. She proved one person can make a big difference in history.

01 - Early Life of Frances Perkins

Frances Perkins had a very interesting early life. She grew up in a family that taught her to care for others and work hard. These lessons helped her become strong and ready to help people in need.

Her family gave her values like kindness and fairness, which stayed with her forever. Frances also had many experiences as a child that helped her understand how important it is to help others. Because of this, she worked very hard to make life better for everyone.

Later, Frances Perkins used what she learned as a child to change the world. She believed in fairness and worked to improve the lives of workers and families. Her determination and kindness made her a true hero in public service.

Frances Perkins Family Background

Frances Perkins was born on April 10, 1880, in Boston, Massachusetts. Her family did not have a lot of money, but they cared a lot about learning and helping others. Frederick W. Perkins, her father, ran a small store and loved to read books, teaching Frances to enjoy learning too.

Susan Bean Perkins, her mother, looked after their home and taught Frances to always do what is right. The family followed Protestant beliefs, which taught them to be responsible and help the community. Frederick encouraged Frances to ask questions and talk about different ideas, which helped her later in life.

Education was very important to the Perkins family. They believed in learning and doing good for others, even though they were not rich. This caring and supportive home helped Frances grow into a smart and fair person.

Frances Perkins Birth and Early Years

Frances Perkins grew up in a busy city neighborhood where people lived very different lives. Her parents taught her to save money and always be honest, which helped her stay strong. During this time, many workers struggled because of unfair working conditions.

Later, Frances and her family moved to Worcester, Massachusetts. In this new place, she enjoyed being part of a community full of art, books, and culture. Frances loved reading and speaking in front of others, which helped her understand how to help people.

From a young age, Frances Perkins noticed the struggles of workers and the need for fairness. She worked hard to learn and grow, becoming a leader who cared about justice. These early experiences shaped her into someone who wanted to make the world a better place.

Frances Perkins Childhood

Frances was a very curious child who loved to learn about the world. Her parents always encouraged her to read books and ask questions. She enjoyed talking about history, politics, and philosophy with her family.

As she grew up, Frances also cared a lot about helping others. She joined community service projects through her church, which taught her the importance of teamwork. One day, she stood up for a classmate who was being treated unfairly, showing her kind heart.

Her father was another big inspiration in her life. Frances watched him work hard and speak kindly to customers, teaching her the value of honesty and respect. These lessons helped her become passionate about helping people and working for her community.

Upbringing

The Perkins family taught Frances important lessons that shaped her life. They showed her how to be kind, responsible, and never give up. Her mother taught her to always treat people with respect, and her father encouraged her to solve problems by thinking carefully.

At family gatherings, everyone talked about right and wrong or shared ideas about the world. These discussions helped Frances learn to understand different opinions. Religious lessons also inspired Frances to care deeply about helping others.

Frances believed helping people was the right thing to do. She grew up in a home that challenged her to think and stay strong. This support helped her become a leader who made a big difference in America.

Formative Years

Frances grew up learning important lessons about life. Her family faced money problems, which taught her to care about people with fewer things. She loved school and worked hard, especially in history and literature, which helped her prepare for the future.

One day, Frances volunteered at a settlement house. She saw how hard life was for immigrant families and wanted to help them. This made her dream of making the world a fairer place for everyone.

Anna Fiske, her teacher, became an important guide for Frances. She inspired her to go to college and learn more. These experiences helped Frances grow into someone who wanted to change the world for the better.

02 - Education of Frances Perkins

Frances Perkins was a very smart and hardworking person. She went to school to learn many important things that helped her in her job later. Her time in school shows how much she wanted to do good things for others.

Education gave Frances Perkins the tools she needed to help people. She learned how to solve problems and make smart decisions. Because of her studies, she could turn her knowledge into actions that helped everyone.

Her learning journey is an example of how education can change lives. Frances Perkins used what she learned to work in public service and help communities. This shows how important it is to stay focused and use knowledge to make the world better.

Frances Perkins Early Education

From a young age, Frances loved to learn new things. Her parents helped her by giving her many books to read. Her father library became her favorite place, where she grew curious about history, politics, and human rights.

She went to public schools in Worcester, Massachusetts, where teachers noticed her talent. Frances often asked thoughtful questions and loved learning about history and civics. Her teachers encouraged her to keep working hard because they saw her potential.

These early lessons helped Frances understand how society works. This knowledge became very important when she started creating policies as an adult. Her curiosity and love for learning stayed with her throughout her life.

Frances Perkins Schooling

Frances Perkins was a very smart student who cared a lot about helping people. She went to Worcester Classical High School, where she loved studying history, reading books, and practicing public speaking. Her teachers admired how she explained her ideas clearly and joined in debates with confidence.

One day, a school debate about workers' jobs made Frances think about unfair workplaces. This made her realize how tough life was for many working families. She wanted to change this and help make life better for them.

In her free time, Frances worked with community groups to learn more about people struggles. These experiences taught her how important kindness and fairness are in life. Her hard work in school and kind actions made Frances a role model for others.

Frances Perkins Higher Education

Frances Perkins studied at Mount Holyoke College and finished in 1902 with a degree in chemistry and physics. During her time there, she learned about new ideas to make the world a better place. She also worked in communities, helping people and learning about their struggles.

One day, she visited factories as part of a school project. Frances saw how hard life was for workers, especially women and children, and this changed her forever. From that moment, she wanted to fight for fair laws and better working conditions.

Later, Frances joined clubs and groups at her college that focused on fixing social and economic problems. She enjoyed talking to others about how to make life better for everyone. These experiences helped her understand how she could make a real difference in the world.

After Mount Holyoke, Frances Perkins went to Columbia University to study more. She earned a master degree in political science and economics. This gave her the knowledge she needed to solve big problems and fight for justice.

By combining her education and her passion for helping others, Frances Perkins became a strong voice for change. Her work showed that learning and kindness can change lives. She inspired many people to believe in fairness and equality.

Mentors

Frances Perkins had amazing teachers who helped her learn and grow. At Mount Holyoke, her teacher Annah May Soule made her curious about helping people and solving social problems. She taught Frances to think deeply about how money and jobs affect people lives.

Later, at Columbia University, Frances learned from Edwin R. A. Seligman, who explained how jobs and workers are connected to the economy. He helped her understand why fair treatment for workers is so important. Florence Kelley, a famous women rights supporter, also became an important guide for Frances.

Kelley encouraged her to believe that big changes can make life better for everyone. These teachers helped Frances feel brave enough to stand up for what was right. They gave her the tools to change the world and make it a better place.

Friendships

Frances Perkins made strong friendships during her school years that helped her in life. At Mount Holyoke, she became friends with classmates who cared about helping people, just like she did. One of these friends, Josephine Crane, introduced Frances to important leaders in the suffrage and labor movements.

Later, at Columbia, Frances met more people who shared her goals. She built a group of friends who supported her ideas and helped her in her career. These friends became her partners in making big changes in the world.

These friendships gave Frances both support and inspiration. Her friends encouraged her to keep going, even when things were hard. They helped her achieve her dreams and make history as a leader for change.

03 - Career of Frances Perkins

Frances Perkins worked hard to help people and make their lives better. She loved helping others and wanted to make sure everyone was treated fairly. Her work in public service helped change many important laws to protect workers.

She went to school to learn about big ideas and how to solve problems. Frances Perkins believed that education was the key to making a difference. Because of her studies, she was ready to take on big challenges and fight for change.

Later, Frances Perkins joined the government to make rules that helped workers stay safe. She worked on laws about fair pay, shorter work hours, and better working conditions. As a leader, she made sure her ideas helped many people.

Frances Perkins Early Career

Frances Perkins started her career as a social worker. She worked to help people who were poor and living in bad conditions. At Hull House in Chicago, she met immigrant families and factory workers who faced many struggles.

Later, Frances led the New York Consumers League. She fought for better pay and safer workplaces for workers. Her work often focused on making jobs less dangerous for everyone.

One terrible event changed her life forever. In 1911, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire killed many workers because of unsafe conditions. This tragedy made Frances Perkins determined to improve workplace safety.

She worked hard to create new laws that would protect workers. Frances faced resistance but never gave up on her goals. Over time, she became a leader in the fight for fair treatment of workers.

Frances Perkins Known For

Frances Perkins was a very important person in American history. She was the first woman to work in a presidential cabinet as the U.S. Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945. During this time, she worked hard to make life better for workers in America.

She helped President Franklin D. Roosevelt create the New Deal, which brought many changes to help people during tough times. Perkins made sure workers had fair wages, unemployment insurance, and Social Security. These ideas helped millions of families and made jobs safer for everyone.

Her fight to end child labor showed how much she cared about kids. She also worked to improve working conditions for everyone in factories and businesses. Frances Perkins became a hero for workers and changed the way America treated its workers forever.

Frances Perkins Accomplishments

Frances Perkins was an important leader who helped millions of people. In 1935, she created the Social Security Act, which gave money to elderly people and those without jobs. This law changed the way Americans get help when they need it.

Her work didn’t stop there. She wrote the Fair Labor Standards Act, which made sure workers got fair pay with rules like a minimum wage and overtime pay. To help even more, Frances worked hard to include women and minorities in job programs during the Great Depression.

She always found ways to solve big problems. By working with leaders from different political groups, she made sure important laws were passed. Frances Perkins left behind a powerful legacy that still shapes how workers are treated today.

Awards and Honors

Frances Perkins earned many awards and honors during her life. She worked hard to improve workers' rights and help people in need. In 1946, she received the Mary Church Terrell Award for her efforts to make workplaces better.

Many schools and colleges recognized Frances Perkins for her achievements. Mount Holyoke College and Smith College gave her honorary degrees for her contributions. These special honors showed how much people respected her work.

Frances Perkins became a member of the Labor Hall of Fame after her time as Secretary of Labor. This honor celebrated her efforts to improve the lives of workers. People named schools and buildings after her to remember her legacy.

She was a true pioneer for women in politics. Frances Perkins inspired others to fight for fairness at work. Her name is still remembered for her dedication and hard work.

Colleagues

Frances Perkins worked with many people to achieve her big goals. She worked closely with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and together, they created the New Deal to help workers. Eleanor Roosevelt also helped Frances by giving advice and sharing her passion for fairness and social justice.

Inside the Department of Labor, she had smart and helpful team members like Arthur J. Altmeyer. He helped create Social Security, which gave people support when they couldn’t work. Frances always stayed calm and worked hard, even when others disagreed with her ideas.

She built friendships with people from different political parties to get things done. Many men in the government didn’t always support her, but she stayed strong and kept trying. Frances Perkins showed how teamwork and determination can make big changes happen.

04 - Personal Life of Frances Perkins

Frances Perkins worked hard and cared a lot about her job. She never stopped trying to help people, even when her work was very busy. Her strong beliefs and hard work made her a great leader.

She also loved spending time with her family and friends. These relationships gave her lots of happiness and support. Because of them, Frances Perkins found the strength to keep doing her important work.

Every day, she balanced her personal life with her career. Frances believed that kindness and care mattered both at home and at work. This made her a role model for many people.

Frances Perkins Siblings

Frances Perkins had a younger sister named Ethel Perkins Harrington. Ethel chose to live a quiet and simple life at home, but she was important to Frances. Together, they shared a strong bond filled with love and respect.

Ethel felt proud of Frances and her amazing career. Frances, in turn, relied on Ethel for emotional support during hard times. They often stayed connected through letters and family gatherings.

The sisters supported each other even though their lives were different. Ethel kind words gave Frances strength when work was tough. Because of their friendship, Frances was able to face challenges with courage and confidence.

Frances Perkins Spouse

Frances Perkins married Paul Caldwell Wilson in 1913. Their marriage had happy moments, but it was also challenging. Paul had struggles with mental health, which made life tough for both of them.

Frances worked hard to take care of Paul while managing her busy career. She stayed strong and cared for him with love and patience. Even though life was difficult, Frances never let others know about their personal problems.

Paul knowledge of economics helped Frances learn more about money systems. This knowledge made her better at solving labor problems. Together, they showed how love and teamwork could overcome challenges.

Frances Perkins Children

Frances and Paul had one daughter named Susanna Wilson. She was born in 1916 and brought so much happiness to Frances’ life. Even though being a mother and working at the same time was hard, Frances loved spending time with Susanna.

Susanna grew up learning from her mother strong values and sense of responsibility. Frances worked a lot, and her busy schedule meant she couldn’t always be home. However, she always made sure to stay close to Susanna and care for her lovingly.

Later in life, Susanna had some health problems. These challenges reminded Frances of the struggles she faced in her own marriage. Through it all, Frances continued to support and care for Susanna, showing how much she loved her.

Nationality

Frances Perkins was an important American leader who cared deeply about helping others. She grew up learning the values of hard work, kindness, and helping her community. Her family came from England, and she believed in fairness and justice for everyone.

During her career, she worked with many immigrants and learned about their struggles. This experience made her believe that America should include and welcome everyone. Frances Perkins wanted to make sure all people were treated equally and had opportunities to succeed.

She worked hard to create laws that helped all Americans. For example, she created programs to help workers and families in need. Frances Perkins showed great pride in her country while celebrating its diversity.

Relationships

Frances Perkins had many important friends who helped her make the world a better place. She became close to Florence Kelley and Jane Addams, who were both famous for helping people and fighting for fairness. Together, they worked hard to bring justice and equality to everyone.

Her friendship with the Roosevelt family gave her the chance to share her ideas with powerful leaders. This connection helped Frances Perkins speak up and make big changes in the government. By working with others, she showed how teamwork can make a difference.

These relationships made Frances stronger and more determined to help people in need. She believed that working with others who shared her values made her ideas even better. Frances Perkins proved that friendships can lead to amazing changes in the world.

05 - Quotes and Facts

Frances Perkins was a very important leader who helped make life better for many people. She stood up for workers' rights and believed in fairness for everyone. Her life and ideas teach us about kindness, hard work, and standing up for what is right.

Her quotes are like little lessons that inspire us to do good things. She also loved reading books and spending time outdoors, showing how hobbies can be fun and relaxing. Frances Perkins believed that small actions could make a big difference in the world.

Learning about Frances Perkins helps us understand why she is remembered today. She worked hard to make sure people had safe jobs and fair pay. By following her principles, we can make our world a kinder place for everyone.

Frances Perkins Famous Quotes

Frances Perkins cared deeply about fairness and justice. She believed that governments should work to make life better for all people. One of her famous quotes says, "The people are what matter to government, and a government should aim to give all the people under its jurisdiction the best possible life."

Problems in the world, she thought, were often caused by poor organization. Frances Perkins believed that solving problems required systems that worked well. She once said, "Most of man problems upon this planet, in the long run, will prove to be problems of organization."

Leadership, according to Frances Perkins, was about inspiring others. She believed in teamwork and working together to create change. Her inspiring words, "Leadership is not a loud voice saying, 'I will do this'; it is a quiet voice inspiring others to say, 'We can do this together,'" show her focus on unity and progress.

Frances Perkins Interesting Facts

Frances Perkins legally changed her first name from Fannie to Frances during her college years to project a more professional image.

She witnessed the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911, which profoundly influenced her career.

Perkins was the first female member of the exclusive all-male Al Smith Inner Circle in New York politics.

She kept a detailed notebook of every meeting she attended, which is now a valuable historical resource.

Frances preferred anonymity in her work, famously stating that she didn’t seek recognition but wanted results.

She once disguised herself to visit unsafe factories undercover, assessing working conditions firsthand.

Despite her significant role in the New Deal, she was often underestimated as a woman in politics—a challenge she faced with grace.

Frances Perkins Hobbies

Frances Perkins loved doing simple things that made her happy. She spent a lot of time reading books about history, money, and ideas, which helped her learn new things. Gardening was another favorite because it made her feel calm and close to nature.

She also liked to draw pictures to express her creativity. Walking outside in the countryside gave her peace and fresh ideas. Frances Perkins often said these activities helped her relax from her busy work.

Her hobbies showed how thoughtful and curious she was. They also helped her balance hard work with quiet moments. Frances Perkins believed in keeping her life full of different activities to stay happy and inspired.

Interests

Frances Perkins loved learning about work, history, and helping people. She studied how rules and systems could make things fair for everyone. Also, she worked hard to help girls get a good education and feel strong and confident.

She enjoyed art and often went to plays and art shows in New York City. Frances Perkins believed that art could inspire people to think and dream. Her love for the arts showed how curious and thoughtful she was.

Perkins wanted to make the world a better place. She cared about fairness and wanted everyone to have an equal chance in life. Her ideas and work helped many people in her time and even today.

Book

Frances Perkins wrote a book called "The Roosevelt I Knew" in 1946. This book shares her stories about working with Franklin D. Roosevelt and explains how the New Deal was created. It is an important book for learning about her role in changing U.S. labor laws.

Kirstin Downey wrote a biography about Frances Perkins called "Frances Perkins: Champion of the New Deal." This book talks about how Frances helped improve the lives of workers in America. It shows how her ideas shaped history and made a big difference.

Frances Perkins worked hard to make life better for American workers. She believed everyone deserved fair treatment and safe jobs. Her work still inspires people today, teaching us about fairness and leadership.

06 - Legacy of Frances Perkins

Frances Perkins was an amazing woman who changed the way workers are treated. She worked hard to create better labor laws that protect people at their jobs. Her ideas helped many workers and their families live better lives.

Her efforts made a big difference, and her work still helps others today. Frances Perkins believed in fairness and wanted everyone to be treated equally. Because of her principles, she inspired many people who fight for social justice.

Many of the rules she helped create are still used in workplaces today. Her vision was to make sure workers had rights and were safe on the job. Frances Perkins will always be remembered for her kind heart and strong determination.

Frances Perkins History

Frances Perkins came from a simple family but grew up to change U.S. history. She was the Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945. During this time, she helped create important programs to help workers during tough times like the Great Depression and World War II.

She helped start Social Security, which gives money to people when they stop working. Frances Perkins also worked hard to make sure workers had safe jobs. Moreover, she created rules to help people get money if they lost their jobs.

Her ideas made the lives of many workers better. Frances believed in fairness and justice for everyone. Today, her work still inspires people to make the world fairer for everyone.

Frances Perkins Historical Impact

Frances Perkins changed history with her important work. She helped create Social Security, a program that gives money to people when they are older or cannot work. This program became a big part of how America takes care of its people.

She also worked hard to protect workers. Frances Perkins made sure there were laws for a minimum wage, so workers were paid fairly. She also stopped children from being forced to work, which made life safer for kids.

Her success was not just in making laws. Frances Perkins became the first woman to be a cabinet member in the U.S. government. This opened doors for more women to work in important government jobs.

Generations of leaders and activists still follow her ideas about making fair rules for everyone. Her focus on helping people through smart laws shows why Frances Perkins is one of the most important figures in U.S. labor history.

Frances Perkins Contributions

Frances Perkins worked hard to make life better for workers and families. She helped create important rules like the 40-hour workweek and unemployment benefits. Also, she made sure workers got paid fairly and were protected if they got hurt on the job.

Her efforts led to the Fair Labor Standards Act, which helped workers stay safe and treated fairly. Frances Perkins believed in fairness and worked to help people who needed it most. She wanted everyone to have a chance to succeed.

Perkins also believed leaders should always make fair and honest decisions. She inspired many people to work in public service to help others. Her dream of creating a fair society teaches us how to be great leaders today.

Death

Frances Perkins died on May 14, 1965, in New York City when she was 85 years old. This was a very sad day for many people because she worked hard to help workers and families. She was buried at Glidden Cemetery in Newcastle, Maine, a town she loved and visited often.

Many people across the country shared kind words about her after she passed away. They remembered how much she did for labor reform and social justice. Her work changed the lives of workers and made important laws to protect them.

Frances Perkins will always be remembered for her amazing work. She helped create policies that made life better for so many people. Even today, her ideas continue to make a difference.

Memorials

Frances Perkins is remembered in many ways for her important work. The Frances Perkins Building in Washington, D.C., is home to the U.S. Department of Labor. This building shows how much she helped improve the lives of workers.

Many schools, plaques, and public buildings are named after Frances Perkins to honor her legacy. These places make sure people never forget the changes she brought to the world. Her name stands for fairness and helping others.

In Maine, the Frances Perkins Center works to share her story. This center teaches people about her life and the values she stood for. It keeps her memory alive for future generations.

FAQs

Who Were Frances Perkins Parents?

Frances Perkins’ parents were Frederick W. Perkins, a businessman, and Susan Bean Perkins.

Did Frances Perkins Have Siblings?

Yes, Frances Perkins had a sister named Ethel Perkins.

When Was Frances Perkins Born?

Frances Perkins was born on April 10, 1880.

What Year Was Frances Perkins Born?

Frances Perkins was born in the year 1880.

What Is the Month of Frances Perkins Birth?

Frances Perkins was born in April.

What Is Frances Perkins Birthday?

Frances Perkins’ birthday is April 10.

Where Was Frances Perkins Born?

Frances Perkins was born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Where Was Frances Perkins Place of Birth?

The birthplace of Frances Perkins is Boston, Massachusetts.

Where Is Frances Perkins From?

Frances Perkins was from Boston, Massachusetts.

Did Frances Perkins Have Children?

Yes, Frances Perkins had one daughter, Susanna Winslow Perkins.

When Was Frances Perkins Born and Died?

Frances Perkins was born on April 10, 1880, and died on May 14, 1965.

How Old Was Frances Perkins When She Died?

Frances Perkins was 85 years old when she died.

What Was Frances Perkins Age?

Frances Perkins lived to be 85 years old.

What Was Frances Perkins Age at Death?

Frances Perkins died at the age of 85.

What Are 3 of Frances Perkins Famous Quotes?

"The people are what matter to government, and a government should aim to give all the people under its jurisdiction the best possible life."
"Most of man’s problems upon this planet, in the long history of the race, have been met and solved either partially or as a whole by experiment based on common sense and carried out with courage."
"Being a woman has only bothered me in climbing trees."