Often times, a historical figure is disregarded during their life, but appreciated after death. Wether this be due to controversial actions, investigative pieces that did not end well, or being a pioneer in a subject meant to be left alone, decades and sometimes centuries later, people realize the impact of many.
Ida, M. Tarbell, born November 5, 1857, is an exception to this rule. While Tarbell worked diligently to expose wrongdoings and fight for the voiceless, the press appreciated her and the people needed her.
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| The New York Times was one of many papers to publish stories about Tarbell. |
In both these publications, and many others, Tarbell was regarded in a very positive light, one which often caused people to admire her work. By publications portraying Tarbell positively, she automatically built rapport with the audience.
Historically, women were not taken seriously in the workplace, especially the media. Often times, women wrote fun stories, covering topics such as fashion and entertainment.
When the fashion section was introduced to The New York Times in the late 20th century, stories were written largely by woman. Anne-Marie Schiro's name can be seen on most every fashion piece around that time when you look at The New York Times archives.
For Tarbell to be taken seriously, she first needed to establish herself. Tarbell began by writing simple biographies. Wether it be about a businessman or a politician, Tarbell perfected the art of digging into someone, which only later propelled her success in investigative journalism.
One of Tarbell's most notable biographies is that of Abraham Lincoln. As stated by the Banner of Light, a Boston, MA publication, the piece "gives many facts and pictures about his youth and entrance upon manhood."
In this December 14, 1895 edition, the Banner of Light praises Tarbell for her work and discusses the importance of said work. By doing this, audience members who now have a rapport with Tarbell will seek her stories and read her works.
However, coverage of a reporter can also be bad. Fortunately for Tarbell, she had largely positive coverage, even in national publications.
Tarbell, most known for her exposé about the Standard Oil Company, saw very supportive talk of her most famous piece.
As The New York Times wrote in the article "Miss Tarbell's Book" published on December 31, 1904, Tarbell's piece was informative, interesting, and important.
Ida Tarbell pictured in the 20th century.
The article refers to Tarbell's findings as a "discovery", showing the importance and significance of her piece. By The New York Times giving Tarbell's story not only a fair review, but one that supported her work, Tarbell automatically will attract more readers and impact more lives.
While this was a largely common occurrence while Tarbell was alive, it continued after her death in 1944. After Tarbell's passing, papers wrote positive obituaries, examined her life, and reported on the celebrations of her accomplishments.
As published on January 10, 1944 by The New York Times in an article titled "Ida Tarbell Rites Held in Her Home", Tarbell was the "dean of American woman writers."
The accolades and achievements in Tarbell's life were not just recognized by publications during her life, but even beyond as she was applauded as a pioneer in both women's and investigative journalism, creating effects which have lasted for decades and will last for centuries to come.
Works Cited:
December Magazines. (1895, December 14). Banner of Light, 78(15), 7. https://link-gale-com.libproxy.highpoint.edu/apps/doc/XPDTHM422888212/AAHP?u=hpu_main&sid=AAHP&xid=9cf08388
Miss Tarbell's Book. (1904, December 31). The New York Times. https://nyti.ms/2UX9S11
Ida Tarbell Rites Held in Her Home. (1944, January 10). The New York Times. https://nyti.ms/3dlEO3f
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