THORPE, Mrs. Rose Hartwick

Rose Hartwick Thorpe (2).jpg

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Description

Rose Hartwick Thorpe was born in Mishawaka, Indiana on July 18, 1850, and she spent her teenage years in Litchfield, Michigan.

She became famous for her poem "Curfew Must Not Ring Tonight," which was published in the Detroit Commercial Advertiser in 1870. 

Rose married  Edmund C. Thorpe in 1871.  Their family expanded to include a daughter, and the Thorpe family lived in Chicago, Illinois.

She became the editor of three monthly periodicals, Temperance TalesWell-Spring, about the home, and Words of Life, a Sunday School monthly, all published by Chicago publisher Fleming H. Revell.  

Later, while she was living in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1883, Rose was awarded an honorary M.A. degree from Hillsdale College. The same year, "Curfew Must Not Ring To-Night" was published as a book.  

Due to Mr. Thorpe's health issues, the family then moved to San Antonio, Texas and resided there for four years.  In the late 1880s, Rose and her family moved again, this time to San Diego, California.  She kept writing, and Ringing Ballads, including Curfew Must Not Ring Tonight made its debut in 1887.

During her long and successful career, Christian Science JournalDetroit Free PressHappy DaysOur ContinentSt. Nicholas, Wide Awake, and Youth's Companion published Rose's work.

In 1895, "Curfew Must Not Ring Tonight" was published as a song, with music by Stanley Hawley.  During the same year, Rose wrote the "Introduction" to As Others See Us, or, The Rules and Customs of Refined Homes and Polite Society.  She published The Poetical Works of Rose Hartwick Thorpe, Compiled by the Author in 1912.

When Litchfield, Michigan celebrated its anniversary in 1934, Rose wrote the Centennial Theme Song. In addition, July 21 was designated Rose Hartwick Thorpe Day and the Rose Hartwick Thorpe Memorial was dedicated.  

Rose passed away in 1939.

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