Who was Rev. Mabel MacCoy Irwin?

She once reached thousands through her syndicated newspaper columns, commenting on issues such as marriage, divorce, and child-rearing. She once met with world leaders and advocated for peace amidst the Great War. She once helped run a religious empire that stretched across America. She once lived and preached right here in Mansfield as the settled Universalist minister. Then, she ruined it all.

On Saturday, December 14, local author Charlie Trantanella will examine the life of Lilla Mabel Hodgkins, a.k.a. Rev. Mabel MacCoy Irwin (1856-1928), a life which can be summarized in four words: Preacher, Teacher, Hater, Fraud.

Come learn about an extraordinary woman who helped usher America into the 20th century. Signed copies of the book “Preacher Teacher Hater Fraud” will be available, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Mansfield Historical Society!

This event is free and open to all. Registration recommended for courtesy email reminder.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Charlie Trantanella is a graduate of Tufts University and the University of Arizona. Based in Westford, Massachusetts, he is now a historian and writer with an interest in American life at the turn of the 20th century. His research into student organizations at Tufts University has been featured in Tufts Magazine, and he has previously published two books: a memoir titled “Sister Christian Has Left the Building: stories of growing up,” and “Brown and Blue and Greek: A history of fraternities, sororities, and student organizations at Tufts University.”