Born: 1875 (Beloit, Wisconsin)
Died: 1932 (Balboa Island, Newport Beach, California)
Biography:
Bessie Raiche, born Bessica Faith Medlar in April 1875 in Beloit, Wisconsin, was a remarkable woman who made significant contributions in various fields during her lifetime. She was a true trailblazer and pioneer, being America’s first female aviator, dentist, and physician. Her accomplishments and determination continue to inspire generations of women today.
Bessie grew up in a progressive and forward-thinking household. Her mother, Elizabeth, hailed from New Hampshire, and her father, James B. Medlar, was from New York. Bessie had a sister named Alice Maude Medlar. It is evident from an early age that Bessie was a proto-feminist, as she drove an automobile and wore bloomers. She was also incredibly talented and well-rounded, being skilled in music, painting, and languages. Additionally, Bessie enjoyed engaging in physical activities such as swimming and shooting.
In 1900, Bessie was working as a dentist and living in New Hampton, New Hampshire, where she rented a room under the name Faith Medlar. This marked the beginning of her successful career in dentistry. However, her aspirations did not end there. Bessie continued to pursue knowledge and broaden her horizons, eventually becoming a physician.
By the 1910 Census, Bessie, along with her widowed mother Elizabeth and sister Alice Maude Medlar, had moved to Swampscott, Massachusetts. Bessie had become a fully accredited physician, while Alice had found her calling as a vocal music teacher. It was during this time that Bessie met and married François Frank C. Raiche, originally from New Hampshire.
The Raiches were a dynamic and innovative couple. In their quest for adventure and exploration, they built a Wright-type biplane in their own living room and then assembled it in their yard. Opting for bamboo and silk instead of the heavier canvas used by the Wright brothers, Bessie and Frank embarked on a groundbreaking journey. On September 16, 1910, at Hempstead Plains, New York, Bessie Raiche accomplished a significant feat – she became the first woman in the United States to fly solo in an airplane, a milestone recognized and accredited by the Aeronautical Society of America. Notably, this achievement predates Amelia Earhart’s first flight by 17 years.
Bessie’s groundbreaking flight did not go unnoticed. On October 13, 1910, she was awarded a diamond-studded gold medal inscribed First Woman Aviator in America by Hudson Maxim of the Aeronautical Society of America. This prestigious recognition reflected not only Bessie’s talent and skill as a pilot but also her determination to challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of what women were deemed capable of achieving.
Following their initial success, the Raiches went on to establish the French-American Aeroplane Company and subsequently built two more airplanes. They were pioneers in the use of lightweight materials in aircraft construction, employing piano wire instead of the heavier iron wire previously used. Their innovative approach significantly contributed to advancements in aviation technology.
In 1915, Bessie and Frank Raiche welcomed their daughter Catherine E. Raiche into the world. Bessie’s commitment to her family and her career demonstrated the possibility of balancing motherhood with professional pursuits, dispelling the notion that women had to choose between the two.
By 1920, the Raiche family had relocated to Newport Beach, California. Bessie continued to make her mark, now as a renowned physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology – one of the first women in the United States to do so. Frank, on the other hand, had pursued a career in law.
In 1923, Bessie held the esteemed position of president of the Orange County Medical Association, further solidifying her influence and leadership in the medical field. Her dedication to her profession and her contributions to the advancement of medicine were widely recognized.
Tragically, on April 11, 1932, Bessie Raiche passed away in her sleep on Balboa Island, Newport Beach, California, due to a heart attack. Her untimely death marked the end of an era for women in aviation, dentistry, and medicine. Nevertheless, her extraordinary achievements and unwavering determination continue to inspire and pave the way for women in all fields of endeavor.
Awards:
– Diamond-studded gold medal inscribed First Woman Aviator in America by the Aeronautical Society of America