Full Name: Susan Elizabeth Blow
Profession: Educator and Kindergarten Director

Biography: Susan Elizabeth Blow was an American educator known for establishing the first successful public kindergarten in the United States. She dedicated her life to the advancement of early childhood education and was a strong advocate of the educational philosophy of Friedrich Fröbel.

Blow was born into a wealthy St. Louis family whose emphasis on learning led to her having an extensive education. During a European trip in 1870, she became inspired by Friedrich Fröbel's educational model. Upon returning to the United States, Blow trained under Maria Kraus-Boelté, a proponent of Fröbel's methods.

In 1873, Blow opened the first public kindergarten at Des Peres School in St. Louis. She self-funded this venture and taught classes with Mary Timberlake and Cynthia Dozier. The kindergarten's success resulted in the enrollment of over one thousand students in three years. She was granted an award for her efforts by the United States Centennial Commission in 1876.

Despite Blow's retirement from teaching in 1884 due to health issues, she continued her educational advocacy through writing. Her works include Symbolic Education (1894), Letters to a Mother on the Philosophy of Froebel (1899), and Kindergarten Education (1900). She also took part in translating Fröbel's works and contributed to the foundation of the International Kindergarten Union.

Blow passed away in New York City in 1916. Her legacy endures, reflected in honors such as the Susan E. Blow Kindergarten Memorial Fund and her star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame.

Born: June 7, 1843
Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Star Sign: Gemini

Died: March 27, 1916 (aged 72)
Cause of Death: Natural causes

Historical Events

• 1873-08-26 First free kindergarten in the U.S. started by Susan Blow in Carondelet, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri

References

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