The Maid and the Socialite

The Brave Women Behind Green Bay's Scandalous Minahan Trials

By: Lynda Drews

Narrated by: Megan Trout

In the shadows of progress, two women's stories were erased. Until now.

What if a respected surgeon could destroy your life with just one diagnosis?

In early twentieth century Green Bay, Wisconsin, this terrifying reality was all too true for two women. Mary, an illiterate maid, and Mollie, a college-educated socialite, fell victim to the physical violence and mental abuse of celebrated surgeon Dr. John R. Minahan. To silence them, he claimed they had the shameful and dreaded disease of syphilis.

This is the first full account ever written about Dr. Minahan, whose wealth built a college stadium, science hall, and six-story office building—all named for him—while history lost, or perhaps erased, Mary's and Mollie's heroic stories. Until now.

Eerily mirroring contemporary debates around gender equality, misinformation, and wealth disparity, this tale remains alarmingly relevant. It is a story of power, abuse, and the tireless pursuit of justice. Delve into this haunting yet inspiring historical tale to uncover the forgotten stories of Mary and Mollie, two courageous women who dared to stand up against a powerful adversary.

©2023 Lynda Drews (P)2023 Tantor

Great insights to Historic Green Bay

I live in Green Bay and I’m not even sure how I stumbled across this book, but was really impressed with the story and recording. I could envision many of the areas referenced in the book, so it felt a bit like a time machine. Great job!

Beautifully Narrated. Kept me hooked up all the way through

so well written and narrated! Makes one wish for more. A tribute to women's rights. Choice is a powerful gift. The persistence of the protagonists to be heard in spite of each obstacle they face is worthy of admiration and reflection.

Go much information

There wasn’t anything at all that I did not like about the book. I lived in Green Bay Wisconsin and I’ve got children that live in De Pere Wisconsin. It was great to get a bad story on the area especially one that was shocking and heartbreaking at the same time. The mausoleum on the Fox River Trail by the railroad tracks as mentioned in the book, my family and I have ridden bikes passed it many times. I knew the mausoleum and the name before I ever listen to the book. I especially like the fact that they talked about the past And brought it up to date to the present like the opening of the mulva center. I actually have a granddaughter that works there. My daughter lives near the Abbey of Saint Norbert. It was as if I was getting a history lesson on my own hometown. It was wonderful listening to the laws that were in place in 1893, the Titanic sinking in 1912.If you like history, it is a must read book. If you like a good crime novel, it’s a good book. But if you’re familiar with the area, this book is phenomenal.

The history of Green Bay

Loved learning more of the true history of Green Bay and areas surrounding where I grew up.