Hattie Phillips

Throwback Thursday: Hattie PhillipsOn this week’s Throwback Thursday, Lori Kent with the Local Lou Podcast tells us about Hattie Phillips. Josiah Phillips’ wife had a large impact on the Sioux Falls community, even after her husband’s death.

On 10th and Phillips Avenue in Downtown Sioux Falls is a historical plaque dedicated to a Founding Mother of the city, Hattie C Phillips. The plaque was dedicated in 1976 by the Women's Division Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Sioux Falls Bicentennial Commission.

This plaque is dedicated to an outstanding pioneer woman whose efforts helped to develop the religious, educational, civic, and cultural life of the community.

Dr. Josiah L. Phillips brought his wife Hattie to abandoned Fort Dakota in 1870, where they lived in the officers quarters until moving into their first home in 1873 near this site. As one of only seven white women, Mrs. Phillips immediately began her benevolent and charitable work.

After the death of her husband in 1882, Hattie C. Phillips raised a family of seven children and managed a large amount of property. Her leadership in establishing the first "Pioneer Union Sunday School," the first church services, "Charity Committee," "Women's Benevolent Association," history club, WCTU, Children's Home Society and YMCA, exemplified the courage, spirit and determination of the pioneer women of Sioux Falls.