Dianne Jacoby as Caty Greene - A Special 250th program!

As we approach our Nation's 250th anniversary, join us for this very special performance by Dianne Jacoby, also known as Mrs. Flagler. This program is generously sponsored by Friends of the Anastasia Island Branch Library.

As the Revolutionary War began, 18-year-old Caty married the famous Patriot, Nathaneal Greene. Caty was not content to remain at home in the role of a traditional Colonial wife. Her defiant spirit moved her to make perilous journeys to join General Greene at his army camps. There she found herself at the heart of the War of Independence. Her free-spirited life took her from elegant entertaining in the officers' mansions to the horrors of Valley Forge. But always her vivacious good spirits brought cheer to those enduring the dangers of the War.

The beauty and quick wit of Caty Greene made her beloved by the most famous and fascinating men of her time. She counted among her many admirers the charming Marquis de Lafayette, the courageous "Light-Horse Harry" Lee, and the passionate "Mad Anthony" Wayne. She became the dear friend and confidant of George Washington as they experienced the tragedy and triumph of the War.

The sudden death of her heroic husband brought new challenges to Caty. She found herself facing the heavy war debts of Gen. Greene. She turned to her many admirers for help. It was ultimately up to Caty herself who took the unprecedented action of battling her new government on the floor of Congress. With five young children to raise she demanded her right as a war widow. Caty came to realize her own strength and her own independence.

Returning in triumph to her plantation in Savannah, Caty was determined to make it a success. Her entertaining became legendary. Eli Whitney, the brilliant and eccentric inventor became her enthralled guest. It was at her plantation that Whitney invented his cotton gin. His love for her continued for the rest of their lives. Cat was finally to meet her match in the passionate arms of her children's tutor, a man much her junior. After they wed the two began life anew at Dungeness Plantation on beautiful Cumberland Island off the coast of Georgia.

If you are not able to make this performance by Dianne Jacoby, she will be performing at the Waterworks Building (Main Library) on Thursday, December 11 at 6pm as Mrs. Flagler. Enjoy Christmas with Mrs. Flagler.

Dianne has made a lifelong study of Florida’s history. As a historical dramatist, she has researched, written, and performed one-woman original dramas for twenty-plus years throughout Florida and the East Coast. Using women from Florida’s past as inspiration, she presents characters as diverse as pirates, crackers, and Victorian millionaires. Dianne performs for historical societies, libraries, museums, government events, private parties, cruise ships, and a variety of venues. History and drama are her passions. Her goal is to educate through entertaining. Each show is historically accurate, very entertaining, and elaborately costumed.