I came to Philadelphia courtesy of the United States Marine Corps. My late father Master Sargent, F.A. Staudt was stationed at Camp LeSeune, N.C., where I was born. In 1963 he was transferred to Philadelphia, with Mother, Brother, Dog & myself in tow, we made our home in the old Navy Homes where I spent most of my early years. My parents divorced. The base closed and we found ourselves a nice little row home in South Philly. I attended St. Maria Goretti H.S. and Temple U, where I discovered theatre. I was lucky enough to work professionally throughout the US + Canada, but always ended up backing Philadelphia. It was here in Philadelphia I discovered the art of First Person Interpretation—which is sort of Historical Improvisation—perfect for my love of performing and personality. I have worked now at Historic Philadelphia. Inc. about twenty years inhabiting Molly Pitcher, both Deborah & Sally Franklin and Lesser known of the women of Colonial Philadelphia. Learning personal history is important but 18th century skills are handy as well.

Making Bobbin Lace is very old and difficult art I taught myself. I have sent a pair of my bobbins and a hand-made lace bookmark as an example of the craft. Had I not ended up in Philadelphia I surely would never have had the opportunity to learn this art nor, more importantly, Colonial women’s history. I am thankful for that. Semper Fi—HUZZAH