Behind the Scenes

Market Street from 8th. Philadelphia, PA circa 1910s

The Philadelphia Matriarch

When I first began writing The Philadelphia Matriarch, I thought I was simply capturing a story inspired by my grandmother’s life. But as the pages grew, I found myself digging through archives, walking the streets of old Philadelphia, and stepping into the quiet lanes of Amish country—each detail adding depth and truth to the novel.

The Real Inspiration

Florence, the youngest daughter in the book, is based on my own grandmother, who was separated from her mother and siblings at the age of five and raised by a kind Amish family. But to truly understand Florence, I had to begin with Estella—her mother.

Estella’s struggles, choices, and heartbreak shape the path Florence is forced to walk. Her story of abandonment, survival, and determination to reclaim her children is the foundation upon which Florence’s resilience is built. Without Estella, there is no Florence.

Researching the Past

To bring early 20th-century Philadelphia to life, I spent hours reading newspapers from the 1910s, studying photographs, and learning about the everyday details—what people wore, how they traveled, what they ate. I uncovered fascinating bits of history, from the grandeur of the Wanamaker department store to the gritty realities of boarding houses and the bustling train lines that connected city and country.

One of my favorite discoveries was the vibrant world of silent films and theater in Philadelphia—complete with shocking stories of showgirls who risked their health for beauty, and the glamorous yet perilous stage culture that flourished alongside the suffrage movement.

For Florence, this world wasn’t just a distant spectacle—it was part of her daily life. Working at the ticket office placed her at the threshold of the theater’s magic and its grit, where she witnessed the hum of backstage life and the parade of patrons who passed through its doors. It was here that she met William, the music man whose charm and talent would alter the course of her life.

The Amish Connection

For Florence’s chapters, I drew on both research and family stories about Amish traditions: the slow creak of buggies on gravel roads, Sunday worship in farmhouses, and the unhurried pace of life that stood in such contrast to the city’s noise and urgency. These scenes became a touchstone in the novel—a reminder that love and community can thrive even after loss.

Little Hidden Details

Sharp-eyed readers may notice subtle clues threaded throughout the book. One of the quietest—and most meaningful—is a change in the family name from Fidler to Fitler near the end. It’s never explained outright, but it’s a nod to the way identity can be altered by forces outside our control.

Why This Story Matters Now

Though The Philadelphia Matriarch is set over a century ago, its themes still resonate today—family separation, women fighting for their rights, and the resilience it takes to rebuild a life. These struggles, sadly, are not confined to history books.

Writing this novel allowed me to honor the women in my family—and all women—whose strength and love shaped generations to come. I hope readers will feel the same sense of connection, and perhaps see echoes of their own history in Estella’s fight and Florence’s journey.