1/14/26: Books and beverage: Company of Women - Doug Villhard, author

Author Doug Villhard. - Discussion leader

• Join us for an engaging discussion of ideas, analysis, and experiences.
• Learn about STL around the 1904 World's Fair
• No need to have read the book
• But if you have a chance to read, please come with your ideas and thoughts!
• Doug will also discuss the process of writing.
• Time: Arrive 5:50 and we will start at 6
• Location: We will meet at the Karaoke lounge 6655 Delmar Blvd, University City, MO 63130 (but we are just using the space - there will not be food or beverages). It is a bit tricky to find, but the entrance is from North side of Delmar Blvd. See photos below that shows a map.
• Bring a beverage and/or snacks if you wish.
• Social: After the book discussion, we plan go to a Delmar loop restaurant for a bite for those interested.
• You can acquire the book From Amazon

Write up on Amazon: Company of Women is based on the exploits of one of America’s most entrepreneurial minds at the time of the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis.
By promoting a woman’s right to vote, Edward Garner Lewis built a women’s magazine empire that spanned the country until a conspiracy – all the way up to President Teddy Roosevelt – threatened to destroy it all.
We first meet Eddie as a young and charming door-to-door salesman who dreams of one day starting his own legit business and leaving his snake oil past behind. But when his beautiful new bride unexpectedly gets sick and hospitalized, Eddie has no choice but to risk the little savings they have to afford her care and go back to his cunning ways.
With a flashy new idea, an abundance of smart women in his circle, and an entrepreneurial spirit, Eddie begins a transformation from desperately hustling potions on street corners to a wealthy, high-stakes entrepreneur.
His appreciation and respect for women lead to a billion dollar idea – a precursor to today’s credit card – allowing rural women to finally enter the economy and shop securely via the mail. As his wealth, power, and success continue to grow, new temptations challenge his friendships, family, co-workers, and, most importantly, his marriage.
Soon Eddie’s expansive power and progressive views threaten men at the highest levels of the country. But, no matter how powerful a traditional workforce, government, and society may be, Eddie’s story reminds the world of one thing… never underestimate the company of women.