Pitcher, Emma Bickham
September 20, 1915 -
Place of Birth: Chicago, IL
Place of Principle Residence: Kalamazoo, MI
Biography:
Emma Bickham Pitcher was born to Edith and Martin Bickham in Chicago, IL. Despite her later career as a naturalist and writer, Pitcher was not much interested in nature as a child. She graduated with a BA from the University of Chicago in 1937, and married, moving with her husband to Buffalo. Five years later they returned and attended the University of Chicago, and had four children: Hugh, Elizabeth, Charles, and Catherine. During the summer the family traveled to the Indiana Dunes, and it was during this time that Pitcher’s love for nature was born. She has published three books, all geared towards the power of observing the outdoors. In addition, she has written poetry and essays, most of which deal with her hobby as a naturalist. Pitcher served as the Dean of Students for the Graduate School of Business, retiring in 1980. She currently lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan and is an active volunteer at the Kalamazoo Nature Center.
Selected Works:
- Of Woods and Other Things (1996)
- Up and Down the Dunes (1987)
- Ramblings (2001)
Awards
- 1990 Public Media Award, Michigan Audubon Society
- Several National Park Volunteer Commendations
- “Sagamore of the Wabash” Award from the Governor of Indiana -the highest honor possible for service to the state
Critical Reception:
Pitcher has received several honors for her work, including the Public Media Award from the Michigan Audubon Society.
Relevance of Place to Author’s Work:
An adamant enthusiast of nature, Pitcher volunteers at The Kalamazoo Nature Center and for thirteen years has written essays on nature for the Kalamazoo Gazette.