NYCM Stories: Remembering a Pioneer Woman

Honoring Our First Employee, Grace Robinson, in Women’s History Month

When New York Central Mutual Fire Insurance Company was founded in 1899, there were just two employees on the payroll: founder Van Ness D. Robinson, and his wife and company clerk, Grace B. Robinson. At the time it was very unusual for women to be working a job in an administrative capacity; because women’s education was uncommon at the turn of the century, women typically worked jobs as laborers, performing in roles such as textile factory workers, maids, and laundresses.

Grace was a true pioneer, helping to shape the future of NYCM Insurance while remaining an active member of her community with her beloved Sixth District (Central NY) Women’s Club. In addition to her work as a clerk with NYCM Insurance and her community outreach, Grace was also an accomplished poet.

Grace B. Robinson passed away in March 1939. Three months later, Van Ness D. Robinson published a collection of Grace’s poetry in her memory. To celebrate Women’s History Month and Grace’s memory, we have republished some of these poems here. Continue reading to learn more.

The Pioneer Woman

Original artwork from Grace Robinson's poetry book.

Dauntless, she stood, where virgin forests, mountains meet;

From whose dark haunts, vermillioned faces glare.
And with courageous, rough-shod feet,
She followed trails of death ‘cross deserts, bare.
Though big with child, she dared to stand
On new unconquered land,
where crimson sunsets gleam.
Choosing her place, at her pioneer’s right hand
To make their humble home. So, with a hope supreme,
She kept the faith. In depths of untried soil,
They laid a firm foundation for future years
Upon which to build a nation. With horny hand of toil,
And happiness in work, with warfare, and with tears,
She kept the faith. Shall we, who rest on shoulders strong
Grow weak in idleness and lust? Then, they lived in vain
Who left us a heritage so blest in life and song,
To since and love, to live and live again,
To keep the faith.

Sixth District Song

(Tune of A Perfect Day)

Original artwork from Grace Robinson's poetry book.

When we've finished the task we were asked to do;

With the joy of a work well done:

Then the Club's worthwhile for a friendly smile,
And the praise it has justly won.

We hope as the sands run out fast time,

As the hours and the days depart,

The crown of life's work may be ours to win,
If we're loyal, to the royal, in our heart.

Let us work and pray for our Women's Club

Success that shall pass fondest dream;

'Til the years roll by and with one clear call,

The sunset of life shall gleam.

We're glad when its beams flame on western hill,
And the sad tears from kind eyes start,

That the work for the good had been our will,
We were loyal, to the royal, in our heart.

Dedicated to Alice B. M. Dickinson

Coquette

Original artwork from Grace Robinson's poetry book.

“April showers bring forth May flowers,”

This adage I repeat;

But April often darkly glowers,

Her showers may turn to sleet.

She is such an inconstant lass

With shifting frowns and smiles;

Coquette, ring leader of her class;

A Carmen full of wiles.

To some she may bewitching be,
Her wantoness attracts the gay;

Easy tears shed so penitently,

To bloom as flowers in May.

"Our Empire State”

(Tune of Maryland, My Maryland)

Original artwork from Grace Robinson's poetry book.

From Adirondack's rugged height,

New York State, Our Empire State!

To vast Niagara's power and might,

New York State, Our Empire State!

From Hudson's slow, majestic tread,

Where fruited valleys raise their head,

To blue Ontario's waters spread,
            Fair to see, Our Empire State.

A peerless heritage is given

To sons of men, Our New York State!

The fairest, best of gifts from heaven
            Are found in thee, Our Empire State!

Thy mirrored lakes, Thy valley's loam,

Thy forest growths to build the home;

Thy memories sweet where e'er we roam,
            New York State, Our Empire State!

Thy glowing past from history's page,
            New York State, Our Empire State!

The farmer, soldier and the sage,

New York State, Our Empire State!

Oh may her men fill well their place,
            For her great needs to keep apace.

Her sons of soil shall ever grace,

           New York State, Our Empire State!

Today, the company is under the control of Grace’s great-great granddaughter, Cheryl Robinson. At NYCM Insurance, we are proud of our roots and our long-established history of looking out for our neighbors in their times of need.

Though times may change, our purpose in protecting what matters most for New Yorkers has always remained the same. To learn more about our history from New York Central Mutual Fire Insurance Company to NYCM Insurance, click below!