In 1934, Knoxville socialite Evelyn Hazen came to national attention when she sued her lover, local businessman Ralph Scharringhaus, for seduction and breach of promise. Jane Van Ryan, author of a new book, The Seduction of Miss Evelyn Hazen, will be at the East Tennessee Historical Society at 7 p.m., September 19, to discuss the couple’s turbulent relationship and the ensuring trial. Van Ryan delves into newspaper and magazine accounts of the day, as well as into Miss Hazen’s explicit (at least for the time), shockingly frank court testimony, to weave a story of the scandal that rocked Knoxville.
An award-winning broadcast journalist and communications professional, Jane Van Ryan developed an interest in the Evelyn Hazen story through her cousin Lucille LaBonte, a personal friend and legal representative for Evelyn Hazen. Van Ryan has served as a television talk show host, anchor and reporter and since 1987 has managed communications programs for corporations and universities.
The lecture and book signing will take place at the East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay Street, Knoxville. Van Ryan will be available to sign books following the program. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 865-215-8824 or see www.east-tennessee-history.org.
Jane! This is fantastic! Hats (and boots) off to you! And hearty congratulations!
-- Lucy
Posted by: Lucy Norman Charles | September 21, 2006 at 09:57 AM
Congratulations!
Posted by: Kara Davis | October 04, 2006 at 10:44 PM