Louisa Bouknight Poppenheim

Louisa Bouknight Poppenheim (1866-1957) was a clubwoman born in South Carolina during the Progressive Era. Poppenheim was co-owner and editor of the Keystone, a magazine used to promote southern clubwomen culture through club news, stories, book reviews, and other works relating to southern women's traditions.

Early life and education Louisa Bouknight Poppenheim was born in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1866. During her childhood, Poppenheim was enrolled at the Charleston Female Seminary, and she also worked with various tutors throughout her time as a young girl. Lousia attended Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, alongside her sister Mary Barnett Poppenheim.

Poppenheim cared about improving schools and libraries, as well as helping women get more education. She did most of this work for free.

Beginning in 1899, the Poppenheim sisters, Louisa and Mary, owned and edited Keystone magazine. The purpose of the magazine was to create a better way for clubwomen to communicate, as well as make it easier for clubs to promote ideals, events, and other important information. Club leaders and organizations were able to put reports and initiatives in the Keystone, the Poppenheim sisters felt the need for a journal, or magazine, that would allow women to discuss their views and beliefs freely.

The magazine included works such as literature, book reviews, recipes and food reviews. The sisters also published their own works and ideas of topics like southern womanhood. Keystone readers were also encouraged to have conversations regarding the magazine; they were highly encouraged to write in their thoughts regarding the topics the magazine covered. The Keystone ran for fourteen years, from 1899-1913.

Later life and death At the end of her life, Louisa lived at the home her parents had lived in on Meeting Street in Charleston, South Carolina. In 1957, Louisa Bouknight Poppenheim died and was buried at Magnolia Cemetery alongside her sister.