Maude E. Callen

Maude E. Callen (November 8, 1898 in Quincy, Florida – January 23, 1990 ) was a nurse-midwife in the South Carolina Lowcountry for over 60 years. Her work was brought to national attention in W. Eugene Smith's photo essay "Nurse Midwife," published in Life on December 3, 1951.

Early life and education Maude E. Callen was born in Quincy, Florida in 1898. She had twelve sisters and was orphaned by the age of six. She was brought up in the home of her uncle Dr. William J. Gunn, a physician in Tallahassee, Florida.

Callen had her primary education at the Saint Michael's and All Angels Parochial Schools. After that, she attended the Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, where she was part of the Alpha Gamma Chi Sorority. in 1921 and they moved together to Pineville, South Carolina, when she was called as a missionary nurse. The position was intended to be temporary.

Conditions in Berkeley County were difficult: "t the edge of Hell Hole Swamp in Pineville houses were still lit by oil lamps, not electricity. Not having power lines meant no telephones, and people went to town by wagon or buggy." Her job included training midwives throughout the county. She taught young black women the proper practices in prenatal care, labor support, baby delivery, and handling of newborns. and provided car service to seniors needing transportation. She is quoted as having said, on turning down an invitation from President Reagan to visit the White House, "You can't just call me up and ask me to be somewhere. I've got to do my job." 1983 – Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Clemson University, to honor her "for serving the people of Pineville 'who she birthed, nursed, comforted, sometimes clothed and fed, and even taught to read. 1984 - American Institute of Public Service Award. 1998 - The Callen–Lacey Center for Children, an emergency shelter for children in Berkeley County, is dedicated to her memory and that of Dr. William H. Lacey.

Callen also won the Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce’s Honorary Citizen's Award.

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