Aloha Wanderwell, known as "The World's Most Widely Travelled Woman" and the "Queen of Adventure," made history as the first woman to drive around the world in the 1920s. Born Idris Galcia Welsh on October 13, 1906 in Winnipeg, Canada, she was raised by her parents Margaret Jane Hedley and Robert Welsh. Her mother later re-married to Herbert Hall, leading Idris to change her name to Idris Hall. She had a sister named Margaret Verner, known as "Miki."
From a young age, Aloha was captivated by the idea of adventure and travel. At just 16 years old, she responded to an advertisement in the Riviera edition of the Paris Herald seeking a secretary for a round-the-world expedition led by Captain Walter Wanderwell. This decision would change the course of her life forever. She eventually gained notoriety and adopted the stage name Aloha Wanderwell.
Throughout her lifetime, Aloha visited over 80 countries, becoming a highly respected travel lecturer, radio speaker, and print journalist. She was a trailblazer in every sense, breaking barriers for women in the world of travel and exploration. She even became the first woman to fly over the Mato Grasso region of Brazil and captured rare footage of its indigenous Bororo people.
One of Aloha's most remarkable achievements was her 5-year journey around the world, accomplished in the 1920s. This feat solidified her reputation as a fearless and determined explorer. She documented her travels extensively, capturing them on 35mm and 16mm film. Much of this footage is now preserved at the Academy Film Archive in Hollywood, CA, providing a glimpse into her extraordinary life.
In addition to her filmography, which includes titles like Cape to Cairo and To See the World by Car, Aloha also penned the memoir "Call to Adventure" in 1939. Her storytelling prowess and talent for capturing the essence of her experiences on paper further solidified her status as a legend in the world of exploration.
Aloha's personal life was marked by adventure and tragedy. She was first married to Polish adventurer and filmmaker Walter Wanderwell, with whom she had a daughter named Valri and a son named Nile. Tragically, Walter was murdered in December of 1932, leaving Aloha a widow at a young age. She remarried the following year to Walter Baker, continuing her explorations and sharing her passion for travel with her new husband.
Despite the hardships she faced, Aloha continued to inspire and empower people around the world through her stories and experiences. She was known to have a deep understanding of up to 14 different languages, further showcasing her dedication to bridging cultural divides and connecting with people from all walks of life.
Aloha Wanderwell's legacy lives on as a testament to the power of perseverance, courage, and a thirst for adventure. Her contributions to the world of exploration and storytelling have left an indelible mark on history, inspiring future generations of explorers and adventurers.
Throughout her travels, Aloha formed close friendships with dignitaries and celebrities, including Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks Sr., Charlie Chaplin, and Humphrey Bogart. Her ability to connect with people from all backgrounds and walks of life was a true testament to her magnetic personality and unwavering spirit.
As we reflect on the extraordinary life of Aloha Wanderwell, we are reminded of the boundless possibilities that come with embracing curiosity, courage, and a sense of wonder. Her pioneering spirit continues to inspire us to this day, encouraging us to explore the world around us and seek out new adventures on the horizon.
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