Helena Modjeska Chase

Helena Modjeska Chase Johnson Drea (born Helena Modjeska Chase, September 23, 1900 - December 22, 1986) was a versatile artist, writer, poet, musician, photographer, and horsewoman. She had notable achievements as an illustrator of children's books and as an oil painter. Several of her books have been included in the Library of Congress collection. Early life Helena Modjeska Chase was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on September 23, 1900. Her father, Clement Chase, was a prominent publisher and editor of Omaha's "Excelsior" newspaper, as well as a bookstore owner. Her mother, Lula Belle Edwards Chase, came from a socialite background and had ancestors who arrived on the Mayflower. Helena Modjeska Chase was the fourth and youngest child of Clement and Lula Belle Chase. She was named after the renowned Polish actress Helena Modjeska, who was her godmother.