The outbreak of World War One meant the beginning of change for the Baruch family. Bernard Baruch became an advisor for President Woodrow Wilson, and was considered the most powerful man in America, next to the President. For Belle Baruch, she joined the Women’s Radio Corps, and trained pilots how to use Morse code. While shocked by the aftermath of the war in France, something awoke inside Belle, and upon returning home, she became a proponent of women’s rights.
Bernard Baruch and Pres. Woodrow Wilson had to convince Congress to agree with the terms in the Treaty of Versailles. After the war, Henry Ford began a war of words, and anti-Semitism was once again on the rise. This would fuel the Nazi vigor, and caught the attention of Adolf Hitler.
At age 21, Belle received her first trust, and wanted to own a piece of Hobcaw Barony, but each request was denied by her father. This disappointment, combined with her crumbling friendship with Evangeline Johnson, Belle decided to move back to France. She made a new name for herself, and her love of horses paved the way for more female athletes in horse-racing.
In 1929, Belle met Barbara Donohoe, and the two developed an instant attraction and rapport with each other. The periodically visited Hobcaw, and Bernard built the new “Hobcaw House” when the “Old Relic” burned down.
