USA > Ohio > Women of Ohio; a record of their achievements in the history of the state, Volume II > Part 32
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41
MARY H. GILLHAM
MARY M. GILLHAM (Mrs. Richard E. Gillham), librarian and teacher of library administration at the University of Toledo, took her A.B. and M.A. at that university and a special course in library training at the University of Michigan. In 1922 she was married to Richard E. Gillham, publicity director. She is an active member of the American Library Association, and the Ohio Library Association. Her home is at 2801 W. Bancroft St., Toledo.
ELEANOR EDWARDS LEDBETTER
ELEANOR EDWARDS LEDBETTER, librarian of the Broadway Branch, Cleveland Public Library, is regarded as one of the best of present day authorities on Czechoslovakian residents of Ohio and of the country generally Jugoslovic and Polish immigrants, their background and their literaturc. Her special interest and intensive studies in this field were outgrowth of extensive work in Americanization and as special investigator of conditions in various foreign born population centers of Cleveland.
Mrs. Ledbetter was born in Holley, N. Y., attended the Brookport, N. Y. State Normal School, Syracuse University and the New York State Library School. She is a past president of the Cleveland Society for promotion of Slavonic Studies and was awarded the Gold Medal of the White Lion by the Republic of Czechoslavokia for interpreting Czech culture and work to Americans. The widely known Cleveland librarian is author of articles featured by leading national magazines, of several books on the Slovaks,, Poles and Czechs of Cleveland and has translated a number of classics of these literatures into English.
ELIZABETH STOKES LEWIS
ELIZABETH STOKES LEWIS (Mrs. Benjamin Lewis), librarian, of Lebanon, Ohio, Public Library was born in Warren County-the daughter of Walter S. and Martha Benham Stokes.
737
WOMEN OF OHIO
She attended the county schools and began her music education at the age of four years under the direction of her father, a pianist and violinist.
Later she continued her study of piano with private teachers in Cincinnati. In 1890 Elizabeth Stokes was married to Benjamin Lewis, teacher of violin and brass instruments at Middletown, Ohio, where they made their home.
Mr. Lewis was leader of the orchestra of Sorg's Opera house-also leader of a band of which Frank Simons was a member. Later the family moved to Lebanon, Ohio, where Mr. Lewis was leader of several bands.
Mrs. Lewis was the accompanist of the Lewis Orchestra and played for every occasion.
She was also a member of the St. Cecilian Club of Lebanon composed of prominent Lebanon women. Among these were Mrs. Dyche; Mrs. Lucy McBurney Coryell (whose father was Lieutenant Governor of Ohio) ; Mrs. Dr. Hough-a noted piano teacher and Mrs. Ladora Scoville Owens, whose sister Blanche was a noted singer. The club was a member of the Federation of Women's Clubs of Ohio.
Mrs. Lewis began her library work as a substitute at the Lebanon Public Library in 1928. She was appointed librarian the same year and has been in service ever since. Mrs. Lewis continued her home in Lebanon after the death of her husband which took place in 1935.
JOSEPHINE LYTLE
JOSEPHINE LYTLE, librarian of Warren Public Library since October 1919, has ever been active in church and civic affairs in the community. She was born at Pittsburgh, Pa., and attended the schools in that city. She com- pleted her high school work in Pittsburgh and took her library training and experience in the Pittsburgh Carnegie Library, where she was a member of the library staff for four years.
Coming to Warren in 1912, Miss Lytle began work in the Warren Public Library. She was later graduated from the Chautauqua School for librarians. She is a member of the Warren First Presbyterian Church, trustee of the Warren Y. W. C. A., is a member of Warren Community Forum, Social Study, Every Other Week and Warren Garden Club.
MARY EWING MARTIN
MARY EWING MARTIN is a grand-daughter of Thomas Ewing, the first graduate of Ohio University, and a daughter of Thomas Ewing, Jr., one of the founders of the state of Kansas, and an officer of the Northern army during the Civil War. She is a niece of the late Ellen Ewing Sherman, wife of the distinguished general.
But it is not because of her connection with an illustrious family that Mrs. Martin deserves a place among the great women of Ohio. It is because she founded almost single handed and alone the first library in Perry County.
738
WOMEN OF OHIO
The library was founded at New Straitsville some forty years ago. At that time public libraries were not looked upon with great favor, especially in a community that had so large a foreign population as had New Straitsville.
"A waste of time and money," people said. But nothing daunted Mrs. Martin. Her husband had donated the building for the library and she herself was determined to get the books. Arrayed in "shamefully short skirts" and high boots, Mrs. Martin plodded through the town and countryside seeking donations and the co-operation of the better class of citizens for her library. And in spite of all opposition, she got it.
When it opened, she herself offered to be librarian, an office which she maintained without pay or profit, for some years. Only recently has she given up actual work at the library, but she still takes an active interest in every- thing that goes on there.
ALICE MCLEAN
The late ALICE McLEAN and the Cincinnati Mercantile Library, which she served for 44 years, came into being the very same year-1835.
Miss McLean went to work as assistant librarian of the famous Cincinnati library-oldest of its type in the country, except the New York Mercantile- during Civil War days when she and all other women wore hoop skirts. She was born in Ireland, came to the U. S. with her parents and lived for a time in Covington, Ky. before moving to College Hill, then a suburb, now a part of Cincinnati.
Alice McLean said herself-in her letter of resignation to the library board at the end of her near half century of service-that she had worked there so long the library seemed part of herself.
For five of her 44 years on the library staff, Miss McLean filled the position of librarian-in-chief. There was so much work to do that she took it home with her as did, it seems, MISS CAROLINE RIGGS GAITHER, also an assistant at the Cincinnati Mercantile.
Miss Gaither's period of service almost equals that of her colleague She started at the library in 1871 and resigned in 1911-40 years.
Caroline Gaither was born in Cincinnati, the daughter of John Gibson Gaither, of Baltimore, Md., and Mary Ann Hinkle Gaither, born in Phila- delphia. She is 90 years old at the present writing and remembers many interesting incidents in the history of the library, for one thing the world famous ten thousand year lease.
This lease was negotiated in 1849 and stands as is, therefor, until A. D. 11,849. And even after that it's renewable-"Forever"-that is the word used by the late Alphonso Taft-who later became U. S. Secretary of War, Attorney General of the United States, and Minister to Austria-Hungary and Russia-in drawing up the lease on January 1, 1849. A cash payment of $10,000 secured for the Young Men's Mercantile Library Association of
739
WOMEN OF OHIO
Cincinnati, "in Perpetuity", as handsome a suite of library office and read- ing rooms as was, or in many respects is, to be found west of the Alleghenies.
The fact that today the more than 1000 members of the Cincinnati Mer- cantile Library, women as well as men, can feel so easy about a roof over their heads, connects up definitely with the nature of the young Cincinnatians -- 45 of them-who, on April 18, 1835, met on the second floor of the engine house which then decorated the north side of East Fourth Street, and decided that the time had come for them to start a library "in order to facilitate mutual intercourse, to extend information on mercantile and other subjects of general utility, promote a spirit of useful inquiry and qualify ourselves to discharge with dignity the duties of our profession-or pursuits".
The library was located first in the second story of a building belonging to Dan Ames, on Main Street, below Pearl. Then it moved to Ross and Geyer's Cabinet Shop, Fourth Street, East of Main. In 1849 the Library moved to its present site, east side of Walnut Street, between Fourth and Fifth, where then stood the Old Cincinnati College Building. It was a fine brick building, but this did not keep it from being destroyed in 1845, by fire.
Now we come to the idealism, energy and general go-get-it-ness of the library membership. Trustees of the Cincinnati College could not rebuild without aid. The young men of the Library passed the hat, gently but firmly, among their membership, netting $10,000. This not untidy sum was paid to the College Trustees, devoted to construction of a new building, and in return -and through the able assistance of Alphonso Taft, father of William Howard Taft, a lease for its suite was granted to the Library for the heretofore men- tioned 10,000 years. So good was this lease that when the building burned again in 1869, it still held during the life of a third building, and when the present handsome 12 story building was erected, in 1902, the lease was as good as ever-or better. It gave the Mercantile Library Association-the "Young Men" prefix has long been dropped-the entire eleventh floor of the spacious structure and part of the floor above.
Part played by the Library in the growth, cultural, educational, indus- trial and recreational life of Cincinnati regarded as worthy of setting aside April 2, 1935 as "Mercantile Library Day" for the entire city.
Much of the success of the occasion was due to the enthusiastic direction of the present librarian, NATALIE B. DOHRMANN (Mrs. Theodore Dohr- mann) and the two other women members of the staff VIOLET GEST WIL- LIAMS and ISABELLE K. ACKERMAN.
SARA EDNA MILLER
SARA EDNA MILLER, librarian of East Cleveland Public Library, was born at Greenwich, N. Y., the daughter of George and Adeline Miller. She took her A.B. at Syracuse University and completed her professional training
740
WOMEN OF OHIO
at Syracuse University Library School. Miss Miller was previously on the staff of the New York Public Library. Her home is at 1828 Windermere St., East Cleveland.
MARGARET VAN BERGEN MOULTON
MARGARET VAN BERGEN MOULTON (Mrs. Frank W. Moulton), librarian of the Portsmouth, O., Public Library, was born at Beaver Dam, Wis., the daughter of Frederick and Anne Van Bergen. She was graduated from the University of Michigan and in 1922 was married to Frank W. Moulton, attorney.
Mrs. Moulton was formerly a member of the teaching staff of the Min- neapolis Public Schools and of the schools at Bruce, Wis. Her home is at 1908 Hutchins Ave., Portsmouth.
MARY M. POST
MARY M. POST, assistant librarian of the Canton Public Library re- ceived her A.B. at Wooster and receive the degree of B.S. at the School of Library Science, Western Reserve University. She is a former president of the International Relations Association, is active in the Creative Writers Club and is author of many critical essays and book reviews.
EFFIE LOUISE POWER
EFFIE LOUISE POWER, director of the Children's Department, Cleve- land Public Library, is a graduate of the Carnegie Library School at Pitts- burgh and received the honorary degree of M.A. from Alleghany College.
She was formerly an instructor at the Cleveland Normal School, super- visor of work with children of the St. Louis Public Library, is a member of the summer faculty of University of Missouri, University of Illinois, University of Oregon, University of Minnesota, Western Reserve University, Columbia University and a special lecturer for the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Chicago extension courses.
She is the editor of many stories and programs for children and of authoritative articles and pamphlets on library subjects.
LOUISE PROUTY
LOUISE PROUTY, vice librarian of the Cleveland Public Library, was born at Spencer, Mass., the daughter of William Henry and Marie Louise Prouty. She took her A.B. at Wellesley College and is an active member of Wellesley Alumnae Association. Miss Prouty has been a member of the executive board of the American Library Association since 1934 and is among the notable workers of this important association. She was among Wellesley graduates who served abroad during the World War and has belonged to the Women's Overseas League since its organization.
741
WOMEN OF OHIO
PAULINE REICH
PAULINE REICH, librarian of Cleveland Heights Public Library, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y. and completed her professional education at the Cleveland Library School. She was previously a staff member of the New York Public Library and is a former president of the Western Reserve Library School Alumnae Association.
Miss Reich is an active member of the Cleveland Heights Educational Foundation, of the Cleveland Woman's City Club and of other civic and professional organizations. She lives at 3602 Washington Boulevard, Cleve- land Heights.
MILDRED WILLIAMSON SANDOE
MILDRED WILLIAMSON SANDOE, librarian of the Mansfield Public Library, was born in Cincinnati, the daughter of Jacob and Louise Sandoe, and took her B.S. at Simmons College. Her previous positions included the children's department, Savannah, Ga., Public Library, the Grandview, O., Public Library and the Greene County District Public Library. She is a member of the American Librarians Association and of the Ohio Librarians Association. Her home is at 564 E. Township Circle, Mansfield, O.
KITTY SHERWOOD
KITTY SHERWOOD, of Cincinnati, Ohio, former member of the staff of the Cincinnati Public Library, served in this capacity for a period of sixty-four years, a record among the employees of the Library for length of service.
Beginning her work when Lafcadio Hearn, the writer, was the secretary to the chief librarian, as member of the circulation department until the time of her retirement, she was helpful to thousands of the patrons of the library, who came to know her and to depend on her efficient and willing aid.
LAURA SMITH
To LAURA SMITH, of Terrace Park, O., now retired, the Public Library of Cincinnati is said to owe, more than to any other person, its high standards.
Miss Smith was head of the catalog and reference departments. She directed the training classes. She inspired young women with her own ideals of scholarship, industry, broad vision, accuracy and pride in good work- manship.
Widely known to the library profession throughout the country, Laura Smith was an active member of the National Library Association and is an ex-president of the Ohio Library Association.
Her family has been closely identified with educational and cultural development and her father the late Richard Smith, was one of the best known newspaper editors of the Middle West.
742
WOMEN OF OHIO
DOROTHY IRENE STROUSE
DOROTHY IRENE STROUSE, librarian of Lucas County Library, Maumee, O., was born at Worthington, Ind., the daughter of James Edward and Jennie Strouse. She was educated at DePauw University, Indiana Uni- versity and the School of Library Science, Western Reserve University. Miss Strouse was formerly librarian of the Worthington, Ind., Public Library. Her home is at Maumee, O.
ROSE VORMELKER
ROSE VORMELKER, director of the business information bureau of the Cleveland Public Library, was born at Cleveland, the daughter of Julius and Amy Hippler Vormelker.
She attended Oberlin College, the Detroit Conservatory of Music and was graduated from the School of Library Science of Western Reserve University. Miss Vormelker was formerly associated with the technical department of the Detroit, Mich., Public Library and was research librarian of the White Motor Co. She is an ex-officer of the Special Librarians Association and a member of the American Statistical Association.
EDITH WIRT
EDITH WIRT, head of the Foreign Literature Division, Cleveland Public Library, attended the Western Reserve University School of Library Science in 1917. She received her B. S. from Western Reserve University in 1918.
Her work is in a community where the foreign-born and the children of the foreign-born are strong in numbers and influence. This work has as its object the "inter-nationalization" of all library readers, American and foreign- born, to the enrichment of American literature and life, rather than simply the "Americanization" of the foreign-born.
In good foreign book collections are to be found many ingredients needed for fostering better citizenship among the foreign-born, for teaching their children to honor the rich heritage of their fathers and for serving as a leaven to American civilization.
To this task, Miss Wirt has devoted unusual ability and unflagging energy.
She is an active member of the American Library Association ; the Ohio Library Association and of important civic and educational organizations. Her home is at 2950 East 132nd St., Cleveland, Ohio.
LILLIE WULFEKOETTER
LILLIE WULFEKOETTER, superintendent of branch and extension libraries of the Public Library of Cincinnati, has won recognition as an auth- ority in her field and is frequently called on for expert services. She was
743
WOMEN OF OHIO
born in Cincinnati, graduated with A. B. degree from the University and has served as secretary, as treasurer, as president and as member of the executive board of the Ohio Library Association. She is also an active member of the American Association of University Women, of the League of Women Voters, Foreign Policy Association and other organizations.
Other women giving skilled service to Ohio libraries include :
Miriam Rothenberg-Assistant, Reference Department, Public Library of Cincinnati.
Josephine B. Brown-Assistant, Reference Department, Warren.
Ruth Sonnenstine-Reference Librarian, Ashland.
Mildred Fowler-Librarian, Scienceville High School, Youngstown.
Nellie M. Luehrs-Head of Literature, Cleveland Public Library, Cleve- land.
Mary L. Wilbur-Head of Education Department, Cleveland Public Li- brary, Cleveland.
Helen C. Nill-Assistant, Massillon Public Library, Massilon.
Gladys K. Smith-Head of Adult Department, Lakewood Public Library. Lakewood.
Mrs. Wm. E. Duff-Ohio Historical Society, Ashland.
Alice R. Dadden-Librarian, Salem.
Ruth Leighley-Reference Department, Mansfield Public Library, Mans- field.
Ethel J. McDowell-Librarian, Ashtabula.
Gladys P. Whittatch-Ohio State Library, Columbus.
Mrs. N. Dunlap-Member State Library Board, Hillsboro.
Alma Huggins-Carnegie Library, Steubenville.
ALICE BOARDMAN
Special recognition is due to the unusually fine service given by two Ohio librarians, ALICE BOARDMAN, formerly head of the Ohio State Library at Columbus, and ALICE S. TYLER, director for years of the library school of the Western Reserve University.
Miss Boardman was active in the formative years of the Ohio Library Association and did much to formulate its purposes and to bring about its aims.
Miss Tyler did much to develop the Western Reserve Library School and to build the entire service on a higher and a broader foundation. She was president of The American Library Association and cooperated in the work of many civic and educational organizations.
N
Hokler of Warkl's Locomotive Speed R. 112 1 Miles Per Hour
8.000
REPAIR
"FIRING OLD 999"
Donna J. Harkness, Secretary to Publicity Manager, C. C. C. & St. L. Railway, Cincinnati
--
745
WOMEN OF OHIO
WOMEN RAILROADERS
By DONNA J. HARKNESS New York Central System
Railway men have a saying "once a railroader, always a rail- roader." The same holds true for women employees. In Ohio there are hundreds of women employed by railroads in various capacities. Although by no means all of them hold high official positions, we be- lieve that each and every woman rail employee does know real respon- sibility and that even those in minor positions find their work colorful, interesting and worthy of their best efforts and loyalty. This is attested by the fact that seldom does a woman in railroad work quit her job for one with another industry. She works for promotion. She likes the responsibility that attends the work in many departments, the oppor- tunity for travel that comes with pass privileges, the contacts with railworkers and the public. She likes the railroad and she likes her fellow workers. She has entered with unusual zest the various organ- izations which provide opportunity for discussion of general interests and opportunities.
She appreciates that if she works until she is of retirement age she will have a pension the rest of her life. Many railroads have maintained pension systems for years. Today all railroads operate under the Railroad Retirement Act and employees with required length of service retire at sixty-five with pension for life.
There are a number of Railway Business Women's Associations in the Middle West, two of which are in Ohio. These are in Cleveland and in Cincinnati and have a combined membership of about three hundred women. Interests similar to those of other women's clubs are also sponsored, entertainments, bridge parties, charitable work, annual banquets, etc.
Many railway women belong to booster clubs, veterans' associa- tions, transportation groups and to the Association of Railway Maga- zine Editors, as well as to local women's clubs, reflecting interests that are wide and varied.
746
WOMEN OF OHIO
The railroad worker is in a great world of his or her own. There are a million employees in the United States, with practically every class of worker from laborers to presidents, including lawyers, en- gineers, artists, technicians, coal and lumber experts and of course, executives of every degree. From the cinder pit to the president's office - variety, excitement, responsibility, work - and women doing their share of a big job.
As in any great industry, that has extended over a period of years, we railroaders have experienced good and bad times. There have been troublous days of labor difficulties, there has been adversity and there has been prosperity. So, too, there has been great progress mechanically, scientifically and in the building for safety and speed, and for the welfare of both patrons and employees.
Men and women of the rails can relate experiences as thrilling as found in any cross section of America. Like the famous saga of "Casey Jones," there are other railroad tales that may well be considered a part of American folklore.
We feel sure there are many women working for railroads in Ohio whose stories would be interesting. We hope the few we have been able to obtain may add just a bit of color to the notable collection in Women of Ohio in which all railroad women will feel proud to be represented. Much credit to Miss Margaret Talbott Stevens, associate editor of the Baltimore and Ohio Magazine, for instance, in gathering this material.
The following women have served the Cleveland Railway Business Women's Association as president :
Mrs. Frances White Wells, New York Central R. R 1926-27
Mrs. Marie McAlleenan Kelley, Boston and Maine R. R. 1928
Mrs. Mary M. Dibble, Chicago Great Western R. R. 1929-30
Mrs. Meta M. Koncana, New York Central System 1931-32
Helen Howard, New York Central System 1933-34 Florence Haas, Erie Railroad. 1935-36
Mae E. Hayes, Great Lakes Regional Advisory Board. 1937-38
Presidents of the R. B. W. A. of Cincinnati have been :
Clara B. Kelly, Baltimore and Ohio R. R. ... 1928
Donna J. Harkness, C. C. C. & St. L. Ry 1929-30
747
WOMEN OF OHIO
Marie Minshall, Southern Railway
1931-32
Edith Evans, Baltimore and Ohio R. R. 1933-34
Marcella McNally, Southern Railway. 1935
Laura Schulze, Norfolk and Western Railway 1936-37
Nellie Corcoran, New York Central System 1938
MARIE K. BROWN
MARIE K. BROWN, manager of the women's department of the Balti- more and Ohio and Alton Railroads, was born in Middletown, Ohio April 23, 1888, the daughter of Charles A. and Louisa Sebald Keller.
Marie started lecturing for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in 1923 and has been working ever since for the Baltimore and Ohio and the Alton Rail- roads as manager of the Women's Department and Travel Service.
Mrs. Brown is the wife of William Gary Brown, passenger traffic man- ager of the same railroads. They have two children. They have also three grand-children and this was the real inspiration and motivation of the now widely known National Grandmothers Clubs, Inc.
At a convention of Illinois Business and Professional Women held in 1938, Mrs. Brown, in giving a talk before a group, mentioned the fact that she is a grandmother, and added, "I wonder how many in my audience are grand- mothers." There was a grand showing of hands.
"Well then," said Mrs. Brown, "let's get together and have a grand- mother's breakfast tomorrow morning." And just for the fun of it, Mrs. Brown stayed up nearly all night to make "grandmothers' caps" so that each grandmother might have one to wear at the breakfast.
That's the way it all started. They decided to form a club. Mrs. Brown was made president. The club spread. And since then, Mrs. Brown in her trips to Washington and in her lecture tours elsewhere, welcomes new grand- mothers as members of the organization.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.