RIGHT TO VOTE continued from 39
Voters, which claims its birthday as February 14, 1920. It continues today as a clearinghouse for women and men to learn about civic issues.
Brown County Archivist, Rhonda Dunn, reports in the December 15, 2019 issue of the Brown County Journal that the Woman’ s Franchise League in Brown County had a growing membership. Representing the county in the state convention in 1917 was Estella Hopper. The Democratic Women’ s Club was formed in the county in 1919. Carrie Wright was elected chairman of the club and Marietta Moser secretary. More than 26,000 women registered to vote in Brown County upon publication of a notice in the local newspaper that announced September 4 and October 4 as registration dates. It’ s recorded that nearly as many women as men voted in the following election.
The first woman to appear on a ballot in Brown County was Estella Clark, for the election for County Recorder. The Brown County Democratic Women’ s Club reorganized in 1932, when Virginia Weddle was made president and Eudora Kelley was vice chairman. Other members in the record were: Martha Weddle and Leatha Walker. Later Mary Belle McGee was made vice president and Leatha Walker was secretary-treasurer.
Interested individuals can learn more by visiting the Brown County archives, which is open Tuesday and Friday from 11 a. m. to 4 p. m. at the Brown County History Center. •
Head over Heels
• Minnetonka • Stetson
• Tilley Hats • Merrell HATS • FOOTWEAR • ACCESSORIES
49 S. Van Buren St. in Nashville • 812-988-6535 headoverheels @ switched. com • fax: 812-988-6505
Helmsburg GENERAL STORE
New, Spacious Look Inside. New Owners: Sharon & Leonard Richey
Pizza & Wings, Groceries, Ice Large Selection Domestic / Craft Beer & Wine LOTTERY, Tobacco Products Camping Supplies, Live Bait & Tackle Hunting & Fishing Licenses Check Station, Firewood
State Road 45 and Helmsburg Road Intersection •( 812) 929-7797
MADDISON MILLER continued from 33
While the list seems large, Miller said she is certain the community will deliver.
“ This community has incredible volunteers. They are eager to share their time, talent, and money to help the community. They truly care,” Miller said.“ I did not come from a community like that. It has been the most heart-warming thing I have learned since taking this job.” Miller said the charitable component of the Foundation was one of the most appealing aspects of the job.“ The Foundation gave over $ 1 million in grants and scholarship to the community last year,” she said.“ We are working to make life a little bit better for everyone. We have the ability to meet the needs of the community. It really feels like we are making a difference.”
Recently, the Foundation has contributed to projects related to the library, the YMCA, Salt Creek Trail, Brown County Playhouse, and the Brown County Music Center.
“ It is an exciting time to be in Brown County. There is an interesting buzz happening around the community,” Miller said.“ New people are coming to town that want to invest in the community, but also respect the history.”
Visit the Brown County Community Foundation’ s website at < browncountygives. org >. •
March / April 2020 • Our Brown County 57