Nellie Tayloe Ross #100YearsAgo #SundaySalon
Happy Sunday! Sunday Salon is hosted by Deb at ReaderBuzz. Check out her post and the links to see what other bloggers have been up to in the last week.
One hundred years ago tomorrow, on November 4, 1924, Nellie Tayloe Ross won the election for Wyoming governor, making her the first woman elected governor in the United States. She still shows up in history, today, on lists of “firsts.” It turns out, though, that was just the beginning of a stellar career.
When Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected President, he appointed Ross as the director of the US Mint, a position that she held for twenty years. She completely modernized the organization, led it through a massive expansion from the depth of the Depression through the boom years of the early 1950s, and oversaw huge building projects, including Fort Knox.
The History Guy tells her story in a quick well-illustrated overview.
For a deeper look at her life and her years as a governor, check out the documentary produced by Wyoming Public Television.
Did you know about Nellie Tayloe Ross? I’m very happy to have discovered her story of competent, compassionate public service in this election year.
Interesting! I wonder if I’d know about her if I was from the US, or if it’s one of those things that a lot of people don’t know? Sounds like she was pretty incredible.
I didn’t know about her until I saw the first woman governor on a list of things that happened in 1924, a hundred years ago. I think students in Wyoming probably learn about her.
Wow, good for her!
What a fascinating person! It’s wonderful to hear about her life and especially her service for our country. I don’t think we hear enough about the work others have done in the past that has helped many, many people; we tend to just hear about those who have preyed upon the country. I’ve heard a tiny bit about her before your post, but I thank you for sharing this with us.
Interesting that this happened a hundred years ago.
I suspect that every state has one now-maybe-obscure leader that we would all like to hear about. THis is a good one! For your state, I guess the biggest hero is Harry Truman. I hope he’s not obscure! But you should tell us who you think it is.
best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Do people in other states learn about Susan Blow, the Mother of the Kindergarten? She’s one of my favorite Missourians.
This was an interesting read! I had not heard of her before. Thank you for sharing!
Ross is an amazing woman. Showing that, yes, we can handle everything.
I do not every remember learning about Susan Blow and I have been a Missourian my entire life.
I did not know that about Nellie Ross, that’s a fascinating story. I always learn something from fellow bloggers
I hadn’t heard about Nellie Ross but I love that she was such a trailblazer and successful woman! Thanks for sharing Joy.
Interesting. I didn’t know about her until now.
So good to hear about her in this perilous year! Thanks for sharing the story.
I’m a newbie to Nellie Ross, but glad to hear of her stellar career. How impressive and in Wyoming too! thx for the video.
I did not know about her. Thanks for sharing.
I do NOT know Nellie and I’m off to Goodreads to see if she had any diaries, journals or letters published!