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Show Souvenir Edition Thumbs Up to the first By Barbara Pyles The men of Kanab were waiting on the south side of the Jepson building for the mail to be distributed. Sand was hub deep the last 15 miles of road leading into Kanab, and the mail had arrived late. Some men were whittling as they talked. None noticed the crisp cool air on that Wednesday morning. They were too busy hashing over yesterdays event. I never thought itd happen, said one. Didnt think theyd get even one vote. One raised his hat and scratched his head. Im tired of old-tim- er hearing the women complain. They might as well run things. Utah-Arizon- an Stewart Hamblin, Blanche Robinson Hamblin and Ada Pratt Seegmiller had the unique distinction of feeing the first city council and mayor in the United States. These five exceptional women would soon cement their place in history. Utah women were the only women in the United States (with the exception of a group in Wyoming) who had the right to vote. Yet, some men still thought of Utah women as less than full citizens. The good news was that many of the same men soon realized that council was the best the board the town ever had. This newly elected council average women women with no access to power or money, took the election seriously. The editor of the local paper, D. D. Rust, gave the women a big write-uHe was certain of their ability. All over the country, newspapers wrote about the event. Even English papers in London printed town council all-wom- en r all-wom- en all-wom- en The men lived in a cow town on a border. It was the of about 900 town and the 1911, people had just elected an allwomen town council. The election of the all women board began as a prank. A few men thought it would be a good joke to ask the citizens of Kanab to ticket. On vote for an election day there was no other ticket, so of course, the women won. Mary Woolley Chamberlain, Luella Atkin McAllister, Tamar all-wom- 6 The Kanab Area Vacation Guide p. comments on the election. The newly elected Mayor, Mary Chamberlain, was the entrepreneur type. In 1896, she served as the first women county clerk in the Kanab elected an all-wom- en town council in 1912, the first time ever recorded. State of Utah. She clerked in Bowmans store, taught in most all the organizations of the Mormon Church, and was influential in social circles. Maiy was also the fifth wife in a polygamous family. While the government struggled with the problem of polygamy, she spent over six years underground. d woman knew This what it meant to face opposition, and, she knew how to cooperate. The knowledge she gained over the years proved valuable when she took over as leader of town government. Vinnie Jepson sliced off some stout-hearte- ham and put it into the skillet, then turned her attention to Mary. I never would have run if Id had any idea we could win. g Vinnie, a pleasant person, helped her husband run an parlor. There was a quilt on the frame in the parlor, butter to chum and bread to bake. Her days and nights were full, and maybe this is why Vinnie felt she had to resign. The women appointed Ada Seegmiller out-goin- ice-crea- m to take Vinnies place. On Jan. 2, 1912, the minutes of the council meeting reported: The old board surrendered their chairs with good grace and expressed good wishes to the incoming board. The dock chimed. Enough lollygagging! Mary said to her boys. The new mayor put a log on the fire. The ladies will be here any minute. Due to small children, the 86 S 200 W Kanab Located next to the Super 8 Motel Combo Chinese Lunch Plate 11:30 Mon-Fr- i: -- - $3 25 - Early Bird Diner Special $4 3:00 6:00 p.m. Daily Take-ou- ts r 2:00 p.m. 25 Available Utah State Liquor Licensee - : Mary smacked the desk with her gavel. Ladies, letss show them what we can do. Amen, said Luella McAllister. Luella had spent the day sewing and playing with her stepson, Donald. Luella, an Atkin girl from St. George, had married Leo McAllister, Kanabs prominent widower. She was a handsome woman, and very conscious of style. With her strong ideas of right and wrong, Luella was ready to tackle the problems of running a town. After she left the meeting, Luella had to tackle the job of getting the bread ready to be baked the next morning. , Tamar S. Hamblin shifted in her chair. Although she was five months pregnant, the granddaughter of Levi Stewart would do her best. She had a talent for writing poetry, and often wrote poetry while she calmed her babies. She lived the adage, Never put off till the afternoon what needs doing in the morning. Tamar had a concern for the liquor problems in Kanab, and she was anxious to tackle the issue. Blanche Robinson Hamblin said the smelly streets of Kanab troubled her, and she planned to do See ALL WOMEN, Page 7 We Treat You Like Family HITSH-N-F9S- T KANAB, UTAH r RV & Camp Park 12 block east of Junction 89 & 89A Grass and shady tent areas Large pull-thrFull hook-up- s All sites up to 50 amps Lots of shade trees Golf 14 mile Walking distance to shopping, laundry, restaurant, city pool Clean restrooms Hot showers Excellent TV reception Hitch-N-Po- st Campground us , Dinner is served daily until 10 p.m. gals often met in each others homes. The ladies shared a common bond: a commitment to improving their town. They would exchange neighborly news after the meeting. All Club Member Discounts Honored! For information For reservations only |