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Progressive Era
Margaret Chase Standing Next to the Red Cross
Skowhegan, Maine
1917
As a young woman during the Progressive Era, Margaret focused on public service. She volunteered to assist the war effort during World War I by collecting medical supplies for the local Red Cross.
Margaret Chase on Her Senior Class Trip
Washington, DC
1916
During her senior year, Margaret and her Skowhegan High School classmates took a trip to Washington, DC. They had the opportunity to meet President Woodrow Wilson. Though he previously taught at the Evelyn College for Women and had two daughters who considered themselves suffragists he did not support a woman’s right to vote while campaigning in the 1912 presidential election. During his presidency women increasingly picketed the White House. By 1918, in response to bad press about suffragists going on hunger strikes and being forcefully fed, he reluctantly agreed to a suffrage amendment. Two years later it became law.
Margaret Chase (Center) on BPW Float
Skowhegan, Maine
June 5, 1919
The BPW called for equal opportunities for women. The 19th Amendment was ratified fifteen months after this photo was taken.
Product of Her Time
A Leader Among Women
1933
Margaret’s leadership qualities were evident long before her congressional career. Her political capital grew while serving in the Business and Professional Women’s Club at both the local and state levels.
On the Campaign Trail
Circa 1940
Margaret sought the support of women early in her political career.
League of Women Voters
Portland, Maine
August, 1947
The League of Women Voters was founded by Carrie Chapman Catt during the National American Woman Suffrage Association Convention, which took place six months prior to the ratification of the 19th Amendment. This nonpartisan, grassroots organization still encourages members to play a role in shaping public policy and advocating for social reform.
Women’s Republican Club
Wheaton, Maryland
March 25, 1965
Senator Smith routinely met with politically active women’s organizations. Heading this meeting were: Mrs. Robert Higbie, Mrs. Selwyn Salzberg, Mrs. Otto Otepka, Senator Margaret Chase Smith, Mrs. Alan Finkel, and Mrs. James Cape.
Product of Her Time (Continued)
Senate Republican Policy Committee
Washington, DC
June 30, 1972
The Senate Republican Policy Committee is a legislative think tank that organizes summaries of major bills, analyze roll call votes, and distributes information to the media for the Senate Republican Conference.
Pictured: Female candidates Marjorie Holt (MD), State Senator Louise Leonard (WV), Senator Margaret Chase Smith, and Carol Harner (CA). Holt was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and served from 1973 to 1987.
Women in Congress Luncheon
Washington, DC
January 12, 1955
Senator Smith with all the female members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Seated: Gracie Pfost, Cecil M. Harden, Martha W. Griffiths, Elizabeth P. Farrington, Coya Knutson, Ruth Thompson, Edith Nourse Rogers
Standing: Frances P. Bolton, Vera Buchanan, Margaret Chase Smith, Elizabeth Kee, Iris Blitch, Katharine St. George, Leonor K. Sullivan
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