Women in the House

One of Linda’s Christmas presents was a book by Jeanne H.Schmedlen entitled History of Women in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, 1923-2001.

In the first House to which women were elected, the occupations were teacher, housewife, community volunteer, teacher, and librarian.  (There were eight women elected, but occupations were listed for only five of them.)

In the following session six women were elected: four housewives, a farmer, and one in insurance.  

We elected our first attorney in 1930.  Interestingly, the number of women decreased.  In 32, there were only three (one a Socialist from Berks), and in 40 and 42 no women were elected.  

In the 2001-02 session, we find 28 women.  There are no “housewives,” but we do have college profs, business owners, legislative aides, county officials, a newspaper editor, a minister, and other professional occupations.  

The number women has grown (thought not in numbers comparable to most other states), and I am pleased that women have moved into professional occupations.  On the other hand, it was refreshing that 100 years ago a housewife could be elected to the Pennsylvania House.  That wouldn’t happen today, just like it wouldn’t happen that a blue collar worker could be elected.  They wouldn’t have the money.