|
By Judith Forrest
Special to the Observer
When we look at the various aspects of life in Littleton we find that women have played a pivotal role in business, education, social and home life. In fact, the list is so long and comprehensive that we can only scratch the surface in this article. As we are a “hometown newspaper”, let us begin with this newspaper. During 1954 and 1955 the Littleton Woman’s Club, under the leadership of their first president, Anna Ruth Wollett, was instrumental in getting Tom and Jo Wilson to bring the newspaper to Littleton. The first editors and managers were Ruth Metzer and Bill Pierce. Littleton native Dorothy Stansbury became the editor and manager in 1956 and continued with that responsibility until she retired in 1990. Over the years Stansbury saw many social, education and historical changes to the world and to Littleton. She was in a position to document and report those changes. Stansbury is still an active member of the Littleton community and is always willing to provide information on a variety of subjects.
The town of Littleton and Warren and Halifax counties have always invested heavily in education. Marie McIver helped to coordinate the school curriculum and was the first black supervisor. The black high school was named after her. This school, named Littleton Public School was formed in 1918. This was the beginning of Marie McIver High School, which has evolved through the years into McIver Elementary School.
Education and home life in Littleton owe much to Helena Harris Harris (1895-1980), for whom the McIver Elementary School gymtorium was named. Mrs. Harris family was very instrumental in establishing a black educational system for the citizens of Littleton. Mrs. Harris taught in the Littleton Colored School, which became the McIver High School in 1939. She was one of the founders and first president of the Littleton Senior Citizens Happy Club, which is still active in Littleton.
Rachael Ricks was Assistant Superintendent of Warren County before her retirement. Rachael is a long time member of the Littleton Woman’s Club. She is Chairperson of the Education Committee which does an annual search among area high school seniors to select a candidate to compete for the Sally Southall Cotton Scholarship awarded by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. Rachael continues to be active in her church also.
Sue Dossett Skinner was active in Warren County education and home life. Sue was Assistant Home Demonstration Agent, working with Home Demonstration and 4-H Clubs throughout Warren County for eight years. She was a teacher in Warren County schools for 15 years, Vocational Director for four years and Maintenance Director for a year, until her retirement. Sue continues to be active in her church and the community. She is an Elder and choir director in the Presbyterian Church. Sue has served several terms as President of the Littleton Woman’s Club and is currently serving as Chairperson of the Person’s Ordinary Committee.
Miss Mary A. Beckham (1831-1903) was known as the “Angel of Mercy” for her many acts of kindness and assistance. She organized the first Sunday School Department for the Littleton Methodist Church and had a window dedicated in her honor. This window is inscribed “Faithful unto the end.” The Littleton Methodist Church remains a vital and active church to this day.
In the area of business, the current A. M. Newsom Agency in Littleton owes its existence to the drive and determination of Mrs. A. M. Newsom. She was a widow and mother of a young son, yet she continued the business and kept it alive and growing, to become the vital insurance business it is today.
Jerry Jones is another business leader who has been very active in the community since she came to Littleton from Texas in 1962, as the wife of Littleton native W. C. Jones. The Pepsi Cola Company, which has its roots in North Carolina, was for many years the only industry in Littleton. When the Littleton branch of McPherson Beverage Company, Inc. (the Pepsi Cola Plant) closed, the Company donated the property to the city and it became the McPherson Complex (now The Towne Centre), which contains the W. C. Jones Library. Jerry has been very supportive of the library, named after her late husband. Jerry also serves on the Board of Directors of McPherson Beverage Company, Inc., is an active member of the Littleton Lion’s Club, and is on the Board of Directors of Lakeland Performing Arts Center. Jerry is also Chairwoman of the International Affairs Committee of the Littleton Woman’s Club.
The bottom line is that from past to present the accomplishment of area women in business, education, social and home life has made a significant difference to the area. We salute those mentioned and all those who were not mentioned, but who truly “made a difference.”
|
