Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Women give history a lesson

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, March 6, 2003 | 8:23 a.m.

It's March, and Nevada women are celebrating Women's History Month with a series of panel discussions, educational events and exhibits at Clark County libraries.

And believe me, the women of Nevada have something to celebrate, considering the fact that we didn't have the right to vote until 1914, and in the 1916 elections women voted for the first time.

The original state constitution of 1864 limited the right to vote to "white male" citizens. In 1869 Assemblyman Curtis J. Hillyer of Virginia City took a bold step and introduced two resolutions: one to eliminate the word "white," and the other to delete the world "male."

In spite of his splendid oratory, both resolutions were tabled.

It wasn't until the election of 1880 when "white" was eliminated. Some 34 years later, in 1914, women's suffrage was approved by a vote of 10,936 to 7,258.

Nevada women, indeed, have come a long way.

Although some women did serve on school boards and local offices, it wasn't until 1918 a woman was elected to the Nevada Legislature. She was Sadie D. Hurst of Washoe County.

Today women occupy high state and federal offices along with many county and city positions.

Barbara Vucanovich was the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress. She served as a representative from 1982 until her retirement in 1996.

Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., is serving her third term in Congress.

The judicial system is well-represented by women, from the state Supreme Court to District and Municipal judges.

Countless women serve in various governmental agencies. Women also make their presence well known in private industry -- business, gaming, real estate, public utilities, medicine. They are also prevalent in law enforcement, education and social services.

Should women be celebrating Women's History Month? You bet.

While today's woman basks in the fine aura of accomplishment, we should remember such names as Helen Herr, Maude Frazier, Florence Lee Cahlan, Mazie Martin, Dr. Juanita White, the Sisters of Rose de Lima, Gladys Dula and Lilly Fong.

For more on the political history of Nevada and woman's fight for the right to vote, I recommend the "Political History of Nevada," the latest edition of which is obtainable through the office of the secretary of state in Carson City.

Las Vegas political observer Allen Tooley adds a "remember when" with the following:

"You have to be a real old timer to remember a little mongrel dog named Silver, who chewed tobacco and lived on Fremont Street.

"He was probably the best-fed dog in town and someone always tied a fresh sack of Bull Durham tobacco on his collar for him to chew.

"Silver was free to roam the casinos and was often seen sleeping under a craps table. Nick the Greek and all of the big gamblers used to feed and pet him for good luck."

Tooley would like to hear from anyone who might have a picture of Silver.

Those polls showing that the majority of Americans favor war with Iraq are questionable.

Have you ever met anyone who has been polled?