The Woman's Century Club

09/27/2026

A great 'this day in history' story from Tacoma Historical Society!

09/19/2026

We were lucky to secure historian Lorraine McConaghy, PhD, as our speaker for our September meeting, held yesterday at Dearborn House on first hill.

Her talk focused on her book, "Free Boy: A True Story of Slave and Master," co-written with Judy Bentley. The book tells the story of a 13-year-old enslaved youth who escaped from Washington Territory to freedom in Canada 1860 via Puget Sound’s “underground railroad.”

Lorraine filled us in on all the fascinating elements of the historical research which led to the book, which is available through the public library and local bookstores. https://seattle.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S30C2871086

09/15/2026

It’s that time of year again! Get out and enjoy friendly West Seattle neighborhoods, the artists, and of course - the art!

West Seattle Art Tour September 19 & 20, 10am - 5pm

As a sample of the cool things that will be on the tour...

Izzie Lewis Millinery will be showing an eclectic collection of handmade HATS at Mimi Miles Studio, site #3 on the map. 3019 47th Avenue SW. One of her fabulous creations, a wool felt cloche (worthy of Bertha Knight Landes!) is in the photo.

There are 16 sites throughout West Seattle this year hosting 50+ artists. Click on the link below to see the website, map links, artist links, and more information.

http://Westseattlearttour.org

09/15/2026

Bertha Knight Landes had been president of The Woman's Century Club before becoming mayor of Seattle. This is a photo and anecdote from her time as mayor in the 1920s. Thanks Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI)!

A mayor, a pilot and Seattle’s first airmail delivery!

Bertha Ethel Knight Landes (1868-1943) was the first female mayor of a major American city, serving as mayor of Seattle from 1926 to 1928. Bertha vowed to clean up city government, running for mayor on the platform of "municipal housekeeping." She served only one term as mayor but remained a civic leader in such organizations as the Women's University Club, the Woman's Century Club, the League of Women Voters, and the Women's Auxiliary of University Congregational Church.

In this image Grover Tyler, superintendent of the Pacific Air Transport Service, stands in front of his plane with Mayor Landes and James W. Spangler, president of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Tyler piloted the first Los-Angeles to Seattle mail plane on the last leg of its inaugural trip, from Portland to Seattle at Sand Point Field.

The handwritten note on the back of this photo says Landes was “receiving a letter for the city of Seattle.”

📸: Grover Tyler, Mayor Bertha Landes, and James Spangler near plane, Seattle, September 15, 1926, MOHAI, Collection on Bertha Landes, 1974.5855.24

09/04/2026

A bunch of us from The Woman's Century Club did an overnight trip to the Tri-cities this week starting with a tour and tasting experience at Terra Blanca Winery. Shout out to Brandon, our tour guide and tasting room docent, who taught us a lot about the geology and climate of the Red Mountain AVA and skill of the winemakers/owners, Keith Pilgrim and his daughter Kristin Pilgrim.
The following day we enjoyed a very thorough tour of the paleontology site near Kennewick where a Columbian mammoth skeleton is being excavated. To learn more about the work that has been going on at that site since 2008, almost completely conducted by volunteers, visit their website: http://www.mcbones.org/

09/03/2026

We have lost a giant. Gloria Steinem has passed away leaving a legacy of lifelong activism and leadership on behalf of women. The obituary in The Seattle Times gives many of the highlights of her journey. https://share.google/F9nRfXvfif3f5knAg

At a time when women were largely limited to domestic roles, Steinem challenged gender stereotypes and championed feminist ideals like equality, sisterhood and reproductive freedom.

08/26/2026

Celebrating on August 26th.

♀️✊ **TODAY IN HISTORY — AUGUST 26, 1970**

On this day in **1970**, thousands of women across the United States participated in the historic **Women’s Strike for Equality**, marking the **50th anniversary of the 19th Amendment**.

🗽 In **New York City**, a massive demonstration organized by the National Organization for Women and led by feminist activist Betty Friedan filled **Fifth Avenue**, with estimates commonly placing attendance at **tens of thousands of people**.

Protesters demanded progress on three major issues:

♀️ **Equal opportunity in employment and education**
👶 **Accessible child care**
⚖️ **Reproductive rights**

Similar demonstrations and events were held in cities across the country, turning August 26 into one of the most visible moments of the American women’s liberation movement.

The anniversary later gained another significance: in **1973, Congress designated August 26 as Women’s Equality Day**.

📅 **AUGUST 26, 1970 — WOMEN’S STRIKE FOR EQUALITY**

08/25/2026

Very sad news. The world has lost one of the most generous and talented individuals, Dolly Parton. She requests that those who were inspired by her make a gift in her name to https://imaginationlibrary.com/

Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.

Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).

A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.

At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com

08/25/2026

Members of The Woman's Century Club made a day trip to the lovely town of Winslow this past Friday to visit the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. We had a very informative tour led by docent Kim, and learned a lot about the artists whose work is currently exhibited. Seattle artist Carletta Carrington Wilson's artwork in a variety of media is intricate and thought provoking. Highly recommend you see the show while it is still there. The museum is steps away from the ferry terminal and is always free!