Category: Born or raised in Newark (high school or before)
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Dr. Marie Louise Lefort
1874-1951 Newark native Dr Marie Lefort was the first woman appointed district physician for Newark from 1898-1902, significantly improving conditions in the city in her tenure. She said, “I believe there was no opposition to my appointment…although some members of the Board I understand, thought it was hardly work for a woman…However that may be…
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Jennie Levell Lemon
1913-1982 Jennie Lemon ran for city council in 1969. She founded the Jennie Lemon Civic Association. She served as president of Zion Towers tenants association, advocating for tenants. She was active in the NAACP, serving in many roles, including as the county’s membership and political action chairman. She advocated for minorities, senior citizens, and the…
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Emily Rollins Miles
1910-1999 Emily Miles was a fashion designer. Known for her hats and for frequent fashion shows in Newark. Born Emma Rollins in Tennessee, she graduated Central High in Aug 1929 and Howard University, and various fashion schools. In 1952, she won the Paper Dress Ball sponsored by the Newark NAACP. After graduating from school in…
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H. Blanche Harris
1878-1956 (Thanks to George Robb who did much research on Harris, his full biographer is linked below.). Blanche Harris was active in the suffrage movement in Newark. Her obituary said she was a “member of one Newark’s first Negro families and active many years in community affairs” and “a pioneer in the Newark NAACP branch…
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Elsa Rehmann
1886-1946 Elma Rehmann was the sister of Antoinette Perrett. Elsa was a famed landscape architect, who has a large biography linked below from the Cultural Landscape Foundation. The Sunday Call called her “one of the most successful women in her profession.” Elsa worked planning gardens saying, “The results of my work are most satisfying but…
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Antoinette Rehmann Perrett
1880-1952 Antoinette Perrett was a photographer and magazine writer, who wrote for national publications, specializing in gardens. Her work appeared in magazines such as House Beautiful, House and Garden, and Charm. She was the sister of Elsa Rehmann. She also had a recurring feature “Nature News Gathered in the Essex County Parks” in the Newark…
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Josephine Lawrence
1889-1978 Josephine Lawrence was Newark Sunday Call Children’s and Household Editor. She was also the Newark Sunday News women’s page editor and a weekly columnist. Josephine wrote around 100 children’s books, many with the Stratemayer firm and over 30 adult books. She also contributed to the New York Times Book Review, until she retired from…
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Brenda Estelle Ray Moryck
1894-1945 Black writer and social activist born in Newark. Worked with Newark Bureau of Charities. She published short stories, essays, and book reviews in national journals and magazines. Photo from Wellesley College. At the time of her graduation from Wellesley in 1916 her address was 61 Kearny (31 Kearney seems to be the correct address)…