1875-1933
Famous suffragist who organized the Equality League of Self-Supporting Women in Newark in 1908. In 1912, the League was re-named the Women’s Political Union of New Jersey (WPUNJ), with Mina as president, and remained based in Newark, headquartered on Halsey Street.
Born in New York City, but by age 5, lived at 130 Barclay St in Newark (1880), later 388 Fairmount Ave (1900), and 64 9th Ave (1905). She graduated the New York School of Philanthropy with a social work degree when the Newark News wrote she was the only NJ women to have completed the full years course.
Mina served as the matron of the Christian Endeavor Fresh Air Home “Fernwood” in Glen Ridge, from about 1902-1905. In 1905 she joined the National Consumers League (NCL) and the Newark Bureau of Associated Charities, working with the NCL to address labor conditions on farms. She worked with the Bureau of Associated Charities on jail reform, among other causes, and was called “one of [their] most active workers”.
In 1906, Mina married Abraham Van Winkle. He was 40 years old then her and she was his second wife. Once married she lived at 35 Lincoln Park (1910, 1915).
Abraham died in 1915 and Mina served as president of WPUNJ until 1916. Delight Dodyk wrote, “Van Winkle brought diversity to the New Jersey movement and provided a place in the movement for women who chose to put their energies toward achieving a federal constitutional amendment.” Harriet Stanton Blanch wrote, “under the efficient Van Winkle regime, New Jersey was shaken wide awake and played an important part in the campaign for the Federal Amendment.”
After her suffrage work in NJ, Mina began working for the Food Administration around 1917, which means she lived at least 35 years in Newark. In DC she became one of the first policewomen and helped champion women police officers becoming Bureau Director and President of the International Association of Policewomen. She spoke at the 1921 National Woman Party’s Convention.
Mina died in 1933 and is buried in Pompton Plains, NJ.
Bibliography
Mina Caroline Van Winkle – NJ Women’s History
Glover, Teshuan The Battle Over Women’s Suffrage in Newark
Women’s Political Union of New Jersey
“Society Doing a Grand Work” Newark News Aug 5, 1904
“Endeavor Fresh Air Home” Newark News Jul 16, 1904
“Jail Reform Deferred” Newark News Apr 27, 1906
“Consumer League Meets” Newark News Sept 29, 1905
“Wedding Will Cap a Romance” Newark News Oct 17, 1906
“Medicine for Weary Bodies” Newark News Aug 30, 1903
“Activities in the Women’s Clubs” Newark News Jun 17, 1905
“Women Who Will Receive the Suffrage Liberty Torch” Newark News Aug 6, 1915