Newark Women

Alphabetical List of Posts

  • (Clara) Irene Pataquam Mulford

    c.1854- 1945 In 1872, first African American pupil to attend the Newark High School. Previously African American students attended the Colored School. She had to sit alone in the last seat because she wasn’t allowed to sit next to a white pupil. However, she said she was treated with “consideration” and one teacher was very…

  • Abigail Malmgreen

    1909-2009 1926 Graduate of Barringer High. Worked at Bamberger’s Department Store and then for the Newark Welfare Department. Lifelong political activist. Member of the United Nations Association, Americans for Democratic Action, the NAACP, the Congress of Racial Equality, the Givat Haviva Educational Association and the National Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy (now New Jersey…

  • Adelaide Wilson

    1902- Adelaide Wilson was raised in Newark and worked as a reporter. In 1922 she hiked 10,000 miles to San Francisco & back. She became engaged to a rancher in Denver and worked with movie star Dorothy Dalton, among other adventures. There was a reporter of the same name taking part in the Newark News…

  • Adelina “Addie” McIntyre Garris

    1869 – 1936 Cited by William Ashby and the Afro American as one of the earliest African American teachers in Newark. Lived at 13 Academy St and 69 Plane St. Listed as “Mulatto” on the 1880 census and “White” on the 1895 and 1930 Censuses. Attended Commerce Street School. When she graduated the Newark High…

  • Aileen Fong Shane

    1926-2017 Born and raised in Newark’s Chinatown Aileen Fong Shane was an early woman engineer, graduating from Newark College of Engineering in 1946, at just age 19. In a 1947 article in the Star Ledger she was called an “outstanding female student” who graduated “near top of her class.. one of few woman mechanical engineers…

  • Alice Bunce

    1893-1970 Alice E. Bunce was the first African American woman to graduate from the New Jersey College of Pharmacy in Newark. However, she lived in Asbury Park at the time of graduation in 1927. She owned a pharmacy in Asbury Park for many years, opening it with her brother in 1923 and operating it until…

  • Alice Condit Kirkpatrick

    11 Dec 1875 – 15 Jan 1951 First woman in Newark to head a city governing board. Elected in 1917 as President of the Recreation Commission, after being appointed for the start of 1916 by Mayor Raymond. She was head of the New Jersey Vacation Committee organized in 1914: a vacation savings fund. In 1915…

  • Alice W. Kendall

    c. 1885-1959 Worked at the Newark Museum as an assistant to Beatrice Winser and John Cotton Dana from 1911-1949. Served two years as director of the museum from 1947-1949, preceded Katherine Coffey. Previously served as a curator and assistant director. Lived on Milford Ave. Born in Concord, Mass. and died there in 1959. Bibliography The…

  • Alma Beatty

    1940-2015 Vice President of Community Affairs at Beth Israel. Beth Israel calls her “a trailblazer in our community”, She was the founder and coordinator of Beth Israel’s annual health and wellness fair. It was named in her honor in 2012. A street in Newark was also named in her honor in 2015. Beatty worked at…

  • Alma C Mitchill

    c. 1893-1960 A Brooklyn native, Alma Mitchill came to Newark 2 years after graduation. She served as librarian at PSE&G in Newark until her retirement in 1955. She increased their circulation by many times. She had many roles in the Special Libraries Association and became the NJ President from 1935-1937 and 1947-1949 and the National…

  • Amanda Douglas

    1831-1916 Children’s author who wrote 92 published books and lived at 461 (1905) and 470 (1910) Summer Ave and earlier on Orange Street (1880) Born in NYC but moved to Newark in 1850. Vice president of the New Jersey Women’s Press Club and a member of the Ray Palmer Club. Photo from Newark Library. Bibliography…

  • Amealia Steward

    1915-2001 Owned Steward’s Restaurant and Peppermint Lounge. Self-made millionaire. Bibliography Kukla, Barbara J. Newark Women: From Suffragettes to the Statehouse. Kukla, Barbara J. “City Mourns Loss of Many Leaders, Educators and Young Victims” Dec 27, 2001 Picture from City Bank Ad October 7, 1980 Star Ledger “Amaelia Steward, Newark Restaurateur” Star Ledger Sept 29, 2001

  • Amelia (Berndt) Moorfield

    1876-1950 Amelia (Berndt) Moorfield (1876-1950), was a suffragette from Newark, with the Women’s Political Union. Her parents were German immigrants. Born in Kentucky, she moved to Newark after marrying Frank Moorfield at age 20, living at 29 Columbia St in 1900. Later she became an advocate for the Peace movement. Bibliography Suffrage Database “Mrs. Amelia…

  • Amina Baraka

    1942- Amina Baraka is an American poet, actress, author, community organizer, singer, dancer, and activist. She graduated from Arts High School. Bibliography “Amina Baraka – Queer Newark”. queer.newark.rutgers.edu. Barbara J Kukla Papers  “Amina Baraka”. Rise Up Newark

  • Aneatha Dames Todd

    1918-1998 Active in the UMDNJ struggle, member of the Concerned Citizens of the College. Instrumental in organizing the Gladys Dickinson Health Center, the NJ Tuberculosis Council, the Community Mental Health center, and the Council for Higher Education Newark. 12 year trustee at University Hospital. On the board of directors of the West Side Unit of…

  • Ann VanWagenen Plume & Nancy Vischer Plume

    1752-1816 and Bef. 1710-Aft. 1710 Photo of Plume House from LOC.Gov Ann VanWagenen Plume was married to Isaac Plumne. It is said that during the Revolutionary War, Hessians began destroying her property. She got so angry, the soldiers retreated. A few days later, she found a Hessian soldier in her ice house and trapped him…

  • Anna (Annie) T Nivison

    1835-1920 An 1868 graduate of the New York Medical College for Women, Annie T Nivison opened “The Homestead” a private hospital in Newark in 1872. It was at 565-567 Orange St and later 5 North 11th Street. It had 10 beds and her sister Mary Nivison served as the matron for several years. Several of…

  • Anna E Whittington

    c. 1875-1956 African American woman who ran her own real estate agency in Newark for more than 30 years from at least 1910. Left an estate over $100,000. She went by “A E Whittington”. Member of the Priscilla Art and Literary Club and the exec committee of the North Jersey Branch of the National Negro…

  • Anna F Whitmore

    1848-May 22, 1934 Founder of girls school: the Newark Seminary. Lifelong Newark resident. She was principal of the school until 1928. It was at 993 Broad and 172 Clinton Ave. She took over the school from Miss Crocker in 1882. Bibliography Baker, Mariana Narrative for tableaux; Newark Women of the Century. “Deaths in Jersey” Courier-News May…

  • Anna Lois Russ Jones

    1911-1987 Mother of Amiri Baraka. Born in Alabama, lived in Newark from 1926. Attended Tuskegee, Fisk, and Shaw College. Administrator for Community Hospital for many years. Community relations specialist for the Newark Housing Authority, later identified as “supervisor of community relations and social services” and associated with United Community Corp (1973). In 1968, she was…

  • Anna Luella Seager

    c.1887 -1957 Associate supervisor of the Newark Normal School and later Associate Professor Education at New Jersey State Teacher’s College. Planned international trips for the students. Graduated Columbia University. Worked at the Normal School/Teacher’s College from 1917, until her retirement in 1950. Bibliography Wingert, Dorothea “Woman Achieves Union of Business and Pleasure” Newark Sunday Call…

  • Annette “Tony” Doyle O’Flaherty

    1920-2000 Served in leadership roles in many social service organizations. She was a trade-union activist and president of the CIO Women’s League of New Jersey from the mid-1950s through the early 1960s. In Newark she was chairwoman of Human Services Advisory Council for the Salvation Army. Advisory board member for Isaiah House (E. Orange), United…

  • Antoinette Rehmann Perrett

    1880-1952 Garden photographer and magazine writer. Wrote for national publications. Sister of Elsa Rehmann. 492 Mt. Prospect Ave. Graduated Newark High School in 1897. Bibliography “Pictoral Photography Work Gains Success for Woman” April 10, 1927, Newark Sunday Call Godine, David R. The Once and Future Gardener Census records. Article in Newark High Annual

  • Armita Harris Douglas

    1874-1958 President, New Jersey Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs. Helped organize the NAACP and the Urban League in Newark and was a charter member of the city’s Phyllis Wheatley Literary Club. Active in the woman’s suffrage movement, the New Jersey League of Women Voters and the New Jersey Colored Women’s Republican Club. Organized the New…

  • Asimina Speros Zois

    1909-1987 Arrived in Newark at age 7 from Greece, married in 1937 as “Minnie Speros”. Before marriage lived on Baldwin St (1930) and served as a bookkeeper. In 1927, she was listed as a high ranking student at Central suggesting she graduated Feb 1927. She began sending care packages back to her native village in…

  • Audrey Harvey West

    Audrey Harvey Massiah Harris West 1927-2003 Born Audrey Harvey in Trenton, Audrey attended Howard University and came to Newark in 1958. She worked for the Essex County Welfare Dept and then became Director of the Division of Welfare for Newark after Grace Malone. Audrey then became Director of the NJ State Division of Family Development…

  • Augusta Parsonnet

    1870-1949 President, Women’s Political Union of New Jersey; President, League of Women Voters of Newark. Lived in Weequahic and Lincoln Park. Bibliography Robb, George. Biographical Database of NAWSA Suffragists. John James Scannell, New Jersey’s First Citizens, vol. 2 (Paterson: Scannell Publishing, 1920), pp. 351-52. “Woman Civic Leader Dies,” Newark Evening News, November 18, 1949. P-04 Parsonnet, Augusta,…

  • Barbara George

    c. 1953-2000 First woman and first African American woman police captain. Weequahic graduate. Sharpe James called her a “trailblazer, role model and…hero”. Sister of Gigi Foushee. Previously first female sergeant in Police Department and, in 1993, first female lieutenant. Bibliography Kukla, Barbara. “Community Salutes Barbara George” Star Ledger “Historical Appointment” Jet Magazine Mar 9, 1998…

  • Barbara J Kukla

    1940- Barbara Kukla was a reporter for the Star Ledger for 37 years. She has written many books on historical Newark including, “Swing City: Newark Nightlife 1925-1950”. Bibliography Barbara J. Kukla Papers, Newark Public Library including digitized material Kukla, Barbara J. Newark Inside My Soul, a 50 Year Memoir. Extensive Star Ledger coverage

  • Beatrice Winser

    1869-1947 Beatrice Winser was director of the Newark library and museum from 1929-1942 (only female library director until Wilma Grey!). She was also the first female member of the Newark Board of Education (1915). Photo from Newark Public Library. Bibliography Beatrice Winser Papers, Newark Public Library Crist, Tim, “Beatrice Winser: Librarian, Museum Director and Advocate…

  • Bernice Bass

    1926-2000 Bernice Bass (right) had a major presence in the city’s music, radio, & political scenes. She had a Sunday evening radio program on WNJR: News & Views. She was influential in the gospel music scene & a prominent figure in Newark’s black community. Photo from Newark Public Library. Bibliography Rise Up Newark profile Digitized…

  • Bernice Cross

    c. 1918-2011 Bernice Cross worked at the Star Ledger all her life (from 1939). She coordinated several sections of the paper as part of the editorial staff. For many years she was also a popular soprano singer. One of the first Black graduates of Weequahic. June 1935 Weequahic Yearbook Bibliography Funeral Program 1935 Weequahic Yearbook

  • Bernice Schneiderman Edelcreek

    1927-2015 Born and raised in Newark, Bernice Edelcreek said “Newark was the only place I ever really wanted to teach.” A physical education teacher, she was named Newark’s Teacher of the Year in 1994. She said, “I am particular concerned…with youngsters who are having difficulty accomplishing the skills which are required in the field of…

  • Bertell Collins Wright

    1908-1993 President of the Essex County Tuberculosis League, based in Newark at 42 Park Place, sometimes called “Director of Negro Health Work” or “Executive Secretary”. Worked there from 1938-1958. Lived at 69 Somerset St in Newark from at least 1935 (likely from her marriage in 1934) – 1943. Also president of the American Council on…

  • Bertha Rosenthal

    1891-1957 Early College of Pharmacy graduate in 1909, “one of the youngest graduates of the college”. Only one other woman graduated that year, though the first woman graduates were in 1901 there were still very few. Born in Newark. Former President of Federation of Jewish Women’s Organizations in Newark, head of the Mental Health Committee…

  • Bessie Lanier Smith

    1924-1966 Bessie Lanier was born in Virginia but graduated Arts High in 1942 with a major in music. She was prominent in the Clinton Hill anti-poverty activities with United Community Corporation and as a community leader in Clinton Hill. She was first president of the area UCC leader board for Clinton Hill (Area Board 3).…

  • Betty Lester

    1945-2021 Worked in Public Defenders Office. In 1977 appointed a Municipal Court Judge at age 31. In 1985 appointed to the Superior Court of the State of New Jersey. First African American woman Presiding Judge in Essex County. 2nd African American Female Judge to Superior Court of NJ. Later Presiding Judge of the Superior Court.…

  • 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)…

  • Cabiria Assunta Polo Accarino

    1914-2007 Lifelong Newark resident. Attended Barringer High and the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts. Ran for North Ward Council in 1962. Organized the Forest Hill Little Children’s Theater in 1959. Taught piano, voice and drama for many years and had her own Italian language radio program where she wrote her own material. Involved…

  • Camille Sabie Malbrock

    1902-1998 Camille Sabie won two gold medals in the 1922 World Games and later became a physical education teacher. Branford theater in Newark hosted Camille Sabie Night. She lived at 182 Jefferson St! At the 1922 World Games, Sabie broke her own world record in the 100-yard hurdles and also won the standing broad jump,…

  • Carole Anderson Graves

    1938- President of the Newark Teacher’s Union. Leader of the 1970 Teacher’s Strike. Later ran for General Assembly and served as Essex County Register. 1955 Arts Yearbook Bibliography G-25, Graves Carole, Newark News Morgue, Newark Library AND S-56 Strikes — Teachers — Newark Carole Graves Discusses Newark Teachers Strikes Extensive Star Ledger coverage Fiorito, Frank…

  • Caroline Bamberger Fuld

    1864-1944 Caroline Bamberger Fuld, sister of Louis, helped found famed Newark store Bamberger & Co. She devoted her later life to philanthropy, throughout Newark incl. Jewish & African American groups & helped found the Institute for Advanced Studies at Princeton. Bibliography Lisicky, Michael J. (2016). Bamberger’s: New Jersey’s Greatest Store. Helmreich, William. (2017). The Enduring…

  • Carrie Epps Powell

    c. 1905-1987 Born in Newark, attended East Side High, Newark State University and graduated Rutgers in 1931. Worked as a teacher for over 40 years, retiring in 1964 as VP of Hawthorne Ave School. When she was named VP in 1962 this made her the first Black teacher to be promoted to an administrative post…

  • Cecil I Dorrian

    1882-1926 Cecil I. Dorrian (1882-1926) was a war reporter for the Newark News (WWI). She wrote a weekly column and traveled Europe and was the first female reporter to go to the front lines. She was a playwright and wrote a play that was performed nationally. Bibliography Newark History Society Program Digitized Newark News includes…

  • Charlotte Kroll

    1872-1958 Owner of Domestic Art Rooms 149 Washington St., teaching china painting. Buried by St. John’s Church Newark. Also imported and dealt in china with Mrs. Florence Nightingale Waterfield. Lived in Newark from at least 1913 until her death. She was on the Artist Committee for the 1916 Pageant of Newark. Her work was exhibited…

  • Christiana Oehler Trefz

    1831-1913 Image from 1889 city atlas President and manager of the Christiana Trefz Brewing Company. She managed the company from 1876, when her husband died, until 1889 when it merged with Krueger, after which her son served as superintendent. She became “one of the wealthiest and best known women of this city”. In 1893, the…

  • Clara Dasher

    1930-1995 President of the Essex County College Board of Trustees, longtime active member of the Newark Teacher’s Union. Teacher from 1959-1973. President of the NJ A Philip Randolph Institute. Served on the Governor’s Commission on Public Responsibility for Educational Success and the state Martin Luther King Commemorative Commission. Also on the board of trustees of…

  • Clara L Scudder

    1874-1930 Clara L Scudder was very accomplished on the piano and organ. She learned from her father David Scudder who was a member of Craig’s Orchestra. She went to Scotland and Europe to play in 1901-1902 (she appears on the 1901 Scotland Census as a visitor to Mary Jane Cargill in Glasgow) and William Ashby…

  • Clara Maas

    1876-1901 Clara Maas was one of the first graduates of Newark German Hospital and was named head nurse at 21. She volunteered to be infected with yellow fever for experiments to cure the disease and died in 1901. Clara Maas Medical Center is named in her honor. Bibliography The Women’s Project of New Jersey. Past…

  • Clara Woodward Greene

    c. 1846 – Jan 31, 1904 Born about 1846 in New England, Clara W. Greene was vice principal of Newark High School (now Barringer), or Principal/Head of the Female Department, for 25 years, which was only integrated into the Male Department around 1899. According to her obituary, she revolutionized the curriculum of the High School,…

  • Clara Zahn

    1870-1953 Born in Newark, attended Newark Public Schools and Newark Normal School. First woman principal of a grammar school. There were woman as primary school principals from 1855, the earliest year for which we have a report, but grammar schools were for older children. Grammar schools had a “male” and “female” department and there were…

  • Connie Francis

    1937 (some sources say 1938)- Pop singer and chart topping vocalist. Connie was born Concetta Franconero in the Ironbound section of Newark. The family briefly lived in Brooklyn before moving to NJ. She attended Bergen Street School and then Arts High for two years and graduated from Belleville High, after which she appeared in local…

  • Connie Woodruff

    1921-1996 Journalist, labor organizer, educator. City editor of the New Jersey Herald News. Also wrote On the Scene in Jersey for the New York Amsterdam News. Active in the NAACP and the Leaguers. Appointed by six governors to state commissions. Chairperson of the NJ Commission of the Status of Women. President of the National Association…

  • Corrina Pitters Kay-Williams

    1924-1994 Corrina Kay-Williams was born to Jamaican parents in East Orange. She served as an Essex County freeholder, East Orange councilwomen and educator in Newark, retiring as Vice Principal of Central High. “She left a legacy that was very hard to fill”, said the Freeholder President Sarah Bost. “You looked up to people like her,”…

  • Curvin Family

    The sisters of historian Robert Curvin. There were six daughters. They were born in Newark, but they grew up in Belleville. The family lived on Cottage Place and other addresses in Newark through at least 1930. Jewel Curvin (featured image) 1936-1993 Associate producer for NBC from 1976-1986. Graduate of Rutgers Newark. Also worked at the…

  • Debra Holmes

    1953- Holmes was one of the first women in NJ to graduate as a Journeyman, Machinist, Tool & Die Maker / Mechanical Engineer. She worked at Westinghouse and then Anhueser-Busch in Newark, where she was the only female Machinist and Mechanical Tech Planner in the history of the company. Holmes worked at Anhueser-Busch for 32…

  • Delores Alexander

    1931-2008 Lesbian feminist writer and reporter Delores Alexander (1931-2008), born in Newark and worked for the Newark News. Later she worked at Newsday, was the first executive director of NOW, and opened a feminist restaurant in New York. Bibliography Papers of NOW officer Delores Alexander Delores Alexander Papers

  • Delores Rich

    1948-1996 President of the Aspen Riverpark Tenants Association, who did lots of organizing for tenants in the building. Tenants were forced out of the old Prudential Apartments to allow Aspen to renovate it. Delores and others organized to pressure the state to allow tenants to return and continually organized for better conditions in the building.…

  • Diane Sutton

    1941-2001 Co-owned Je’s Restaurant. The first restaurant in Downtown Newark founded by people of color. Mayor Sharpe James called her “the heart and soul of downtown Newark”. Photo from Newark NJ Memories. Bibliography Kukla, Barbara J. Newark Women: From Suffragettes to the Statehouse. Roberts, Reginald. “Diane Sutton the soul of southern cooking” Star Ledger Aug…

  • Dolores Collins Benjamin

    1913-2007 Founded the North Jersey Philharmonic Glee Club. Founded in her Newark, N.J. home in 1939, the all-male African-American choral group is one of the nation’s longest continuously performing ensembles of its kind. Bibliography Obituary, News-Herald, December 14, 2007. Kukla, Barbara. Sounds of Music: The Dolores Collins Benjamin Story Kukla, Barbara. “Dolores Collins Benjamin Glee…

  • Dora G Roworth

    1885-1962 Dora G Roworth was the 1st woman to get a CPA license in the NJ in 1909. She was an officer in the NJ Society of CPAs and worked at 790 Broad St and later owned her own business on Commerce Street. In 1930 she lived at 891 S 16th st. Bibliography  Newark City…

  • Doris Thompson Dorsey

    1911-1985 Doris Dorsey was the first Black woman supervisor in the Newark Post Office in 1966. She was “the only woman in an 18 member section”. She had been a Postal employee since 1942. She worked supervising West Station 255 Springfield Ave. (Photo 1957 City Directory before she was appointed supervisor). She grew up in…

  • Dorothea H Wingert

    1905-1990 Started writing for Newark newspapers in her teens. Wrote dozens of articles for a series on business and professional women in NJ in 1926-1927 when she was 21-22. In Jun 1926 placed in charge of the Call’s resort news bureau at Asbury Park. Also wrote for Catholic Advocate and Elizabeth Daily Journal before retiring…

  • Dorothy Gould

    1922 – 2015 Early Black teacher, hired in 1943 for $144 a month at Cleveland Junior High as a “permanent sub” since Black teachers couldn’t be officially hired above primary level. Later, principal at Montgomery Street School. In 1980, she was made assistant executive superintendent of pupil services for the Board of Education. She retired…

  • Dorothy Palmer

    c. 1893-1984 Operated the Dorothy Palmer School of dancing on Broadway in Newark for more than 50 years. Retired in 1963. Born in Newark, attended Barringer, member of the Dance Masters of America. Began teaching students at age 13 when she was at Elliot Street School. Bibliography Wingert, Dorothea. “Producer of Dancing Revue Began Success…

  • Dorothy Turpin Smith

    1910-1987 An early Black teacher, hired in 1945 (see Timeline, bottom of page here). Was eventually appointed Supervisor of Music for Vocal Instruction for Newark. Retired after 30 years in 1975. Was an organist and choir director for over 50 years, especially at First Baptist Peddie and Philips Metropolitan. Born in Bayonne. Bibliography “Smith, Dorothy…

  • Dorthaan Williams Kirk

    1938- One of the first people hired by Newark’s jazz station WBGO and became the face of and a fierce advocate for the station. She served as Director of Community Relations and Special Events, among other roles over the years. Dorthann has promoted, curated and produced jazz events throughout the region. She is also co-chair…

  • Dr. Anna M. Robinson Cross

    1856-1925 Physician who traveled widely in the West and was very prominent in Crawford, Nebraska where she was a government surgeon, “physician to the Indians” and relief surgeon for the railroad. The Newark Star wrote, “[she had] a professional career in the West that…for thrilling situations has never been equaled by a woman practitioner in…

  • Dr. E. Mae McCarroll

    1898-1990 Dr. E Mae McCarroll was the first American American physician at Newark City Hospital in 1946. She said she was “pleased to represent the beginning of greater opportunities for Negro physicians in our city.” 44 years of practice in Newark. Graduate of the Women’s College of Medicine, Philadelphia. Physician for the City of Newark…

  • Dr. Edith Gann

    1905-1998 Graduate of Miller Street School, South Side High and the Normal School. Received a Phd from psychology from Columbia. She was a principal at Camden Street, Avon Avenue, and Maple Avenue Elementary Schools. She was the first woman principal at Avon Ave and also worked as a psychologist. Superintendent Eugene Campbell stated, “I found…

  • Dr. Eleanor Haines

    1845-1924* First woman admitted to the Medical Society of NJ in 1876. Practiced in Newark for over 50 years. Affiliated with the NJ Historical Society. Graduated Women’s Medical College of PA in 1871. *various sources say 1846, 1845, 1854 Raised in Burlington County. Bibliography Baker, Mariana Narrative for tableaux; Newark Women of the Century. “Dr.…

  • Dr. Eva Topkins Brodkin

    1899-1994 First female dermatologist in New Jersey. Practiced in Newark from 1927 to 1977. Also chief of dermatology at St. Barnabas Newark in the 1960s. President of the NJ Dermatological Society. President of the New Jersey Woman’s Medical Association. Star Ledger Apr 12, 1964 Bibliography Cummings, Charles F. Newark’s trailblazing heroines shaped the city’s future…

  • Dr. Gertrude Ash Golat

    c. 1909-1980 Graduate of University of Vienna Medical School, came to Newark in 1939. For 25 years worked as a part time physician for the Newark Board of Education and in the 1960s led the drive for better sex education in Newark schools, creating a training program for teachers. She was a proponent of abortion…

  • Dr. Gwendolyn Goldsby Grant

    1935-2018 Dr. Grant was an advice columnist at Essence Magazine for over 25 years.Dr. Grant was an advice columnist at Essence Magazine for over 25 years writing the “Sexual Health” column. Essence called her “a legend in sexual health”. She also wrote The best kind of loving : a black woman’s guide to finding intimacy.…

  • Dr. Linda Caldwell Epps

    c. 1951- Dr. Linda Caldwell Epps grew up in Elizabeth and has a long connection to Newark. She graduated from Douglass College in 1973. Dr. Epps served as President and CEO of the NJ Historical Society, in Newark. She’s also served as a consultant to various colleges, funded by the Ford Foundation, and held various…

  • 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. Later she practiced in NYC and during and after WWI in France. Bibliography L-16 Lefort, Marie Louise, Newark News Morgue, Newark Library “Past and Promise the Lives of NJ…

  • Dr. Meta Anderson

    c. 1889-1942 Dr. Meta Anderson was the director of Special Education for the Newark Public Schools from 192 until 1942 when she was killed in an accident. She served in the Psychiatric Division during WWI and for the Industrial Department of Serbian Child Welfare after the war. She was the author of many scientific articles.…

  • Dr. Mildred Gregory

    1884-1975 Raised in Newark. Graduated Wellesley and taught at Skidmore College until 1924. Then attended Columbia College of Physicians graduating in 1928. Interred at City Hospital and then completed a Residency at Babies Hospital, both in Newark. Practiced pediatrics in Newark and was Medical Director of Babies’ Hospital 1949-1957. One of the first woman diplomates…

  • Dr. Rita Sapiro Finkler

    1888-1968 Dr. Finkler established and headed the endocrinology department at Beth Israel Hospital. This was the first endocrinology department in New Jersey. She also practiced medicine in Newark for 55 years and wrote over 70 papers. She was president of the NJ Women’s Medical Association. Born in Russia, Dr. Finkler was the first women intern…

  • Dr. Sarah D. Smalley

    1875-1952 A native of Newark who practiced in Newark from 1900-1952, for 52 years. She was active in the Newark Equal Suffrage League and a charter member of Zonta International. She was active in the Essex County Medical Society, practicing at multiple hospitals. She was educated in Newark and a graduate of the New York…

  • Dr. Vera Schectman

    1890-1971 Russian immigrant. Graduate of the Women’s Medical College of UPenn. The first woman doctor at Beth Israel Hospital in Newark. On the staff at Beth Israel through 1970. Also had a practice in Newark. Also medical examiner for the Civil Service Commission for many years. Bibliography Wingert, Dorothea. “Newark Doctor Left Russia As Girl…

  • Duryee Family

    (Photo from FindAGrave, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery) All heavily involved in missionary work – specifically the Women’s Board of Foreign Missions Reformed Church in America (WBFM of the RCA). Mary, Anna, Charlotte and Amy are sisters and Charlotte is their sister in law. They were very involved in North Reformed Church. From at least 1900-1920 the…

  • E. Alma Williams Flagg

    1918-2018 Alma Flagg was the first African American principal of an integrated school in Newark in 1964, in 1967 she was appointed assistant superintendent. She also wrote poetry. She was appointed principal after four teachers including Flagg accused the city of bias. The complaint was dismissed, however, she was appointed principal of Hawkins Street School…

  • Edythe Raabe

    1907-1977 First woman graduate of Newark College of Engineering (now NJIT) in 1930. She was the first woman in the United States to receive a degree in chemical engineering. From Lyndhurst, she worked for AT&T. She later lived in White Plains, NY. Bibliography Instructions for Useful Ends (NJIT) Newark College of Engineering 1930 Yearbook NJ…

  • Effa Manley

    1897-1981 Effa Manley owned the Newark Eagles, championship winning Negro Leagues team with her husband Abraham Manley. She was very active in the running of the baseball team. Bibliography Effa Manley Papers Newark Public Library https://archive.org/details/npleagles Overmeyer, James. (1993). Effa Manley and the Newark Eagles. Overmeyer, James. (2020). Queen of the Negro Leagues: Effa Manley…

  • Eleanor E Hamilton (Kingsley)

    1882-1956 Eleanor E Hamilton was superintendent and director of Presbyterian Hospital in Newark from at least 1927-1947. She was name Outstanding Woman of Year in Essex County in 1947. President of the NJ Hospital Association in 1937. Was previously director of the Illinois Training School for Nurses and Superintendent of Miami Valley Hospital. Fellowship from…

  • Eleta Caldwell

    1945-2017 Principal at Arts High School 1991-2003, previously Chair of Art and teacher. Artist, co-founded the 1980s, “Black Women in Visual Perspective” Group which included Gladys Grauer. Exhibited at City Without Walls, and other galleries across the state and nation including MoMA in 1986. Had a work space in Riker Hill Art Park. With Glady,…

  • Elitea Bulkley Allison

    c. 1913 -2007 Received her graduate degree of Library Science in 1936, starting in Orangeburg South Carolina. Bachlor’s from Claflin College. Library Science Degree from Hampton Institute. One of the early African Americans to work professionally at the Newark Public library after Theresa Moore. Hired by Newark in 1938, according to Who’s Who. By 1945,…

  • Eliza A. Chase

    c. 1829-2 Jan 1880 First principal of the Female Department of Newark High School in 1855. The 1938 Barringer yearbook wrote, “an inspiration to all her students when high school and college education for women was in its infancy”. She had poetry and short stories published, including in the Daily Advertiser. Reichle writes, “Eliza A.…

  • Elizabeth “Betty” Hoyt Baker Henderson

    1912-1999 Elizabeth Henderson, with her husband Dorland, bought and preserved, Newark’s oldest private residence: the Sydenham House, getting so involved that they lived as in colonial times in many ways, she wove cloth and grew her own vegetables. They bought the house in the 1950s and lived their until moving to a nursing home. The…

  • Elizabeth Albright Spurr

    1870-1934 Newark native and lifelong resident. Founder of the Newark Branch of the Red Cross in 1917. She was also a vice chairman of the National Red Cross. Founder of the Welfare Association and the Plant Fruit and Flower Guild of NJ. In 1919 became Vice President of the brush manufacturer Rubberset Company. President of…

  • Elizabeth Blume-Silverstein

    1892-1991 Photo from Rutgers. Born in Newark. Graduated the New Jersey Law School in Newark in 1911 (just a year after the first woman graduate Laura Mayo Wilson), but could not practice until she turned 21. In 1913, admitted as an attorney and in 1917 as a counselor. She was the first female lawyer in…

  • Elizabeth Burke Del Tufo

    1933- Head of the Newark Preservation and Landmarks Committee. Newark Historian. Known for her tours of Newark. In 1980, first director of Cultural Affairs for Essex County. Bibliography Liz Del Tufo – nj.com Preserving the Past – Newark’s Liz Del Tufo Elizabeth Del Tufo on Historic Preservation in Newark Newark Landmarks

  • Elizabeth Clementine Dodge Kinney

    1810-1889 Called “one of the cleverest women that ever lived in Newark”. She wrote for  The Knickerbocker Magazine, Godey’s Lady’s Book, and Graham’s Magazine. Her second marriage was to William Kinney editor of the Daily Advertiser and Newark Star. Contributed to the Advertiser where she “took charge of the literary department” , writing “all the book notices…

  • Elizabeth Hardin Goss

    1895-1953 Graduated Miss Townsend’s School in Newark and then went to Vassar where she broke the world record in shot put, as well as the basketball and baseball throw. Her shot put record would have won the gold medal at the Amateur Athletic Union championships in 1923-1925 and the 1932 Olympics! After her marriage she…

  • Elizabeth Miele

    1898-1975? Went to Barringer and Central High graduating Central in 1918. Newspaper reporter for the Newark Ledger, lawyer, publisher of The Civic Pilot. Graduated New Jersey Law School in 1921. Praticed law at the Essex Building with Irene R. O’Crowley. Organized the Club Service Publishing Company, an advertising syndicate for women’s club publications. Later became…

  • Elizabeth Nelligan Hughes

    1870 – 1953 President of the Police Matron’s Benevolent Association. Matron of the 4th Precinct Station. Though she was a “matron” the newspaper sometimes referred to her as a “policewoman”. Like many matrons in other cities, she was a working class widow, by 1900 at age 29 she was a police matron and widow with…

  • Elizabeth Swain(e) Ogden

    1645-1706 In 1666, settlers from CT settled Newark. Elizaeth is said to be the first of the 1666 Newark landing party to step foot on Newark soil. Historian Urquhart believes she was first of the Branford group. Atkinson writes, “so that women’s proper rights to positions of honor and distinction in Newark are not the…

  • Ella Wright Moncur

    1919-1999 Born in Newark, lived in NYC in 1930. Wife of jazz artist, owned the Theatrical Beauty Salon in Newark, and also a salon called Monte’s Powder Puff. Later retired to Florida and taught there. She also was active in fashion, and worked with the Urban League. Her fashion shows were featured in New Jersey…

  • Ellen C. King

    c. 1839-1936 Daughter of Mary Thompson King and sister of Harriet King Brown. Born at 70 Warren Street and lived there most of her life. Went to North Carolina after the Civil War to help establish a school for freed slaves. She was employed by the Brientnall, Frelinghuysen, Plume, Wright, and Kinney families. She remembered…