1902-1964
Ruth Lynn was the only woman member of Newark’s Charter Study Commissioner in 1953, after being heavily involved in the Newark Citizen’s Committee on Municipal Government as vice chairman and acting chairman, advocating for a change in Newark’s government. She said, “I personally believe that Newark does not have the best form of municipal government…I am in favor of a strong Mayor.”
Ruth also served as President of the Newark League of Women Voters and Vice Chairman of the civil rights committee for the NJ League of Women Voters. In a Star Ledger profile she praised the many young housewives who were members of LWV and how they managed to juggle many responsibilities, “It is amazing what they can do.” She was a member of the Essex County Women’s Republican Club and the Businesswoman’s Republican Club of Greater Newark.
Ruth was a board member of the Family Service Bureau and the YWCA. She was a member of the Newark Citizen’s Housing Committee and the Roseville Community Council. She was treasurer and civics chairman of the Contemporary Club.
Ruth was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and voiced a protest when there was an antisemitic speech made at their conference in 1954 calling it unamerican.
In 1954, Ruth became the first executive director of the Newark-suburban chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Ruth lived in Newark from 1937 and was born in Pennsylvania. She lived on North Sixth Street in Newark.
Bibliography
“Mrs. Thomas Lynn, Newark Civic Worker Dies at 59” Newark News Jun 1, 1964
“DAR Speech Draws Counter Fire Here” Newark News Mar 20, 1954
Hutchinson, Edith “Care of Alcoholics, Mentally Ill” Newark News Jan 27, 1957
“Mrs. Lynn Urges Tenacity” Newark News April 27, 1954
“LWV Plans Mrs. Lynn Memorial” Newark News Jun 17, 1964
“Owes it all to Son” Star Ledger Jul 24, 1949
“Ruth Caldwell Lynn, Newark Civic Leader” Star Leger Jun 2, 1964