Celebrating Women's History Month: Honoring Sandy's Trailblazing Women
As we commemorate Women's History Month, it's fitting to reflect on the remarkable women who have shaped Sandy's past and continue to influence its present. From pioneering settlers to civic leaders, these women have left an indelible mark on our community.
Blanche Shelley: A Pioneer in Local Governance
In 1919, Blanche Shelley achieved a historic milestone by becoming Sandy's first female mayor, a full year before the 19th Amendment granted women nationwide the right to vote. Her election not only demonstrated her leadership but also set a precedent for women's political involvement in our town.
Alice Scales and Edna Esson: Breaking Barriers Together
That same year, Alice Scales and Edna Esson were elected to the Sandy City Council, marking the first time women held seats in our local government. Their collective efforts, alongside Mayor Shelley, were instrumental in advancing community initiatives during a pivotal time in our history.
Lydia Revenue: The Spirit of Sandy's Beginnings
Long before these political milestones, Lydia Revenue, alongside her husband Francis, was among Sandy's earliest settlers. Their contributions laid the foundation for the community we cherish today, embodying the pioneering spirit that defines our town.
Nettie Connett: A Legacy Etched in Our Streets
The name "Nettie Connett" resonates throughout Sandy, particularly along Nettie Connett Drive. While specific details about her life are limited, her enduring legacy is evident in the streets bearing her name, serving as a testament to her impact on our community.
Kathleen Walker: Leading with Vision
In 2024, Kathleen Walker was elected as Sandy's mayor, bringing with her over two decades of active engagement in local government. Her tenure on the Sandy Parks and Trails Board for 25 years, where she played a pivotal role in developing a Master Plan for future parks and trails, showcases her dedication to enhancing our city's infrastructure and quality of life.
Linda Malone: A Pillar of Community Service
Serving as mayor from 2016 to 2020, Linda Malone's leadership was characterized by her unwavering commitment to community service. Her tenure focused on fostering community engagement and ensuring that Sandy remained a vibrant and inclusive place for all residents.
Remembering Nettie Connett
The name "Nettie Connett" resonates throughout Sandy, particularly along Nettie Connett Drive. While specific details about her life are limited, her enduring legacy is evident in the streets bearing her name, serving as a testament to her impact on our community.
A Continuing Legacy
These women's stories are interwoven into the fabric of Sandy's history, each contributing uniquely to our community's development. As we celebrate Women's History Month, let us honor their legacies and draw inspiration from their dedication to making Sandy a better place for all.
History is not over
History did not end 100 or 50 or 25 years ago. We're all making history each day--each moment of our lives. One of the goals of the Sandy Historical Society and Museum is not only to preserve the history and memory of days gone by, but also to ensure that our grandchildren and their children for eons to come will be able to look back and be reminded of what it was like "in olden times," when you and I were making history in the early 21st century.