OUR TURN: Recognize Marble Falls’ Harwood for advancing women’s status

March is National Women’s History Month, which recognizes the contributions of great American women to the culture and progress of the United States.

And while it may surprise some to learn this, Marble Falls has earned its own place in the annals of women’s history, thanks to the achievements of Mrs. George Ophelia Birdie Harwood.

Many may not recognize the name, which is a shame. Yet Harwood is an integral part of Marble Falls and Burnet County history, and arguably as important as better known — and male — figures such as Confederate Gen. Adam R. Johnson, the founder of Marble Falls, and entrepreneur Noah Smithwick.

First, a little explanation of women’s history month.

"The public celebration of women’s history in this country began in 1978 as ‘Women’s History Week’ in Sonoma County, Calif.," according to www.infoplease.com. "The week including March 8, International Women’s Day, was selected. In 1981, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Rep. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) co-sponsored a joint Congressional resolution proclaiming a national Women’s History Week. In 1987, Congress expanded the celebration to a month, and March was declared Women’s History Month."

The purpose is to recognize women who have made a significant impact on U.S. affairs, advancing the cause of equality and liberty.

Harwood certainly fits the bill.

For those who don’t know, Harwood was elected mayor of Marble Falls April 5, 1917, by an all-male electorate. Women at the time did not have the constitutional right to vote.

Contrary to popular opinion, she was not the first woman elected mayor in U.S. history, though many say she is the first in Texas.

Still, this does nothing to diminish the achievements of Harwood.

According to The Falls on the Colorado Museum in Marble Falls, Harwood — who hailed from Blanco County and was married to Dr. George Harwood — was elected mayor during a time of many challenges.

A drought the year before doomed the corn crop, killed livestock and sent the mercury climbing to a record 112 degrees. In addition, the women’s suffrage movement was gaining speed; the United States had entered World War I; conservatives were pushing for prohibition; and Marble Falls was dealing with impassable roads and a growing population.

None of this scared Bertie Harwood, whose platform was "a bigger town, a better town, a cleaner town and a more progressive town."

Harwood, who ran on a ticket with two men, outlined her goals for mayor in a column published in the Marble Falls Messenger, noting President Woodrow Wilson’s support of women’s suffrage: "As a candidate for mayor, I have the endorsement of our President and every broadminded citizen all over our State, Marble Falls included."

She also felt that after a woman had satisfied her "first duty" to home and children, the next calling should be public service.

In her own words: "I am running for office … because our wealthier citizens don’t want the job, a poor man can’t afford it."

After her victory, she became a major supporter of open records. She helped organize a Red Cross chapter and kept her promise to make the city budget process a transparent one by publishing summaries of municipal activities and the city budget in the newspaper.

She shattered gender stereotypes and she toiled for the common good.

She is a true representative of the spirt of Marble Falls and embodies the symbolism of National Women’s History Month by epitomizing its values. Her willingness to serve the public even paved the way for successors such as former Marble Falls Mayor Nona Fox and Burnet County Judge Donna Klaeger.

We have said before, and still feel, that Harwood deserves more recognition than she currently receives.

At some point, the Marble Falls City Council should either declare a Birdie Harwood Day or name landmark after her.

The Marble Falls Independent School District could develop a short history bloc or project around her legacy.

Perhaps the Marble Falls Public Library could devote one of its luncheon learning series to a lecture on Harwood.

One or all of these efforts would be a fitting tribute to a woman who has made an important and lasting contribution to the cause of equality in America.

The Daily Tribune editorial board includes Dan Alvey, Amber Alvey Weems, Thomas Edwards, Daniel Clifton and Chris Porter.