COURTNEY CURTIS / Scroll Illustration
Over the past 150 years women have played an important role in Idaho’s politics, serving in everthing from PTA to Congress.

Women influence Idaho for more than a century

Idaho owes much of its history to women. These women each had a profound influence on Idaho politics, from the grassroots level all the way to congress.

EDITH KLEIN, a prominent member of Idaho’s legislature, handled women’s issues effectively during her long public career. Her contributions extended to other governmental programs as well. Because of her influence, Governor Robert E. Smylie founded the Idaho Women’s Commission in 1965.

MARY RIDENBAUGH, a Boise area resident, organized a Council of Mothers and remained involved in a large number of organizations. A confederate refugee from Missouri, she was an active Columbian Club founder and University of Idaho regent. She resided in one of Boise’s most elaborate mansions.

GERTRUDE HAYS, after moving to Soda Springs at age 18 in 1886, became important in many major Idaho women’s organizations: Columbian Club President, Parent-Teacher’s Association, Young Women’s Christian Association, Saturday Fortnightly Club, Tuesday Musicale and the State Federations of Women’s Clubs. Her government positions included State Board of Education, University of Idaho regent and State Council of Defense (during two World Wars).

GRACIE PFOST, represented Idaho in the United States Congress from 1953-1962, noted for her activity on wilderness issues and other matters of consequence to her state.

ANNA HAYES, from Twin Falls, was one of Idaho’s nationally prominent women, graduated from Albion Normal School in 1904. In 1950, as National Congress of Parents and Teachers Association president, she went far beyond state and regional activity. As a poet and novelist about frontier life, she contributed significantly to Idaho traditions.

MAUDE COSHO, had a wide variety of activities that made her a powerful Idaho State legislative leader as well as State Board of Education member and University of Idaho regent. During World War II, she served in the Civil Air Patrol and Women’s Army Corps. Owner of Boise’s Hotel Bristol, she gained recognition as Boise City treasurer, where she exposed over $100,000 of city clerk Angela Hopper’s thefts.