Community celebrates 75 years of promoting democracy in Bay Village
Mayor Paul Koomar reads a proclamation recognizing the Bay Village League of Women Voters’ 75th anniversary. Photo by Tara Wendell
The Bay Village Chapter of the League of Women Voters commemorated the 75th anniversary of their founding with a party at Rose Hill Museum on Aug. 6. The event brought together League members from Bay and surrounding communities, as well as elected officials, Bay Village Historical Society members, and supporters of the League’s efforts to promote democracy.
Chartered in 1948, the Bay Chapter held its first meeting on April 26 of that year at Rose Hill Museum, which then served as the city library, to ensure all citizens had the information needed to cast an educated vote. For the past 75 years, Bay members have been active at the community, state and national levels. Their nonpartisan work includes preparing voter guides, holding candidate forums, educating students about the importance of voting, and advocating for passage of legislation that supports public education and libraries, voting access for all, fair and representative districts, and transparency in government.
Mayor Paul Koomar presented a proclamation to chapter chair Cynthia White, on behalf of his administration and City Council. Bay Schools Superintendent Scot Prebles, School Board President Scott Schulz and City Council President Dwight Clark also praised the group for its longevity and good deeds.
Bay Village Historical Society President Cathy Flament shared interesting anecdotes from the group’s history in the city as well as the site of the celebration, the former Cahoon family homestead, before inviting the audience for tours of the museum.
The Bay Village Chapter is part of the Greater Cleveland League of Women Voters, which was formed in 1920 after the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granting women the right to vote. Membership is open to all citizens, regardless of gender or political affiliation. Visit lwvgreatercleveland.org or email Cynthia White, cwhite8215@gmail.com, to learn more.