Margaret Chase Smith

Events

Born in Skowhegan, Maine to George Emery and Carrie Chase

December 14, 1897

Born in Skowhegan, Maine, to George Emery and Carrie Matilda Chase.

Graduated from Skowhegan High School

1916

Business executive for Maine Telephone and Telegraph Company

1918 - 1919

Circulation Manager for Independent Reporter

1919 - 1928

Co-founded the Skowhegan chapter of Business/Professional Women's Club

1922

President of Maine Federation of Business/Professional Women's Clubs

1926 - 1928

Elected to Maine Republican State Committee

1930 - 1936

Married Clyde Smith

May 14, 1930

Moved to D.C. to be Secretary for Smith (House member)

1936

First woman elected to Congress from Maine, Clyde Smith's house seat

June 3, 1940

Elected to House next 4 terms in a row

September 1940 - September 1948

Appointed to House Naval Affairs Committee

1943

During WWII, first/only civilian woman to sail on U.S. Navy ship

1944

Made a tour in South pacific of U.S. bases

1944

Possible candidate for Under Secretary of the Navy

1945

Member of House Armed Services Committee

1946

Possible candidate for Assistant Secretary of State

1947

First woman to represent Maine in Senate and serve in both houses of Congress

September 13, 1948

First member of Congress to oppose actions of McCarthyism

1950

Gave "Declaration of Conscience" speech criticizing McCarthyism

June 1, 1950

Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force Reserve

July 17, 1950 - 1958

President Eisenhower mentioned Smith as possible VP

1952

In Smith's re-election, first time women ran against each other for senate seat

1960

First woman's name placed in nomination for POTUS at convention

1964

Announced Candidacy for POTUS

January 27, 1964

First/only woman to serve as chair of Senate Republican Conference,

1967 - 1972

Rose made official flower of U.S., regular outfit accessory

1987

Awarded Naval Heritage Award by U.S Navy Memorial

1995

Died

May 29, 1995