News and Music Discovery
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Datebook: April 4 - Susanna Salter Becomes 1st Woman Elected Mayor in US 125 Years Ago

Susanna M. Salter, Age 27 and Age 94
www.kancoll.org
Susanna M. Salter, Age 27 and Age 94

Argonia, Kansas is a small town on the southern border with a current population of 501. It gained national recognition on April 4, 1887 for electing Susanna M. Salter as mayor, the first woman to hold the position in the United States and the first woman elected to any political office in the country. She was born into a Quaker family in Ohio on March 2, 1860. As a student at Kansas State Agricultural College (now Kansas State University), she met Lewis Salter, the son of former Kansas Lt. Governor Melville Salter. The married and moved to Argonia, where she became involved in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. Her term as mayor was uneventful, but caused nationwide interest. She served one year and declined reelection. As compensation, she was paid one dollar. She later moved to Oklahoma with her husband and children and attended University of Oklahoma with her youngest child. She died two weeks after her 101st birthday on March 17, 1961, and is buried in Argonia.

It’s Wednesday, April 4

Murray State University accounting students will be available on Friday to help MSU students, employees, moderate-income tax payers, and senior citizens with their taxes.  The IRS-certified students will hold sessions from noon to 4 in the Business Building South Wing, Room 353.  No appointment is necessary.  For more information, call 809-4193.

The Humane Society of Calloway County will hold a yard sale on Saturday from 9 to 2 at the Calloway County Library Meeting Room.  Donations will be accepted at the library meeting room on Friday from 10 to 6.  All items are welcome except for clothing and televisions.  Find details at forthepets.org.

Bass trombonist Bryan Heath will present a faculty recital tomorrow night in the Performing Arts Hall on the campus of Murray State University.  The free recital begins at 6PM.  For more information, call the Department of Music at 809-4288.

To learn more about these and other community events, visit wkms.org.  Thanks for listening.

Kala Dunn is a native of Princeton, Ky. She’s a 2006 graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy with a concentration in flute performance and a 2010 graduate of Murray State University with a B.M. in piano performance. She lives in Hamlin, Ky.
Matt Markgraf joined the WKMS team as a student in January 2007. He's served in a variety of roles over the years: as News Director March 2016-September 2019 and previously as the New Media & Promotions Coordinator beginning in 2011. Prior to that, he was a graduate and undergraduate assistant. He is currently the host of the international music show Imported on Sunday nights at 10 p.m.
Related Content