Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
IOWA MOTHER OF THE YEAR
IOWA MOTHER OF THE YEAR. Mrs. Everett O. Fenton (the former Elsie Katz of Dubuque) was named Iowa's Mother of the Year in 1955. The award made possible by the Iowa Association of American Mothers Committee Inc. was presented by Governor Leo Hoegh. The purpose of the annual award was to focus attention "on the importance of the mother in making the American home the indestructible foundation on which the nation is built."
Mrs. Fenton was to compete for the title "American Mother of the Year" on May 6th in New York City.
Mrs. Roy C (Betty) Berrie was selected Iowa Mother of the Year in 1966 by the state association of the American Mothers Committee, Inc., a national organization which aimed to strengthen the moral and spiritual foundations of the home. She was one of thirty-four Iowa women nominated for the honor. Mrs. Berrie, executive secretary of the Dubuque Archdiocesan Councl of Catholic Women, and the 33 runners-up known as "Merit Mothers" were honored during a weekend of activities in Dubuque.
Mrs. Wilber Wilson Sackett, the former Edith Rose Murphy of Dubuque, was selected Iowa Mother of the Year in 1969. She was nominated by the Spencer (IA) Women's Club. That year, Mrs. R. C. Berrie of Dubuque served as the president of the Iowa Mothers' Association. She was to compete on April 29 in Los Angeles for the title of National Mother.
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Source:
1. "Select Former Dubuquer as "Mother of Year," Telegraph-Herald, April 3, 1955, p. 1
2. "Native Dubuquer is Iowa Mother of the Year," Telegraph-Herald, March 4, 1969, p. 11
3. "Iowa Mother of the Year," Telegraph-Herald, April 12, 1966, p. 8
