About Effie Van Valkenberg (1862–1928)
On September 5, 1892, Effie Van Valkenberg ran an unsuccesful campaign for a seat on the Grand Rapids Board of Education in the Eleventh Ward.
Van Valkenberg graduated in 1882 from Olivet College with a degree in music. A member of the Michigan State Teachers’ Association, she is identified in various sources as a teacher of music and piano. Like so many women of her time, Van Valkenberg was active in women’s clubs and served as president of the South End Ladies Literary Club from 1891 to 1892.
Sources
Grand Rapids Herald, November 27, 1904.
“Was a Good Vote.” Grand Rapids Herald, September 6, 1892.
Campaign Information
Political Office: Board of Education
Election Year: 1892
Party Affiliation: Nonpartisan race
Elected: No
Biographical Information
Full Name: Effie Van Valkenberg
Life Dates: 1862–1928
Birthplace: Unknown
Marital Status: Single
Occupation: Teacher
Party Affiliation: Unknown
Social Reform Activism: Women’s Clubs