About Mary E. Hay (1862–1948)
Mary E. Hay, Grand Rapids Herald, February 23, 1913.
On April 7, 1913, Mary E. Hay ran an unsuccessful campaign for the Grand Rapids Board of Education. While her campaign for the school board was officially nonpartisan, she was publicly supported by the Grand Rapids Socialist Party. But party affiliation wasn’t her only qualification. Although she boasted no specific experience in education or politics, she did have relevant experience as a mother and was reported in the Grand Rapids Herald as saying that “as a mother of eight children, she [Hay] considers herself eligible to say a word or two concerning children’s education.” Despite her efforts, Hay did not win her seat. She polled 3,896 votes, which put her in fifth place out of six candidates.
Yet even as Hay was not able to share her maternal perspective on the school board, she did find other avenues of influence. She was a member of the Grand Rapids Socialist Party and took part in “Women’s Day,” a program dedicated to contemporary women’s issues organized by Grand Rapids socialists. Hay gave a talk entitled “Woman’s Sphere.” And in 1914, she was elected treasurer of the Grand Rapids Socialist Party.
Hay was also a member of the Grand Rapids Equal Franchise Club and was committed to women’s suffrage. In 1914, she worked with the Equal Franchise Club on a special project to obtain the names and information of all local women in favor of suffrage who were willing to offer practical support for the cause.
About Mary E. Hay (1862–1948)
Mary E. Hay, Grand Rapids Herald, February 23, 1913.
On April 7, 1913, Mary E. Hay ran an unsuccessful campaign for the Grand Rapids Board of Education. While her campaign for the school board was officially nonpartisan, she was publicly supported by the Grand Rapids Socialist Party. But party affiliation wasn’t her only qualification. Although she boasted no specific experience in education or politics, she did have relevant experience as a mother and was reported in the Grand Rapids Herald as saying that “as a mother of eight children, she [Hay] considers herself eligible to say a word or two concerning children’s education.” Despite her efforts, Hay did not win her seat. She polled 3,896 votes, which put her in fifth place out of six candidates.
Yet even as Hay was not able to share her maternal perspective on the school board, she did find other avenues of influence. She was a member of the Grand Rapids Socialist Party and took part in “Woman’s Day,” a program dedicated to contemporary women’s issues organized by Grand Rapids socialists. Hay gave a talk entitled “Women’s Sphere.” And in 1914, she was elected treasurer of the Grand Rapids Socialist Party.
Hay was also a member of the Grand Rapids Equal Franchise Club and was committed to women’s suffrage. In 1914, she worked with the Equal Franchise Club on a special project to obtain the names and information of all local women in favor of suffrage who were willing to offer practical support for the cause.
Campaign Information
Political Office: Board of Education
Election Year: 1913
Party Affiliation: Nonpartisan race
Elected: No
Biographical Information
Full Name: Mary Elizabeth Metherall Hay
Life Dates: December 26, 1862–May 22, 1948
Birthplace: London, Middlesex, Ontario, Canada
Marital Status: Married
Occupation: No formal occupation
Party Affiliation: Socialism
Social Reform Activism: Labor, Women’s Clubs, Women’s Suffrage
Sources
“G.O.P. Redeemed in Election in Grand Rapids.” Grand Rapids Herald, April 8, 1913.
“Mother of Eight Who Seeks Place in Board of Education.” Grand Rapids Herald, February 23, 1913.
“Mother of Eight Ready to Serve.” Grand Rapids Herald, February 21, 1913.
“Presides Over Equal Opportunity Club.” Grand Rapids Herald, June 4, 1911.
“Socialist Lecture.” Grand Rapids Herald, April 30, 1911.
“Turn Mines Over to Government.” Grand Rapids Herald, January 8, 1914.
“To Observe Women’s Day.” Grand Rapids Herald, March 22, 1914.
“Women to Appear at Spring Election.” Grand Rapids Press, February 20, 1914.