"OUR WOMEN OF SANDWICH"
(2020 Summer Exhibit)
MARY SENIOR (DAVIS) BROWN
(1886-1966)
Mary Senior Brown was a very busy woman. Born in Waterbury, CT and moving to Sandwich in 1939, she was a noted columnist and speaker. She was a trustee of the University System of New Hampshire, a co-chair of the New Hampshire Republican Committee, a trustee of the New Hampshire Historical Society and was a Worthy Grand Matron in the New Hampshire Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star,
But in Sandwich, her adopted home town, she was loved and admired as a friend and neighbor. She was a partner with her husband Arthur in his woodworking business, a president of the Sandwich Historical Society, chair of the Sandwich Red Cross Chapter, president of the Sandwich Woman’s Club, active in the Sandwich Fair, and in 1963 co-chair of the town’s Bicentennial Committee.
In 1958 she was elected to serve as the first woman representing Sandwich in the New Hampshire State Legislature. She served in the New Hampshire House of Representatives for six years and was appointed to be the chair of the important Education Committee.
For a few years in the early 1960’s her terms in the legislature overlapped with Mary Heard, the first woman to be elected to the Sandwich Board of Selectmen.
Jim Mykland
June 2020
But in Sandwich, her adopted home town, she was loved and admired as a friend and neighbor. She was a partner with her husband Arthur in his woodworking business, a president of the Sandwich Historical Society, chair of the Sandwich Red Cross Chapter, president of the Sandwich Woman’s Club, active in the Sandwich Fair, and in 1963 co-chair of the town’s Bicentennial Committee.
In 1958 she was elected to serve as the first woman representing Sandwich in the New Hampshire State Legislature. She served in the New Hampshire House of Representatives for six years and was appointed to be the chair of the important Education Committee.
For a few years in the early 1960’s her terms in the legislature overlapped with Mary Heard, the first woman to be elected to the Sandwich Board of Selectmen.
Jim Mykland
June 2020
Mary Senior Brown and Grant "Nick" Floyd ~ c. 1965
Sandwich Fairgrounds ~ Sandwich Concord Coach
When rummaging about the internet today I came across your wonderful article regarding Mrs. Mary D. Senior Brown. As I have been doing a bit of historical gathering in my capacity through the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls and the Order of the Eastern Star in NH, I was pleased to see her featured in the 'Women of Sandwich' as she is very special indeed to us. Mrs. Brown served not only for Eastern Star as Worthy Grand Matron from 1934-35, but then she served NH Grand Assembly - International Order of the Rainbow for Girls as a member of Supreme Assembly from 1935 to 1966, first as a Supreme Deputy, then as a Supreme Inspector, member of the House of Gold, elevating to the rank of Supreme Worthy Associate Advisor before passing in the spring of 1966. In this capacity she helped guide many young ladies ages 12-20 through teenage, teaching them to be better citizens, better leaders, and be of service in their communities each and every day. During her tenure of leadership NH Grand Assembly Rainbow Girls had a great expansion of membership.
She was well respected for her achievements with the girls: “People of this state look to organizations like the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls to aid them. You cannot fail to be better women because of the fine examples you have before you.” ›Governor Robert O. Blood, 1941.
This little note (above) is in our records from an event that Mrs. Brown had her girls at for the Governor in 1941.
I thought you might want to include this little tidbit of information about Mary in your history as well. She was definitely one of our jewels in NH!
Sincerely,
Joan L Smith, Worthy Grand Matron, NH OES- 2019-2020
Supreme Inspector in NH-IORG
She was well respected for her achievements with the girls: “People of this state look to organizations like the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls to aid them. You cannot fail to be better women because of the fine examples you have before you.” ›Governor Robert O. Blood, 1941.
This little note (above) is in our records from an event that Mrs. Brown had her girls at for the Governor in 1941.
I thought you might want to include this little tidbit of information about Mary in your history as well. She was definitely one of our jewels in NH!
Sincerely,
Joan L Smith, Worthy Grand Matron, NH OES- 2019-2020
Supreme Inspector in NH-IORG
