Harvat was a pioneer in I.C., Iowa politics

It was such a delight to read Duane Schmidt's March 7 piece, “Iowa home to many firsts for women, equality.” It was an impressive list of women who furthered equality for all women.

One woman not included in Schmidt's piece begs to have her story told. Emma J. Harvat was the first female mayor of any U.S. city with a population over 10,000. She was inducted into the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame in 2007.

Harvat was first elected in 1921 as an Iowa City alderman. After the resignation of then-mayor Ingalls Swisher, her fellow alderman chose her to be mayor. She ran successfully for re-election in 1923. She was known for her opposition to bootlegging and for her businesslike and straightforward manner.

She believed in meticulous public records and even published the city's quarterly financial reports in the newspaper.

The election of Harvat signaled a new era in Iowa City politics, as she brought a female perspective to the problems of city government. Immediately, she sought to correct the long-standing policy of grouping female offenders with male offenders in the city jail. She also addressed concerns about children by establishing a juvenile home.

As a progressive reformer, she was among those of her generation who expanded our notions of the role of government and the value of running the city in an efficient manner.

We encourage others who have trail blazing stories of Iowa women to contribute to expanding the list.

Mary Bennett

Karen Kubby

Iowa City