Senators celebrate 80th anniversary of first female senator
Submitted on July 3, 2002 - 12:00am.
Diette Courrege - summer 2002
When the white-haired, outspoken woman walked onto the Senate floor 80 years ago, historians said the men “seemed to be a little bit hysterical” while others stared at the ceiling without offering the newcomer a seat.
Eighty-seven-year-old Rebecca Felton made history that day, becoming the first woman to take her oath as a U.S. senator. She also made history as the senator serving the shortest term - two days.
Gov. Thomas Hardwick appointed the Georgia Democrat to fill a vacancy in the out of session Senate. However, the people elected Walter George to fill the seat for the next session.
Eighty-seven-year-old Rebecca Felton made history that day, becoming the first woman to take her oath as a U.S. senator. She also made history as the senator serving the shortest term - two days.
Gov. Thomas Hardwick appointed the Georgia Democrat to fill a vacancy in the out of session Senate. However, the people elected Walter George to fill the seat for the next session.
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