About Lydia Mitchell (1861-1940)
On April 1, 1912, Lydia Mitchell ran for a spot on the Grand Rapids Board of Education. Identified as a socialist by local newspapers, she received 1,623 votes, which put her in last place out of twelve candidates.
Little is known about Mitchell beyond her choice to run for office, but she was involved with the Grand Rapids Equal Opportunity Club and was elected its president in 1915. The Grand Rapids Equal Opportunity Club was affiliated with the Grand Rapids Socialist Party.
Sources
“Ellis Holds Place: Mayor is Elected for Fourth Consecutive Term.” Grand Rapids Press, April 2, 1912.
“Equal Opportunity Club.” Grand Rapids Herald, January 24, 1915.
Campaign Information
Political Office: Board of Education
Election Year: 1912
Party Affiliation: Nonpartisan race
Elected: No
Biographical Information
Full Name: Lydia A. Mitchell
Life Dates: November 12, 1861-June 6, 1940
Birthplace: Rockford, Michigan
Marital Status: Married in 1879, Divorced in 1900
Occupation: Clerk at Menter & Rosenbloom Co.
Party Affiliation: Socialist
Social Reform Activism: Women’s Clubs