Convention & Emma Guffey Miller, 1924
Content Description
This collection consists mainly of research material and correspondence conducted by Irv Kuhr on the topic of Emma Guffey Miller (1874-1970), whom he knew personally. It includes some notable speeches given by EGM and material on her family background. Active politically since her college days, EGM campaigned for Democratic candidates in 1920; in 1924 she was elected a delegate to the national convention, where, in a seconding speech for Alfred E. Smith (see folders 5, 9, 10), she appealed for religious tolerance and denounced the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). As a result, EGM received one-half vote for the presidential nomination, the first woman ever to do so. She helped organize the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women. In 1932 she was elected Democratic National Committeewoman from Pennsylvania, a post she held until her death. In 1965, at the age 91, she was awarded the Pennsylvania Speaker of the Year, and presented her acceptance speech, where she summarized her personal accomplishments. (see folder 8B). EGM was also an important trustee at Slippery Rock University and instrumental in securing state assistance for one of the foremost growth programs of Slippery Rock State College.
Dates
- 1924
Extent
From the Collection: .42 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Materials Specific Details
Contents include: • Includes written research notes of citations and photocopies of book chapters and articles related to 1924 Democratic convention and the Ku Klux Klan • Copies of correspondence between EGM and the Honorable Francis Biddle regarding his book In Brief Authority, where EGM defends her brother, Senator Joseph Guffey’s position in state and national politics.
Repository Details
Part of the Slippery Rock University Archives and Special Collections Repository
315 Bailey Library
Slippery Rock University
Slippery Rock PA 16057
724-738-4295
rockarchives@sru.edu