Rachel M. May, Swift Current’s First Female Alderman (1943-1944)

From Swift Current Museum

Accession Number 1999.19.4

Date 1943, 77 cm, 51 cm, , , , , , , ,

Description A portrait of a woman, Rachel May, about 50 years of age. The plaque under the image reads "Alderman R. M. May 1943-44". She inspired the first use of the word "alderwoman". Rachel May became the first female alderman elected in Swift Current. She was elected to the 1943 term, and was reelected the following year but died in office. May had a reputation for charitable welfare work in the community during the difficult years of the 1930s. When she first took a seat with her fellow aldermen the deputy mayor Archie Budd welcomed her and hoped that she would not mind the smoking. He told her that things "should be taken seriously, because running the city is a serious business". The image is in a gold frame.

25.2 cm

25.2 cm







2 cm





stretcher only

Materials Photographic Paper; Wood; Glass; Cardboard, 25.2 cm, 25.2 cm, , , , , , , ,

Marks/Labels Gold label under image reads "Quality Portraits By Plaza Studio Swift Current Sask."

25.2 cm

25.2 cm

Category Communication Artefacts, 38.4 cm, 50 cm, , , , , , , , , Documentary Artifact, 49 cm, 65.7 cm, , , , , , , , , Print, Photographic, 73 cm, 91 cm, , , , 3 cm, , , wood w gold finish,