Salem Historical Society meeting to feature program on suffragette icon | News, Sports, Jobs

The Sept. 13 program of the Salem Historical Society will be presented at the Shaffer Library, 239 S. Lundy Ave. at 7 p.m. Non-members of the society are welcome to attend. Following a short business meeting, the program, “History of Harriet Taylor Upton, American political Activist,” will be presented by Kenneth Conklin, past president and executive board member of the Harriet Taylor Upton Association.

Learn about Harriet Taylor Upton Warren’s national celebrity at the turn of the 20th Century. In 1890, Harriet committed herself completely to the suffrage movement. For the next 30 years she was dedicated to the passage of the 19th amendment, giving women the right to vote. She worked closely with her mentor, Susan B. Anthony, with whom she formed a lasting friendship. It was said by the Washington Post, “Mrs. Upton is without a doubt the best liked and wisest suffrage worker in the country.” Conklin will also discuss the local efforts to save Upton House from possible demolition and the extensive restoration of the Upton House and gardens that followed.

Conklin is currently serving on the executive committee of the Harriet Taylor Upton Association. He has been involved with Upton Association since day one and served four terms as president. He is also the last member of the original board of directors. Conklin is a retired banker after 43 years and has lived in Warren all of his life. He is married to Elaine and they have two daughters and sons-in-law and four grandchildren.