Commissioners honor women in history with special tribute to Hunterdon County historic women
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ – Recognizing March as Women’s History Month, the Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners approved a Proclamation in honor of women in history, particularly in Hunterdon County, and called upon all residents to honor and remember the important women in their lives.
Board Director Susan J. Soloway said, “Hunterdon County is proud to honor women the world over, but here in Hunterdon County we are home to some very special and notable women of our own, as recorded in a book produced by the County’s Cultural and Heritage Commission, entitled Notable Women Throughout the History of Hunterdon County.”
During remarks at the Board meeting, Ms. Soloway highlighted two of the 76 women portrayed in the publication: Rose Z. Angell and Toshiko Takaezu.
According to ‘Notable Women’, Rose Z. Angell has been identified as the key person who brought a hospital to Hunterdon County, which at the time was the only county in New Jersey without one.
Together with Louise Leicester, cooperation from the County’s Board of Agriculture, local volunteers, donations big and small, much perseverance, and seven years of Ms. Angell’s hard work, in 1953 the Hunterdon Medical Center opened its doors and county residents no longer had to travel a great distance for medical care.
Another Hunterdon County notable woman is Toshiko Takaezu, originally from Hawaii, Takaezu traveled the world over to learn the art of crafting ceramics. Takaezu spent many years teaching Visual Arts, including as a member of Princeton University’s faculty and became a Quakertown resident.
As a trustee for the Hunterdon Museum of Art in Clinton, Takaezu promoted other artists, started the Friends of the Hunterdon Art Center, and ultimately had her work included in the Smithsonian Institute and over 50 other prestigious museums. Named by the Girl Scouts of America as a “Woman of Achievement,” Takaezu truly impacted the art world from right here in Hunterdon County.
“Rose Z. Angell and Toshiko Takaezu are two county women who exemplify the best and greatest of what we can do. Our history books are filled with the stories of women, of every race, creed and class, who were trailblazers and have paved the way for young women today. These two women, and countless others, have made historic contributions to and for the stability and strength of our nation, enriched American culture and arts, and improved healthcare,” Soloway said.
“Women have actively participated in government, healthcare, the military, education and other key social roles. This month we should actively seek out these memorable women and celebrate their successful stories,” Soloway said.
The book ‘Notable Women Throughout The History of Hunterdon County’ is available for sale through the county’s Culture & Heritage Commission webpage or at the Office at the Historic Courthouse on Main Street, in Flemington. For a copy, call 908-237-2010.
