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Margaret Chase Smith: A Woman of Courage

© Linda M. Orlando

"The qualities and personal characteristics that turn up repeatedly in local, state and national writings about Smith include plainspokenness, frankness, sincerity, independence, honesty, integrity, steadfastness, courage."(Sherman, p. 51)

Margaret Chase Smith was a woman of courage and conviction, who blazed a trail for all women who came after her. She was born and grew up at a time when women were expected to fulfill traditional roles in society and in the home. But once she reached adulthood, Margaret's life was anything but traditional. Though she did not consider herself a feminist, Margaret encouraged all women to reach their full potential, to be all that they could be.

Margaret was born in Skowhegan, Maine, on December 14, 1897. She was the oldest of six children. Her father, George, was the local barber and her mother, Carrie, frequently worked as a waitress, store clerk or stitcher in a shoe factory. Because her mother worked outside the home and had other children to care for, she depended on Margaret to be caretaker of her younger siblings.

The things Margaret remembered being taught by her mother were: 1) Obey the Golden Rule: Live by it. 2) Always be a lady. Even when you assert yourself. 3) Always keep your word. 4) Anything worth doing is worth doing right the first time. 5) Always be courteous and considerate." ("Highlights of Margaret Chase Smith's Life" web page) These principles guided Margaret's actions and her adherence to them was reflected in the decisions she made during her political career.

Margaret learned early about hardwork. She got her first paying job at the age of thirteen to help her family. One of the Smith legends says that Margaret applied for a job at the local 5-and-10-cent store at the age of 12. The store owner told Margaret that he wouldn't hire her until she was able to reach the top shelf. Margaret returned a few months later and, with a little ingenuity, was able to reach the top shelf. She was hired.

Margaret was aware of the different social classes when she went to school, aware of what others had that she may not have had. Though she never went hungry, or without warm clothes, her family was poor. But Margaret worked hard from an early age and achieved much success in her life, moving her from the poor, lower class to the respected and affluent upper class. "Her siblings chose conventional lives, leaving them in roughly the same social class in which they began. Margaret's energy and drive would lead her in a very different direction."(Sherman, p. 13)

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