Gladys Rae Swank collection (1948-1980)

Gladys Rae Swank was born 3 February 1900 in Adrian, Missouri. She moved with her parents to Wapato, Washington in 1908 and became a legal secretary in 1918. She moved to Lewiston, Idaho in 1921 and married Lewis R. Swank in 1925. Swank was involved in a variety of professional and political activities, including the Idaho Writers League, Idaho Press Women and the Nez Perce County Democratic Party. She became well known as a writer and photographer for the "Ruralite" "Clarkston Herald" and "Spokane Chronicle" and was the author of several books. She served two terms in the Idaho State legislature, 1965-1969. Swan actively promoted the Lewis and Clark Highway, Tri-State Memorial Hospital, and programs for youth, women and migrants.