Collection: Betty Penson-Ward papers

Summary

A variety of materials, primarily dealing with Betty Penson-Ward's career as a journalist, research materials on a variety of topics, and correspondence. Of special interest are notes compiled for "Who's who of Idaho Women of the Past," published in cooperation with the Idaho Commission on Women's Programs.

Dates

Creation: 1956 - 1994

Biographical Note

Betty Butler Penson-Ward was born in Boise in 1914 and attended local schools, graduating from Boise High School. She attended Boise junior College and Links School of Business.

Ward began her journalistic work as a proof-reader for the Boise Capital News and progressed to being church and society editor. In 1937, she began her career with the Idaho Statesman as society editor. She worked there until her retirement in 1975. She also worked for a brief time for the Seattle Times, wrote numerous anecdotal pieces, and published several books, including "Who's Who of Idaho Women of the Past: A Reference Dictionary" (1981) and "Idaho Women in HIstory: Big and Little Biographies and Other Gender Stories" (1991).

Ward was active in Idaho Press Women, receiving numerous awards from that organization. She also served on the Idaho Commission on Women's Programs, along with other activities. She worked to advance the rights of women, particularly in the work place.