FEDERATION PROFILE

Although the Montana Federation affiliated with the NFRW in 1938, Republican women's clubs were active earlier. According to a 1971 history, the GOP was at a low point in 1936, and Party leaders felt that a new approach was necessary. The Montana Party turned to Republican women's clubs for help at the precinct level. Mrs. L.O. Evans, National Committeewoman from Montana, began organizing the clubs. Mrs. Burley Miller, Mrs. Lynde Catlin, Mrs. Ray Dockery and Gladys Gullard, all of whom later served as state president, met and organized the Montana Federation. Over the years, the only continuing Party organizations in some counties have been Republican women's clubs.

The Montana Federation is divided into eight regions and has 20 clubs. Members host candidate events, raise money, donate funds, operate phone banks and get-out-the-vote efforts, and run campaign schools. Clubs sponsor awareness campaigns in their communities and participate in fairs and parades. In addition, the Montana Federation launched award-winning Republican women television and newspaper advertisements. 

Past presidents include:
Jean Bartlett
Arla Jeanne Murray
Billie Love
Betty Paulsen, 1996-97
Helen Kellicut, 1992-95
Barbara Ford, 1990-91
Jo Kurz, 1988-89
Judy Johnson, 1986-87
Terry Mannix, 1982-85
Ella Mae Cromer, 1979-82
Maggie Speer, 1975-78
Jean Birch, 1971-74
Jeanne Amsberry, 1968-71
Ada Nash, 1965-68
Anne M. Roe, 1962-65
Ona M. Wright, 1959-62
Mrs. Lynde Catlin (founding)

Publisher's Note: Text published as provided by Montana FRW.

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