Margaret Chase Smith was a famous Maine politician. She was a United States Senator and was at one time considered to run for the president of the country. Margaret was born in Skowhegan, Maine in 1897. She was the oldest of six children. Her father was a barber and being in his shop was where she became interested in politics.

Margaret worked at several jobs including being a waitress in the Skowhegan area. She met her future husband while working as an operator for the local telephone company. His name was Clyde Smith and they were married in 1930. A few years later Clyde was in the House of Representatives and they moved to Washington.

Margaret's husband died of a heart attack and he wanted Margaret to take over for him as Maine's Representative. Margaret won a big election and went to Washington on her own. She became known as a thoughtful leader. She stood up for what she believed.

After being in the House of Representatives for eight years she did something that few people thought she could do. She ran for the U.S. Senate. This was not often done at that time in 1947 and most people did not think she would win. She did! She was not the first woman to be in the Senate, but she was the first to win a full 6 year term on her own.

While in the Senate, Margaret was a very hard worker. She worked for women's rights and was on many committees that were important to Maine and the country. She helped bring about the Equal Rights Amendment. She also worked very hard to help make the United States strong. She believed in a strong military.

Margaret was well known for keeping in touch with the people of Maine. She came home as often as she could and often would leave Washington on Friday night and come to Maine for a meeting on Friday. She worked tirelessly and would take work with her even on vacation.

She enjoyed gardening and since she couldn't do as much as she wanted to she always wore a red rose on her jacket. This became her trademark wherever she went.

In 1964 Margaret was running for President of the United States. She didn't win the Republican nomination, but she continued to fight for women's rights and became very well known throughout the country. A few years later in 1972, she lost the election for Senator and left Washington to return to Maine.

She continued to work hard for Maine. She started a library in Skowhegan, visited many colleges and other schools, and always worked for the rights of women. She won many honors including the Maine Women's Hall of Fame and the Medal of Freedom. She was truly a famous Maine woman.

Adams, Herb and Verde, Tom. Maine's Claim to Fame. Augusta: Maine Department of Education, date on publication not available.