Email Page | Print Page
 

Bay Village Chapter

Bay Village

Founded 1947

One of the first state leagues to be founded in 1920 was the League of Women Voters of Ohio. A provisional league in the Village of Bay was started in 1947, with Mrs. James J. Austin as president. The LWV Bay Village received its state charter in 1948. Mrs. Ervin Luecke was elected president of the recognized League and led the group on its first study, a charter form of government for Bay. It was approved by voters on April 12, 1949.

According to the late George Serb, long-time League member and community historian, the first League candidates night was held in the Bay Community House on October 1948 for state and county office elections. Because of a heavy snowfall, the audience was sparse. Few candidates showed up. One in particular who came was Anthony Celebreze, who later became Mayor of Cleveland. During his mayoral term, President Kennedy called upon him to join his cabinet as Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, followed by a judicial appointment.

In the ensuing 60 years, the Bay LWV has studied a variety of public policy issues and provided voter information on candidates and issues critical to the community. Although the names and faces have changed -- along with its name, the Bay Village Chapter of the League of Women Voters Cuyahoga Area is committed to continue the tradition of education and advocacy begun in 1948.

City of Bay Village Website