W E I V Modesto BIG
Women’s History
There have been many milestones in our country recently and even here in our community. The first woman vice president was elected giving a new voice to women across the USA and even around the world, still we are behind the curve when many other countries have had women leaders, prime ministers and presidents. There are women in Modesto’s history that have really made their marks, and one of the best legacies you can leave is the next generation that get involved and make a difference. We are just highlighting a few of the women that have made such a difference and some of these are making a difference now and are currently inspiring. I know that there are many more and we invite you to add to this group and send in your tribute to info@modestoview.com and we will publish on line.
Rose Maddox 1938 Modesto, a poor farm food-picking family in Modesto found an escape through music. With the hard work of Fred Maddox, the Maddox family found a lead singer for a KTRB radio show sponsored by Rice Furniture. Her other brother Clay Maddox played guitar to Fred’s innovative and ground breaking slappin’ bass. After WWII, the Maddox family sound gained nationwide attention, creating a new Rockabilly sound that entertained and inspired, even a young Elvis and his bassist Bill Black and generations of rockin’ cats through today and it all started here.
Odessa Johnson
From a westbound train from the segregated south to Modesto as a teacher, Odessa Johnson blazed trails. She was a highschool classmate of Jesse Jackson and her escape from the segregated south was to get an education. She taught at Modesto High until 1970 and then became an MJC counselor. She ran for office and served on the Modesto City School board, and then served UC Regent until 2012 representing the central valley. She was awarded an NAACP award in 2020 and served with the Soroptimist International of Modesto, AAUW, and Delta Kappa Gamma, inspiring a new generation of leaders.
14
MODESTO VIEW MAGAZINE
Bette Belle Smith Born in Modesto she lived a life of community service that started early. Bette Belle was a dancer when she was young and became really engaged in the community as she became a banker. She was named Woman of Year, Soroptimist International, in 1958 and went on to receive just about every honor possible for her generosity, willingness to volunteer and her secret sauce was to get others to volunteer. Throughout the 1970s to the 2000s, her desk at the bank was location of many “an ask” (to which you could not say no) to get involved. Her requests were irresistible and worthwhile. She was a fixture as Mrs. Modesto, Mrs. Claus, Christmas Angel for Salvation Army and at her regular spot at the summer MoBand concerts with her husband Jean where she regularly offered cookies. Our volunteer spirit in our community is strong thanks to Bette Belle.
Peggy Mensinger Peggy was Modesto’s first woman mayor, serving from 1979 – 1987. She was a native Modestan and grew up on the area fruit drying farms, ultimately attending Stanford University. She ran and was elected to Modesto City Council in 1973. She was a strong advocate of recycling, village concepts for development, farmland preservation and campaign finance reform. She was very active with PTA, Girl Scouts and developing volunteerism with her friend Bette Belle Smith. She lead an early effort to build a performing arts center in the 1970s. She was always very friendly, humble and offered a warm welcome to her home on Magnolia.
Marie Gallo She is Modesto’s best friend for the performing arts. Born Marie Damrell, she was trained in classical piano and performed extensively. Married to Bob Gallo and raising a large family, Marie became a force for the performing arts, working tirelessly to bring a professional performing arts center to Modesto. The Gallo Center for the Arts was the work of the strong willed Marie and her amazing army of volunteers and fund-raisers. Marie has been honored by many groups and her passion for the community and the arts was infectious and successful. Her legacy, donations, and inspiration for excellence, giving and volunteerism has inspired many that will take us to new places.
FOR MORE MODESTO INFO: www.modestoview.com
