January 4,1964
From:The Valley Daily News
FIRST WOMAN TO BE SEATED ON SPRINGDALE COUNCIL
There will be a new look when Springdale Borough Council convenes at 8 P.M. Monday.
For the first time in borough history, a woman will be among member sworn into office. She is Mrs. William T. Holland, 379 North Street, Springdale.
Her choice by Springdale residents is not the result of a fiery feminist campaign but simply a natural outcome of a series of events.
Mrs. Holland, the former Charlotte H. Shallenberger, had been interested in the workings of local government for many years. Her father W.O. Shallenberger, served Springdale Borough Council for almost 30 years and his daughter maintained an alert interest in government affairs.
Last spring, after ballots for the May primary election were printed, several women of the Republican committee contacted Mrs. Holland and asked which would interest her, to serve on school board or council.
Quite naturally she said council seemed more interesting to her. What she didn't realize was that the women understood her response to be an expression of willingness to run for a council seat, and they opened a campaign for write-ins of Mrs. Holland's name on the May ballot.
When it became apparent the campaign was being taken seriously by others Mrs. Holland began to take it seriously herself. Almost at the last minute she had name stickers printed.
Despite ballots discounted because some voters wrote her name incorrectly, Mrs. Holland received enough votes to appear on the general election ballot in November.
Wife of a Springdale physician, Mrs. Holland never before sought public office. Her intention to take her post seriously, however, is reflected in the fact that she recently completed a course in political science at the University of Pittsburgh.
"While the course didn't place emphasis on local government," she said, "It did begin with local government, and it seemed the more I attended classes the more interesting and fascinating it grew."
Some faith in the possibility of being elected is indicated by the fact that the political science course preceded general election. On the other hand, news of her choice by the voters came as a surprise.
Dr. and Mrs. Holland were in Texas on the November day. Prior to making a trip to the West Coast and Texas they had submitted absentee ballots, and as distance made Springdale more remote it also made more remote thoughts of being elected.
When a daughter telephoned the news she had to repeat it three times before Mrs. Holland was able to comprehend that she now was Springdale's first councilwoman.
Apart from her keen interest in the town's affairs and her course in political science, the councilwoman has other qualifications for her post.
A professional vocalist, she had done a great deal of radio work and has acquired poise and understanding which make it easy for her to work with the public.
For 15 years Mrs. Holland was a soprano soloist at Third Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, and often has sung in Pittsburgh's Temple Rodef Shalom. As soloist with the Westinghouse Male Chorus, she did a considerable amount of traveling.
In college she undertook a number of general courses in addition to her musical studies. She was graduated by Irving Music Conservatory in Mechanicsburgh and attended Pittsburgh Business Academy.
When the Allegheny Valley Branch of the Woman's Auxiliary to Citizens General Hospital, New Kensington, was formed she was chosen its first president.
She also has been active in the New Kensington Branch of the Women's Auxiliary to Westmoreland County Medical Society and is a member of the Springdale Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star. Mrs. Holland is a member of the board of Springdale Free Public Library.
In addition to being a profession, music is Mrs. Holland's chief hobby. She also enjoys playing bridge and reading, has done a great deal of needlepoint work and collects odd pieces of china.
The Hollands are parents of four children. They have 11 grandchildren.
Mr. Shallenberger asked his daughter why she wanted to serve on council, a question she quickly tossed back to the veteran councilman.
Her reasons aren't difficult to fathom. She has a deep concern in Springdale's welfare and a genuine interest in learning how best to serve her town.
While the attractive woman has no intention of becoming a firebrand or controversial figure she does want to learn how council can improve Springdale.
Specific items she has mentioned are the need for clearance of hazardous conditions that exist when the rubble of burned and destroyed buildings is allowed to remain, and the need for improved lighting.
"I want to know the reasons for the against all the issues that come up," Mrs. Holland said, "It isn't right to take a position on one side if you don't know both sides before you make your judgment."
"You may not always be right even then, but there are a lot of things that could be done to make our town more attractive and give it better government. What it takes is a lot of working together."
Working together with Mrs. Holland is likely to prove stimulating and pleasant. And since she believes all citizens should be kept informed on what council decides and why and how it makes the decisions, the effect of a woman on council should soon be a matter of public information.
