History of the Republican Women Of the South

The Republican women's clubs gained foot in Alabama when Mary Ellen Miller moved to mobile from Oklahoma.  She involved Mobile women in electing the first Republican mayor since Reconstruction.  Mary Ellen and Miss Olive Spann of Georgiana, Alabama traveled over the state to speak with the ladies group interested in politics. 

On a rainy spring day in 1970, Miss Spann met with our own Frances Wideman and hosted a meeting with some twenty interested ladies.  The ladies formed a club, held regular meetings to educate themselves on the issues and candidates and supported Republicans for election.  Dues were set at $10.  The dues cover costs of our yearbook, postage, and dues to state and national.  The meetings were held at the First National Bank, Vestavia, elections held for the first officers, bylaws adopted, programs planned over coffee and cookies and an enthusiastic group of ladies got to work.

Back in 1970, Alabama was an all Democrat state having elected only one Republican to the Alabama House (Bert Nettles of Mobile).

Later the meeting location was changed to Southtrust Bank, Hoover.  In 1981 they held their first wine and cheese fundraiser, in 1983 sold T-shirts to members and in 1989 sold coffee mugs designed by Tom Immler.

The meeting location changed to Green Valley Country Club, and then later changed to Vestavia Country Club, where we are now currently meeting. 

In 1993, we began a raffle with Alabama/Auburn football tickets donated by Representative John Hawkins (deceased 2004) and was one of the clubs most successful fundraisers.

Members have been in the Alabama Federation, on State and County Republican Executive Commitees, elected to local, county and state offices, and were delegates to several National Republican  Conventions.

Frances Wideman, our founder, said,"We are proud our efforts have been largely responsible for strides made in Republicans elected to national, state, county and city offices.  Our current goal is to keep a Republican Governor and elect a majority in our Legislature to lead Alabama to the heights to which our state has the potential."

RWOS has enjoyed numerous opportunites for interaction with candidates for public office at every level, and we enjoyed exccellant speakers who have covered many varied topics.  Our 2009 year promises to be exciting as we prepare for the 2010 election cycle when we will choose our next Governor and Alabama Legislature....... won't YOU JOIN US?