Belle Reeves

FIRST SECRETARY OF STATE 1938-1948

Born on an Ohio farm, Reeves moved to Washington and made history as a pioneer newspaper publisher.
In 1938, Washington Governor Clarence Martin named the ever-conscientious Reeves Secretary of State.
Billed the “Sweetheart of Washington,” Reeves dedicated more than a quarter century to public service and recruited other women candidates.
The Secretary was memorialized by the first — and to date only — State Funeral in the House Chamber on January 5, 1948.

"This is not only an honorto me, but to all thewomen of the state."