Jennie Loitman Barron Papers
Scope and Content Note
This collection contains a notebook with judicial case notes recorded by JLB; a copy of the “Guest of Honor” award from the American Jewish Literary Foundation, a photocopy of the Testimonial Dinner with Mrs. Caroline K. Simon, Secretary of New York State, an undated campaign flyer supporting JLB as the first mother of the School Committee, and an award letter for Mr. and Mrs. Ezra Andelman recognizing their contribution to the welfare of their community in Cambridge, reprinted from The Jewish Advocate on May 27, 1954. The connection between JLB and the Andelmans is unknown.
Dates
- undated, 1954-1960
Creator
Language of Materials
The collection is in English.
Access Restrictions
This collection is open for researcher use. Please contact us to request access or to make an appointment to view this collection at jhcreference@nehgs.org.
Use Restrictions
There may be some restrictions on the use of this collection. For more information contact jhcreference@nehgs.org.
Biographical Note
Jennie Loitman Barron was born in Boston, Massachusetts on October 12, 1891. She was educated at Girls’ High School in Boston and Boston University. After finishing a four-year degree in only three years, she was awarded her law degree two years later. JLB joined the suffragist movement while she was in college. She was the first president of the Boston University Equal Suffrage League, and she advocated for equal rights for women at many meetings sponsored by this group.
JLB married Samuel Barron in 1918. They had three daughters: Erma (Barron) Wernick, Joy (Barron) Rachlin, and Deborah (Barron) Blazar, who died in 1956.
JLB started her thirty-five year career as a judge in 1934 and was appointed by Massachusetts Governor Joseph B. Ely as a special justice of the Western Norfolk District. She was the first mother on the Boston School Committee, and the first female United States delegate to the United Nations Congress on Crime and Juvenile Delinquency. JLB became an Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Superior Court in 1957; she was the first woman to hold this position. In 1959, JLB was awarded the National Mother of the Year Award by American Mothers, Inc.
JLB died on March 28, 1969.
References
- Jewish Women's Archives Jewish Women in America-An Historical Encyclopedia, volume I (1950), p. 122-123. From http://jwa.org/thisweek/oct/13/1891/jennie-loitman-barron. Retrieved on 3/15/2012.
Chronology
- 1891
- Jennie Loitman Barron born in West End, Boston, Massachusetts.
- 1912
- Graduates from Boston University.
- 1914
- Receives her master of law from Boston University.
- 1918
- Marries Samuel Barron.
- 1934
- Begins her thirty-five year career as a judge.
- 1937
- Is named an associate justice of the Boston Municipal Court.
- 1957
- Becomes the first woman as an Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Superior Court.
- 1969
- Dies on March 28.
Extent
0.25 linear feet (1 manuscript box)
Abstract
Jennie Loitman Barron was a judge and suffragist. She earned her law degree and master of law at Boston University. As the first president of the Boston University Equal Suffrage League, JLB advocated for equal rights for women. In 1934 she was appointed by the Governor of Massachusetts as a special Justice of the Western Norfolk District. JLB was the first mother on the Boston School Committee, and the first female United States delegate to the United Nations Congress on Crime and Juvenile Delinquency. In 1957, JLB became the first woman who was an Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Superior Court. This collection contains notes for her judicial cases, “Guest of Honor” award and photograph of the event, campaign flyer supporting JLB as the first mother of the Boston School Committee, and award letter for Mr. and Mrs. Ezra Andelman.
Physical Location
Located in Boston, Mass.
Acquisition Information
Acquisition information is unknown.
Processing Information
Processed by Xingyan (Jessie) Xu, 2012
- Title
- Guide to the Jennie Loitman Barron Papers, P-547
- Author
- Processed by Xingyan (Jessie) Xu
- Date
- 2012
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
Repository Details
Part of the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center at American Ancestors Repository