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15, 2001 Hattie W. Caraway Stamp replica donated to ASU Museum Local historians are taking steps to ensure that the late U.S. Senator Hattie W. Caraway of Jonesboro, a woman of many "firsts," will be remembered here for years to come.  The U.S. Postal Service recently issued a postage stamp commemorating Senator Caraway and her public service. The stamp replica which was unveiled in public ceremonies in Jonesboro and Little Rock was donated today to the Arkansas State University Museum. John DeWitt, Jonesboro postmaster, presented the replica to Dr. Les Wyatt, president of ASU, who accepted the gift on behalf of the university. DeWitt said he believed the ASU Museum would be the most fitting permanent home for the replica, which will be part of an exhibit in the senator’s honor. As the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate, Caraway was the inspiration for a group of Arkansas women, including current U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln, who formed the Caraway Club in 1998. The stamp itself was a "first" for Senator Caraway, since she became the first Arkansan to be commemorated on a U.S. postage stamp for accomplishments benefitting her home state. Another "first" for the late Senator occurred at what was then Arkansas State College. In May of 1934, she received the first honorary doctorate in the institution’s history. Only nine other individuals have been so honored in more than 90 years of ASU’s existence. Frank Sloan of Jonesboro, a stamp collector who also is interested in local history, encouraged the Postal Service to conduct the stamp ceremony in Jonesboro, in recognition of Senator Caraway’s legacy in this region and in Arkansas. On the occasion of the stamp unveiling earlier this year, Jonesboro Mayor Hubert Brodell issued a proclamation recognizing Mrs. Caraway not only for her Senate service, but for her role as a local citizen and her support of Arkansas State University. A resident of Jonesboro for nearly 50 years, she reared her family, attended church, and participated in community and civic organizations, according to the proclamation. Her career in the Senate, 1931 through 1944, brought credit to Arkansas and the nation. She was appointed to the Senate in November 1931 to succeed her late husband, Senator Thaddeus H. Caraway, then later was elected in her own right to two full terms. Several of Mrs. Caraway’s relatives still reside in the area and attended the Museum ceremony. # # # |
 University Communications Office Jonesboro, Arkansas Staff: Tom Moore Straley Snipes Vic Nelson 870-972-3056 fax 870-972-3069 Send mail: ASUnews@astate.edu Links: List of News/Announcements Upcoming Public Events About ASU ASU Home Page |
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