Elizabeth Jeter Greene

Elizabeth Jeter Greene (1890 - February 25, 1973) was an American suffragist, and civic leader from New London, Connecticut.

Biography

Greene was born in Arlington, Virginia in 1890.[1] She came to New London, Connecticut in 1903.[2] Before her 18th birthday, Green married Samuel Jeter and the couple had a daughter.[3] Later, in the 1920s, she was remarried to Isham "Erskin" Greene.[4]

During World War I, in 1917, Greene created an organization of Black women called "The Canteen," to serve traveling Black soldiers with layovers in New London.[5] The Canteen provided incoming troops with entertainment and lodging.[6] After WWI, the organization went through several name changes, later becoming the Negro Welfare Council and the New London Service League.[5][7]

Greene also created "bi-racial" day care centers in New London for children.[8] In 1924, she opened an art school to the public.[9] She was involved with the Northeastern Federation of Colored Women's Clubs.[10]

Greene supported woman's suffrage and was a founding member of the New London chapter of the League of Women Voters and remained active in politics through her life.[11] Formerly, she was president of the Republican Woman's Club, and later switched to the Democratic Party.[12][13] She was recognized for her civic work by New London mayor, Richard R. Martin, in 1971, when he declared December 3 "Jeter Green Day."[14]

Greene died in a nursing home in Waterford, Connecticut on February 25, 1973.[15][2] She was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.[15]

References

  1. ^ "The War Canteen: Mutual Aid in Early 20th Century New London - Segregation and Community on New London's Hempstead Street". Segregation and Community on New London’s Hempstead Street: A Public History Project. 2023-09-12. Retrieved 2025-11-22.
  2. ^ a b "Elizabeth J. Greene Dies; Civic Leader". Hartford Courant. 1973-02-27. p. 1. Retrieved 2025-11-22 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ Taylor 2022, p. 24.
  4. ^ Taylor 2022, p. 26-27.
  5. ^ a b Close, Stacey (1996). "African Americans in New London: A Short Perspective". In Kanzler, Carmelina Como (ed.). New London: A History of its People. City of New London 350th Anniversary Celebration. p. 45 – via Internet Archive.
  6. ^ Linwood W. Bland (2001). A View from the Sixties: The Black Experience in Southeastern Connecticut: A Memoir. New London, Connecticut: New London County Historical Society, Inc. p. 21.
  7. ^ "Chest Council's Sub-Committee Heads Approved". The Day. 1926-04-23. p. 4. Retrieved 2025-11-22 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ "E. Jeter Greene". The Day. 1973-02-28. p. 14. Retrieved 2025-11-22 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ "New School Will Open Here Nov. 12". The Day. 1924-11-07. p. 5. Retrieved 2025-11-22 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ "Mrs. Greene Is Chosen Delegate". The Day. 1926-07-19. p. 7. Retrieved 2025-11-22 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ "Mrs. Greene, 82, Dies; Negro Suffragette". Bridgeport Telegram. 1973-02-27. p. 27. Retrieved 2025-11-22 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ "200 Honor Mrs. Greene For Years of Service". The Day. 1971-12-04. p. 2. Retrieved 2025-11-22 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ^ Stewart, D. Y. (1924-11-15). "Connecticut". The Chicago Defender. p. 23. Retrieved 2025-11-22 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ "Opinion of The Day". The Day. 1971-12-08. p. 30. Retrieved 2025-11-22 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ a b "Obituary for Elizabeth (Jeter) GREENE". The Day. 1973-02-26. p. 29. Retrieved 2025-11-22 – via Newspapers.com.

Sources

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