Women of Sandy
If you’ve been following the tour you have just brushed past two of the women of Sandy, Alice Scales (Site 7) and Blanche Shelley (Sites 6 & 7).
Blanche Shelley
Blanche Shelley was elected mayor of Sandy in 1919 and Alice Scales along with Edna Esson were elected to the city council that same year. Keep in mind that women had not won the right to vote until the passage of the 19th Amendment in August of 1920. Of course, that says as much about the independent mind of this community as it does about these trail blazing women. These women were also business leaders in the community.
Nettie Connett
One of the most colorful characters of this community’s past would have to be Nettie Connett. Carefree and flamboyant, Nettie always made life more interesting and gave people something to talk about. Hotel owner, restaurant owner, land dealer, logger, hunter, trapper, bounty hunter, forest-fire fighter, gambler, timber dealer (and rumors of a moonshine still) are all included in her many occupations. She used the taverns in Sandy as her office to make her land and timber deals. Nettie died in 1964 at the age of 84, but to this day if you mention her name in the presence of locals you will stir up a lively conversation! Interested in learning more about Nettie? Check out the books for sale at the museum.
