Preceded by Barclay Warburton Preceded by Benjamin A. Smith II Political party Republican Education Simmons College | Succeeded by Seat eliminated Succeeded by J. Stanley Boudreau Alma mater Simmons College Party Republican Party | |
Died 12 January 1995, Northfield, Vermont, United States | ||
Beatrice Keene (Webber) Corliss (October 21, 1910–January 12, 1995) was an American politician who served as the first female Mayor of Gloucester, Massachusetts.
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Early life and business career
Corliss was born on October 21, 1910 in Gloucester. She graduated from Simmons College. Professionally, she worked as an accountant for Birds Eye before becoming the assistant treasurer of Consolidated Lobster. She also aided her husband's business by picking strawberries and raspberries.
Political career
Corliss political involvement began as a member of the Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs of Gloucester, an organization whose activities included supporting candidates for appointed office.
In 1951, Corliss attempted her first run for office as a candidate for Gloucester school committee. She was successful and was reelected in 1953. In 1955, she was the highest vote-getter in the city council election and was elected mayor by her fellow councilors (at the time, the position of Mayor was a ceremonial one while the government was run by a city manager). She was reelected to the city council in 1957 and was once again chosen to serve as Mayor.
In 1960, Corliss was a candidate for the Massachusetts House of Representatives in the 2nd Essex District after incumbent Barclay Warburton chose to retire. As the district only included three wards in Gloucester, she had to branch out and campaign in the district's other municipalities (Amesbury Essex, Georgetown, Ipswich, Newbury, Rowley, and West Newbury). She defeated six male candidates to win the Republican nomination. During her tenure in the House, Corliss served on the Ways and Means, Towns, and Harbors and Public Lands committees.
Corliss was also a delegate to the 1960 Republican National Convention.
From 1964 to 1969, she served as the appointments secretary for Massachusetts Governor John A. Volpe.
Later life and death
Corliss and her husband later moved to Northfield, Vermont. She died on January 12, 1995 in Northfield.