Identifier
MA 20
Dates
1918-1987
Extent
0.42 linear feet [1 document case]
Abstract
Gladys Pyle (1890–1989) was a pioneering South Dakota politician and the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate without prior appointment. A graduate of Huron College, she taught high school before becoming the first woman elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives (1923–1927) and later serving as Secretary of State (1927–1931). She was also active in the women’s suffrage movement. In 1938, Pyle won a special election to the U.S. Senate, serving briefly from November 9, 1938, to January 3, 1939. Researchers Jeanette Kinyon and Jean Walz, known for their historical and biographical work, began compiling materials for a biography of Pyle in 1981, conducting interviews and gathering historical records.
The Incredible Gladys Pyle Collection contains clippings, correspondence, financial records, manuscripts, research materials, transcripts, and audiocassettes documenting Pyle’s political career and personal life. It includes book advertisements, correspondence about its publication, and manuscripts under two titles. Audio recordings capture Pyle’s reflections on her career, as well as discussions on political and social issues. The collection serves as a valuable resource for understanding Pyle’s legacy as a political trailblazer, preserving firsthand accounts of her experiences and contributions to South Dakota and national politics.
SDSU Archives and Special Collections
This document is a descriptive inventory of the collection in the SDSU Archives and Special Collections. It contains:
- An overview of the collection, including information about the person or organization and a brief description of the materials and subjects found within.
- A detailed inventory listing, organized by boxes and folders.
- Information on how to access the materials, including any restrictions or special conditions.
In most cases, the materials in the collections have not been digitized and are not available online. If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at:
- Information request form: Ask Us!
- Telephone: 605-688-5094
- Email: arcrefs@sdstate.edu
Language
English
Publisher
South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.
Recommended Citation
In Copyright: This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s). Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, publicity, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected Materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.