SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 19
(By Senators Dittmar and Craigo)
Commemorating Joanne Finnicum Strode as the first woman to serve
as mayor in the state of West Virginia.
Whereas, Joanne Finnicum Strode was married to Andrew E.
Strode and resided with her family in Mason City, Mason County,
West Virginia; and
Whereas, Andrew E. Strode was elected and served as mayor
from 1930 to 1932, when an untimely automobile accident claimed
his life; and
Whereas, Joanne Finnicum Strode, a nurse by profession, was
nominated and elected by the town council of Mason to fulfill her
husband's unexpired term as mayor; and
Whereas, Joanne Finnicum Strode served as West Virginia's
first woman mayor from 1932 to 1933; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That Joanne Finnicum Strode is hereby commemorated and
recognized as the first woman to serve as mayor in the state of
West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the family of Mrs. Joanne
Finnicum Strode.