Delphine Feminear Thomas facts for kids
Delphine Feminear Thomas (October 1, 1890 – July 22, 1963) was an important American educator and community leader. She lived in Auburn, Alabama, and worked hard to improve education and help people in her community.
Growing Up and School
Delphine Feminear was born in Bay Minette, Alabama. Her parents were Joseph and Delphine Byrne Feminear. She loved learning and graduated from Troy State Normal School in 1910. This school helped train people to become teachers. She also took a summer class for teachers at the University of Alabama in 1914.
Her Work as an Educator
Delphine started her career as a high school teacher in rural Pike County, Alabama. In 1913, she became the principal of a school in Edgewater, a mining town.
In 1915, she gave a speech about "Homes for Rural Teachers." She was also chosen as the vice president of the Alabama Educational Association. This group helps teachers and schools in Alabama.
From 1919, Thomas worked in the English department at Auburn University. While she was there, she volunteered as a nurse. This was during the 1918 flu pandemic, a time when many people were sick. In 1930, she taught junior high school at the Marietta Johnson School of Organic Education in Fairhope.
Helping Her Community
Delphine Thomas was a very active person in her community.
- She started Auburn's first Girl Scout troop.
- She also organized the first girls' 4-H Club programs. These clubs teach young people important skills.
- She was involved in politics and the Alabama Congress of Parents and Teachers.
- She was also active in the Auburn Methodist Church and helped with the American Red Cross.
In 1938, she wrote an essay called "Some Facts About the Alabama Poll Tax Laws." This essay was printed in newspapers across the state. Poll taxes were fees people had to pay to vote. These laws made it harder for some people to vote.
From 1941 to 1953, she served on the Alabama State Personnel Board. This board helps manage state employees. A report from 1916 said, "She has made herself a place in the grateful affections of thousands who live in the rural districts on account of her work with canning clubs and in supervising rural schools." This shows how much she helped people in the countryside.
Family Life
In 1916, Delphine Feminear married Albert Lee Thomas. He was an engineering professor. They had a son, Albert Lee Thomas Jr., and a daughter, Delphine Thomas Cain.
Delphine Feminear Thomas passed away in Auburn in 1963. She was 72 years old and died just a few weeks after her husband. In 1977, she was nominated for the Alabama Women's Hall of Fame. This honor recognized her as an important educator and community leader.