Hannah Paul Solomon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hannah Paul Solomon
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Hannah Paul Solomon, from a 1970 newspaper
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| Born | October 10, 1908 Fort Yukon, District of Alaska, U.S.
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| Died | September 16, 2011 (aged 102) Fairbanks, Alaska, U.S.
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| Occupation | Community leader, artist |
| Spouse(s) |
Paul Solomon
(m. 1927; died 1973) |
| Children | 14, including Jonathon |
Hannah Paul Solomon (born Mardow; October 10, 1908 – September 16, 2011) was an important leader and artist from Alaska. She made history as the first female mayor of Fort Yukon, Alaska. Hannah also helped start the Fairbanks Native Association, an organization that supports Native people. For her amazing work, she was added to the Alaska Women's Hall of Fame in 2012. Her beautiful traditional beadwork can be seen in several museums today.
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Early Life in Alaska
Hannah Paul Solomon was born in 1908 in Rampart, Alaska. This small village is located on the Porcupine River, close to the border between Canada and Alaska. Her first language was Gwich'in, which is spoken by many Native people in the region.
When she was young, Hannah was adopted by Mardow and Eliza Mardow, who were older Athabascan parents. She went to a one-room school in Fort Yukon. This school was run by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which worked with Native American communities.
A Leader in Her Community
Hannah Solomon was a very active and important person in her community. She helped create the Fairbanks Native Association and the Fairbanks Native Community Center. She worked on these projects with her good friend Poldine Carlo and other dedicated people. These groups helped Native people in the Fairbanks area.
Hannah also served on the board of directors for the Gwichyaa Zhee Corporation. She was involved with other big organizations too, like Doyon Limited, the Tanana Chiefs Conference, and the Alaska Federation of Natives. These groups work to protect the rights and interests of Native Alaskans.
In 1960, Hannah was part of the first city council in Fort Yukon. Soon after, she became the first woman ever elected as mayor of the city. This was a big step for women in leadership in Alaska. In 1991, she shared her life story in an interview for the University of Alaska Fairbanks Rasmuson Library's Oral History Collection. Her contributions were recognized when she was inducted into the Alaska Women's Hall of Fame in 2012.
Her Beautiful Beadwork
Hannah Solomon was also well-known for her traditional beadwork. She learned this skill when she was young. "When I was young we had nothing to do when we got home from school so I learned to sew," she explained in 1965.
In 1967, she showed off her beadwork skills at a special event called the Alaska 67 Centennial Exposition. Her art was part of an exhibit called "Native Village." You can find items made by Hannah in museums like the Rasmuson Museum in Anchorage and the Alaska Native Medical Center. A video about her amazing art was even shown at the Sheldon Jackson Museum in 1988 and 1990.
Family and Lasting Impact
Hannah Mardow married Paul Solomon in 1927. Paul was a trapper and a carpenter. Together, they had 14 children, including the well-known activist Jonathon Solomon. Hannah became a widow when her husband passed away in 1973.
Hannah Paul Solomon lived a long and full life, passing away in 2011 at the age of 102. She died at her home in Fairbanks. To honor her legacy, the Fairbanks Native Association gives out an award every year called the Hannah Paul Solomon “Woman of Courage” Award. This award celebrates people who show great bravery and leadership, just like Hannah did.
Images for kids
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Hannah Paul Solomon, from a 1970 newspaper
