Allegany County Maryland--Women

Hazel Groves Hansrote was a well-known preservationist and long-time historian, writer, and researcher of local and state history. In the early 1970s she served as Chair of the Allegany County Committee of the Maryland Historical Trust. Along with Mary C. Miltenberger (1934-2024) she also served as a co-editor of the Heritage Press, a monthly newspaper published by the Preservation Society of Allegany County which was founded in 1970.

In honor of Rotary International’s 25th anniversary celebration of women being accepted into Rotary membership, the Frostburg Rotary held a Salute to Women Reception recently at St John Episcopal Church in Frostburg. Frostburg Rotarians Vicky Peterson and Linda Brumage presented Service Above Self Awards to, seated, Sharon Robinson, left, and Jane Grindel, and standing, from left, Maureen Brewer, Peggy Kealy, Michaela Linn and Barb Armstrong. Not pictured are Barbara Ornstein and Diane Romaine.

1938 - First "Colored" Girl Scout Troop

The following three newspaper articles, or excerpts of articles, are from June, October, and November 1938, respectively. The articles provide some background on the formation of the first "colored" Girl Scout troop in Cumberland, which was initiated by Father Boniface Weckmann. Not mentioned in these articles is Romaine Franklin, who is featured elsewhere on this website, and who played a lead role in the formation of the troop.

Sandra Grandstaff was inducted into the Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in October 2006. A teacher from Allegany County, Sandy taught from 1961 until her retirement in 1995. Most of these years were spent as a Music Resource Teacher that had her traveling to elementary schools throughout the county.

Irene Grabenstein, 1922- 2017

The following are excerpts from Irene Grabenstein’s obituary as it appeared on the Scarpelli Funeral Home's website.

Mrs. Grabenstein was long-active in the region’s Catholic community, held numerous professional and civic positions and received many honors throughout her career:

“CUMBERLAND – Irene (Ley) Grabenstein, 94, of Cumberland, passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at the Western Maryland Health System Regional Medical Center.

Anne L. Gormer

Anne Gormer began her banking career in Allegany County in 1943 when she was first employed by Liberty Trust. She held a series of positions over the years rising to senior vice president in 1980, and eventually president of the Liberty Bank of Maryland in 1992. An earlier 1986 merger with WM Bancorp resulted in her being named a senior vice-president and director of the holding company.

Mary Elizabeth Garrett was America’s wealthiest female philanthropist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She had a tendency toward “social activism” and continued her father’s financial support of Johns Hopkins University. She provided critical financial backing to start its School of Medicine, but with a stipulation that female students be admitted on the same terms as men, thus initiating Johns Hopkins as the first co-educational university teaching center for women physicians.

Bernice Friedland, Businesswoman

On April 5, 2017 Bernice Friedland received special recognition and was honored at the Sixth Annual Allegany County Women’s History celebration conducted at Allegany College of Maryland.

Bernice Friedland is a former high school teacher and retired Cumberland small business owner ("Tots to Teens" along with her late husband Arthur Friedland.)

Romaine Franklin, 1917 - 2016

Born in Cumberland in 1917, Romaine Franklin is one of two daughters born to the late Charles and Gettie Gilmore Denson. Her mother was a native of Piedmont, West Virginia. Romaine is a 1933 graduate of Frederick Street School, later known as Carver High School. In a 2001 newspaper article she notes that despite living near the old Greene Street Junior High School, segregation required her to walk across town.

Joy W. Douglas, Businesswoman and Civic Leader


The following is excerpted from an obituary appearing on the Scarpelli Funeral Home of Cumberland, Maryland website, October 26, 2019. The excerpt focuses upon the professional and community contributions of Joy W. Douglas (1927-2019).

”Born in Cumberland, Joy Douglas was the daughter of the late Alvin H. and Elizabeth Hauger Wilson. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, W. Bruce Douglas; their infant daughter, Margaret Jean; and her brother, Alvin L. Wilson.