CHARLOTTE "LOTTIE" DERN
President 1924-1925
Born October 23, 1875 in Fremont, Nebraska, Charlotte, known as "Lottie", was the daughter of William Steele Brown and Ida Belle Martin Brown. Charlotte figured prominently in the successful political career of her husband, George Henry Dern. They were married June 7, 1899 in Fremont and were the parents of seven children; one daughter died young. Known as a keen, capable woman, Mrs. Dern was lauded as being instrumental in husband's political career.
Her husband, George Dern, entered politics in 1914, running on a Democratic and Progressive ticket in a Utah state senate district encompassing Salt Lake County where he served two terms. He became Utah's sixth Governor serving from 1925 to 1933 defeating the Republican incumbent, Charles R. Mabey. Although neither a Republican nor a Mormon, he won by a plurality of 10,000 votes, 81,308 to 72,127, while the Republicans carried all the other statewide offices. Dern obviously had an incredible knack for reaching across party lines. During his administration, he took a leading role in resolving important interstate problems related to the building of the Boulder Dam on the Colorado River. Dern, whose state had the disadvantage of being upstream from the dam, staunchly defended the theory that, with the exception of navigation, the waters of western streams were state rather than federal resources. This controversy brought him into direct conflict with U.S. secretary of commerce Herbert Hoover, who was attempting to mediate the dispute for the Calvin Coolidge administration. He was appointed to a cabinet position by Roosevelt, serving as Secretary of War from 1933-1936. Dern passed away in 1936 at age 63.
From the Women's Democratic Club Meeting Minutes, January 4, 1925: One of the most enjoyable occasions in the history of the Women’s Democratic Club, was the meeting held at the home of Mrs. B.W. Musser, in honor of our retiring president Mrs. George H. Dern. Mrs. Landmesser, in a nicely worded expression of love for our Past President Mrs. Dern, and as a token of the love and esteem of the Democratic Club, presented her with a beautiful gold card case as 'First Lady of Utah’, wishing her every possible success and happiness, in her new field of work. Mrs. Dern expressed her thanks for the gift, and her appreciation of the cooperation of the members that she had enjoyed during her year as President. Mrs. Dern stated that she had established the last Thursday of each month as her “at home” day, and would particularly enjoy seeing the members on those days, and would expect their help and cooperation in making these functions a means of bringing the women of Salt Lake and Utah together for a common good. Mrs. Dern then introduced the new president Mrs. W.M. Stewart who expressed her appreciation at the honor. Mrs. Brower kindly responded to the request for one more number, which was appreciated by all. Mrs. Esther Husbands gave two very pleasing recitations in her usual happy way, which all enjoyed. Mrs. Hans Flo followed with two vocal solos, charmingly given, being accompanied by Miss Rowena Kors. Dainty refreshments were served. About 65 members were present and all expressed themselves as having a delightful time.
After the death of her husband, Mrs. Dern took up residence with her children in Philadelphia and Chicago, but gave her attention to the planting a section of Washington Memorial park in Parley's canyon dedicated to her husband.
She is also the grandmother of actor, Bruce Dern and great-grandmother of actress, Laura Dern. Charlotte passed away in 1952 and is buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery with her husband.
Sketch information from: WDC Meeting minutes from the Utah State Archives, copied by WDC Historian Mary Jane Taylor; The Ogden Standard Examiner Article, "Mrs Dern Rites Will Be Friday", published September 3, 1952.