Women’s History Month: remembering the legacy of Thelma Stovall

HART CO., Ky.-Thelma Stovall was the first female Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky and a trailblazer for women in politics. 

“She ran for office nine times in Kentucky. 3 for the House of Representatives, then she ran in 55, 59, 63, 67, 71, 75, and 79,” said Munfordville lawyer Charles Williams. 

And she only lost once.

Before finding success and recognition in politics, Thelma grew up with the odds stacked against her in Hart County.

Charles Williams’ grandparents lived next to Thelma’s family in Woodsonville. 

“The Hawkins family didn’t have the money to pay the nickel toll,” said Williams. 

Clever even as a child, Thelma found a way to bypass the toll and get to Munfordville. 

“They would have to go down to the river which was beside Munfordville, and cross the river, because it’s always shallow except in flood times,” said Williams. 

Humble beginnings that propelled Thelma into a successful career in government. A time when not many women had a political career.

“There’s even a story about her standing outside the men’s bathroom having a meeting, the men were inside talking about bills they wanted to pass and asking her questions through the door,” said Hart County Historical Society board member Marsha Lenz. 

She often took action when the Governor left the state. One of her biggest achievements was passing the Equal Rights Amendment when Governor Carroll left Kentucky while the legislature was in session. 

“When he went across the river, Thelma issued a veto of that refusal to ratify and that ratified it. so Kentucky became the first southern state to ratify it cuz of Thelma,” said Williams. 

Her legacy will live on forever across the Commonwealth, but especially in Hart County. 

The bridge she used to cross as a little girl was near a park that is now named after her. 

“The city government wanted to know what they could do and I said well why don’t you name that park down here for Thelma,” said Williams.