Ella Grasso: Connecticut's Pioneering Governor

Acknowledgments

[ ix ] Ihad long hoped to write a book about my experiences as assistant to Governor Ella Grasso. The idea gained momentum as a result of dinner conversation years ago at Judge Anna Conn Forder’s home in St. Louis, Missouri. Numerous questions were asked about Ella Grasso that evening, demonstrating that there was real interest in learning about her unique career. As a result, I began the research and writing about Connecticut’s Pioneering Governor, the first American woman governor elected in her own right who did not succeed her husband in office. Ella’s husband, the late Dr. Thomas A. Grasso, encouraged me and agreed to several interviews spending many hours discussing his beloved Ella and her political career. The Grasso children, Susane and James, were always helpful to me throughout this long journey and shared numerous interesting observations about their mother and particularly their childhood in Windsor Locks. Members of the Governor’s office staff, political associates, Grasso administration Commissioners, state legislators, Grasso family friends, especially Yvonne Goldstein, reporters, and journalists provided insight and opinions that were forthright, thoughtful, and respectful of Ella Grasso. My gratitude is extended to each and every person who agreed to answer a multitude of questions about this pioneering woman politician. StateSenatorLindaMalconian(D-Mass.)wasespeciallyhelpfulregarding Ella’s years in Congress. Commissioner of Economic Development acknowledgments Acknowledgments [ x ] Edward Stockton spent a great deal of time with me recalling his close association with Ella Grasso during the gubernatorial years. I am indebted to him and Anthony Milano for their cooperation and insight into this engaging public figure. Dr. Nancy Lewinsohn, Chief of Staff during Ella Grasso’s Congressional years and who served in the same capacity in Hartford during the Governor’s first term, deserves special acknowledgement and appreciation for sharing her perspective on Ella Grasso—the person and politician. Her perceptive observations, recollections, and knowledge of government and politics provided interesting, often fascinating material about Governor Grasso, John Bailey, and other political figures. Nancy spent many long hours in conversations with me, and she also graciously read, reviewed, and critiqued the manuscript at every stage of its development. I benefitted enormously from her expertise and personal encouragement. Many individuals responded to my requests for interviews regarding Ella Grasso. Their names appear frequently throughout the book and in the chapter endnotes. They represent a wide circle of friends, political associates, staff colleagues, and public officials. All represent different phases of Governor Grasso’s life. Special gratitude is extended to her Mount Holyoke College classmates who gave generously of their time and recollections, helping me to understand Ella’s formative years at the college. Washington Post columnist David Broder was especially helpful with his observations about Ella Grasso as Secretary of the State and Governor of Connecticut. His masterful columns about John Bailey and Ella Grasso proved indispensable, and our personal discussion at the Post, a distinct pleasure. A very special word of appreciation is extended to the archives staff at Mount Holyoke College Library, especially archives librarian Patricia Albright, whose knowledge of the archival resources was boundless and Acknowledgments [ xi ] matched by her extensive understanding of Mt. Holyoke’s institutional history. Her unfailing kindness and professional courtesies added to the pleasure of my visits to the campus in South Hadley, Massachusetts. Ella Grasso’s Congressional papers are located there, as well as material about her undergraduate and graduate years. The Mount Holyoke College Archives abound with helpful material on Ella’s beloved mentor Professor Amy Hewes, whose influence on Ella Grasso and other Mount Holyoke students was profound. The outstanding staff at the Connecticut State Library Archives is commended for their many courtesies, patience, and assistance extended over many years. The extensive collection of Ella Grasso’s gubernatorial papers, photographs, and letters in the State Library Archives is vital to understanding her years as Governor of Connecticut. Information on the Hudson Shore Labor School is located at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library in Hyde Park, New York. Professor Amy Hewes’ study of women munitions workers at the Remington Firearms Plant was found at the Bridgeport, Connecticut Public Library. I appreciate the assistance that staff provided at both institutions. Several Southern Connecticut State University History Department colleagues, Richard Gerber, Lewis House, and Troy Rondinone, read various chapters of the manuscript, and they were always encouraging as this project wound its way through various stages of completion. Their advice is gratefully acknowledged. I thank...