Ellen S. Woodward: New Deal Advocate for Women

Ellen S. Woodward (1887-1971) was touted as Roosevelts second most powerful woman appointee. Among American women only Eleanor Roosevelt and Labor Department Secretary Frances Perkins could claim more elevated roles in the circle of FDRs administration.

This long overdue biography of such a remarkable leader traces Woodwards odyssey from the parlors of her Mississippi clubwomen associates to a position as director of womens work relief under three successive New Deal agencies from 1933 to 1938.

Swain depicts Woodward in the vital roles she took in alleviating the working womans plight. Particularly rich is Swains account of Woodwards attempts to remain vital in policymaking during the Truman era, when Eleanor Roosevelt was no longer the central figure of the womens coterie.

Without minimizing the limitations of the programs under Woodwards aegis, Swain gives ample attention to the operation and internal dynamics of her ambitious projects. Though some of Woodwards project proved to be disappointing, others became rich legacies for programs in later administrations.