Time out on Juneau Afternoon to remember one of Alaska’s most beloved political figures — Katie Hurley, who would have turned 100-years-old this Tuesday, March 30th. Hurley died in February, a month short of reaching this milestone. But in her 99 years, her influence spanned several generations of Alaskans.
Listen to interviews with Mary Lou Sparck, who knew Hurley as her church choir director when she was ten years old. Vic Fischer, a long time friend and political ally, also has quite a few good stories to share — from their first meeting in Territorial Gov. Ernest Gruening’s office, where she worked as an assistant — to her role as chief clerk of Alaska’s constitutional convention, in which Fischer was a delegate.
Katie Hurley’s life in politics began as a civil servant, when she worked as Territorial Gov. Ernest Gruening’s assistant.
Katie Hurley’s wedding reception was held at the Governor’s mansion. Katie invited kids in her church choir to be a part of the celebration.
Katie Hurley was the Chief Clerk of the Alaska Constitutional Convention, held at the University of Alaska Fairbanks from 1955-1956 (Photo by Steve McCutcheon, courtesy of the Hurley family).
Katie Hurley wore many political hats over the years: Assistant to Territorial Gov. Ernest Gruening, Secretary of the Territorial Senate, Chief Clerk of the Alaska Constitutional Convention. She was later elected to the legislature and was the first Alaska woman to run for statewide office.
