Many outstanding educators devote their energy to social causes. One of these was Lucia Ellen Camp, a teacher who worked tirelessly for the passage of women’s suffrage during the 19th century.

Lucia was born on Oct. 7, 1851, in Stowe, Vermont. Her father, Asa Camp, was a merchant. He also served his community as a senator for Lamoille County, a director of the Waterbury Bank, the State Inspector of Finance, and a member of the Stowe City Council. Tragically, when Lucia was only eight years old, her mother died of smallpox. Later her father remarried to Harriet Camp. Lucia already had one brother, and her father’s second marriage produced four younger siblings for Lucia, all of whom relocated to Minnesota with Asa and Harriet when the couple moved there in 1872. But Lucia Camp chose to remain in Vermont.

As a child, Lucia was an excellent student who earned high grades and numerous academic awards. In 1869, at the age of 18, she inaugurated her career as a schoolteacher. In addition, she was an active member of the community in Stowe, organizing and participating in fundraisers and other events, all the while continuing to teach. By 1874, Lucia accepted a position at the Green Mountain Seminary in Waterbury Center. Before long she was appointed the school’s Assistant Principal. At the age of 24, she became the Superintendent of Schools in Stowe.

Lucia became a bride on Oct. 17, 1876, when she married Fred Blanchard, the owner of a hardware store. The couple moved to Montpelier and started their family. They had three daughters. Lucia became active in her new community, and by 1900 she was serving on the School Board Committee for Buildings and Repairs.

In 1915, Lucia Blanchard was selected the President of the Vermont Equal Suffrage Association (VESA). She stepped down the following year to become their treasurer, holding that position until the Nineteenth Amendment was passed in 1920. During these years, Lucia worked tirelessly for the Women’s Suffrage Movement, writing to legislators and encouraging others to do the same. She also organized the annual VESA State Convention in Burlington in 1919.

Lucia Camp Blanchard lived in Montpelier until she passed away on Feb. 21, 1933. She was 81 years old. She is interred at Green Mountain Cemetery in Montpelier, Vermont. To learn more about this Chalkboard Champion, click on this link to NAWSA.