Clara Latourell Larsson

Larsson became heavily involved in public life in Troutdale, serving as a clerk for the local school board.^[4] She also taught music at the city's school.^[5]

In 1912, women in Oregon gained the right to vote in elections within the state.^[4][6] A year later, in December 1913, Larsson defeated incumbent S.A. Edmunson, a saloonkeeper, by five votes to become mayor of Troutedale.^[1][4][7] When she took office in 1914, she became the city's first female mayor, as well as only the second female mayor statewide, after Clara C. Munson of Warrenton.^[1][4][8][9] She was also Troutdale's first Native American mayor.^[1]

Larsson served as a "voice of reason" in a rowdy saloon town, establishing the city's first library and its first speed limit, 15 miles per hour.^[4] She also spearheaded the city's rebuilding after parts of the area were damaged in a 1915 fire.^[4] She governed during the Temperance movement and Prohibition, overseeing—perhaps against her will—the shutdown of the city's saloons, including her own husband's, in 1915.^[1][10][11] The loss of income from saloon licensing fees forced the town to begin issuing taxes for the first time.^[10]

Larsson was re-elected and served two terms as mayor.^[1][4] Then, in 1924, her friend and fellow female activist Laura Bullock Harlow was elected to succeed her.^[4][7][8] However, Larsson remained in public office as a member of the Troutdale City Council, where she continued to serve until her death.^[2][4][5]

Larsson died in 1939.^[2][4]

Decades later, Troutdale erected a life-size bronze statue of Larsson, sculpted by Marlena Nielsen, in its Mayors Square.^[1][4][5]