Jeanne Bellamy (November 15, 1911 – March 21, 2004) was an American journalist and businesswoman who, along with Marjory Stoneman Douglas, advocated the creation of Everglades National Park and, later, against overuse of the natural resources of the park.[2][3]

Jeanne Bellamy
Black and white photo of Bellamy
Born(1911-11-15)November 15, 1911
Brooklyn, New York
DiedMarch 21, 2004(2004-03-21) (aged 92)
NationalityAmerican
Other namesJeanne Bellamy Bills[1]
Education
SpouseJohn T. Bills (d. 1967)[2]

Biography

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Born in Brooklyn, Bellamy's family moved to Florida when she was three.[2] She started her journalistic career in 1937 when she took a job as a reporter for the Miami Herald, eventually becoming the first woman editorial writer and courts reporter at the paper, as well as a member of its editorial board from 1951.[3][4][5] After her retirement from the paper in 1973, Bellamy became the first woman president of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce from 1977 to 1978,[2][6] and later, she represented Coral Gables on the governing board of the South Florida Water Management District from 1979 until 1983,[7][8] where she opposed any unnecessary use of the park's water resources.[9][10]

Bellamy was awarded the Thomas Barbour Medal for Conservation by Fairchild Tropical Garden in 1984.[2][4] She was also a member of the Society of Woman Geographers.[11] An annual scholarship is awarded by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce in recognition of Bellamy's civic service and time as chair of the organization.[7][12]

Publications

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  • "Newspapers of America's Last Frontier". Tequesta. 1 (12). Historical Society of Southern Florida. 1952. ISSN 0363-3705.

Further reading

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  • Eppinga, Jane (2008). They Made Their Mark: An Illustrated History of The Society of Woman Geographers. Globe Pequot. ISBN 978-0762745975.
  • Smiley, Nixon (1974). Knights of the fourth estate: The story of the Miami Herald. Banyan Books. ISBN 978-0912458427.

References

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  1. ^ Fielden, Jimmie (June 1946). "Miami Herald reporter Jeanne Bellamy Bills advises journalists from 6 Dade High Schools". Dade, Jr. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
  2. ^ a b c d e Fichtner, Maria (March 23, 2004). "Civic leader, Glades activist". Miami Herald. p. 1B.
  3. ^ a b Herald Staff (March 24, 2004). "A woman of firsts". Miami Herald. p. 24A.
  4. ^ a b "Jeanne Bellamy". Florida Memory. State Library and Archives of Florida. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
  5. ^ Herald Staff (May 20, 1985). "3 Herald employees receive award for community service". Miami Herald. p. 3D.
  6. ^ "Miami Poll Supports Gambling". The Ledger. Associated Press. August 22, 1977. p. 4A. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
  7. ^ a b "Jeanne B. Bellamy Obituary". Miami Herald. March 24, 2004. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
  8. ^ "Graham Makes Move To Save Everglades". Ocala Star-Banner. Associated Press. August 6, 1983. p. 7B. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
  9. ^ "Board moves to relieve park flooding". Boca Raton News. Associated Press. April 6, 1983. p. 3B. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
  10. ^ "Water Board Will Review Controversial Hendry Plan". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Associated Press. June 14, 1981. p. 13A. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
  11. ^ "SWG: Oral Histories". Society of Woman Geographers. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
  12. ^ Luna, Marilyn (June 13, 2012). "Greater Miami Chamber announces Jeanne Bellamy scholarship recipient". Brickell Tribune. Retrieved August 4, 2016.