Twelve Women Who Shaped The History Of Concord
by Carol Longshore
As we honor women this special month of March, many who have shaped Concord’s history come to mind.
Colleen Coll
Let me start with Colleen Coll, daughter of Tom Coll, a high powered lawyer, mayor and a city council member, following her father's footsteps, served on the council for 15 years in the 1980’s and 90’s.
During that time, Concord was in the heart of development and Coll was monumental in bringing Child Care into to city and the Brendan Theatre into action.
Ruth Galindo
Ruth Galindo taught Spanish at Mt. Diablo High School for her entire career and she later donated her house to the Concord Historical Society. Ruth was a founding member of the Concord Historical Society which was established in 1970 and helped to save many of the historical buildings in Concord.
The Galindo Home is open for tours every 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month from 1PM to 4PM. Learn more here.
Charlotte Ballinger
Charlotte Ballinger is one of the Concord Historical Society's founding members. A mailman was once quoted saying, “Who are you, a celebrity? Never have I delivered so many Christmas Cards to one person!" and with a twinkle in her eye she said, “Well, I was an elementary school teacher and music teacher, and a mother advisor to the Rainbow Girls for 60 years.”
After her husband died in 1953, she went back to teaching for 19 years at Concord Elementary.
Laura Hoffmeister
Laura Hoffmeister, the longest serving council member and now the Mayor of the City of Concord, has accomplished many actions for the people of Concord throughout the years. Her mother, Georgia, also worked for the City of Concord for years and set an example for her daughter to serve the people.
Betty Martin Barnes
Betty Martin Barnes, an Executive Secretary for the construction firm, Martin Brothers, was a major donor to the Concord Historical Society and has the Event Center Hall named after her. The stage in the Hall also housed a harmonica concert for our pride and joy, Dave Brubeck, when he was just 6 years old!
Vivian Boyd
Vivian Boyd, educator and President of the Concord Historical Society is leading the growth of the Heritage Center where the Galindo home and Concord Museum and Event Center previously known as the Masonic Temple, are located.
Carlyn Obringer
Carlyn Obringer who is credited with studying the issues, talking to the people and working with the people of Concord, which has made her a favorite of the community.
Sister Marygrace Puchac
Sister Marygrace is the Executive Director of East Bay Services for Developmentally Disabled Adults. One of her accomplishments was receiving a grant from HUD to build the first DDA housing project. Another was acquiring the historic Adobe building and transforming the building to a wellness center.
Carolyn Lehmer Anderson
Carolyn Lehmer Anderson is the owner of the 2nd generation Pioneer Automobile Dealership and has been active with the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Concord for many years.
June Bulman
June Bulman was the first woman Mayor and the first woman elected to the Concord City Council who with guidance and direction, established the Lime Ridge Open Space and the first outdoor Vietnam War Memorial Hill in Newhall Park where 34 trees are planted to honor the soldiers that Concord and Clayton lost in the war.
Bertha Romaine
Bertha Romaine was the principal of Mt. Diablo High School from 1917 to 1948. She applied as a mechanical drawing teacher and was appointed right away as principal. She was well respected and loved by the students and community.
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