Justice Elizabeth A. Garry discussing Janet Hill Gordon, the first woman elected to the New York State Assembly. (Photo by Alan Stevens)

By Evening Sun Staff Writer Alan Stevens

NORWICH – “But what I didn't realize at the time was this: That what I did with my life was the real miracle God had given me. And although I could not raise the dead, I could wake the living. And that, in itself, was an act of God.”

These lines were spoken during Maryann Johnson's electrifying performance as the nineteenth century politician, Belva Ann Lockwood.

Her performance ended Thursday evening's special program celebrating the historical contributions of female political figures, hosted by the Chenango County Historical Society and the Tri-County Chapter of New York State Women, Inc.

The event commemorated Women's Equality Day.

The first half of the program was dedicated to vignettes about three important politicians; Practitioner Meta L. Cowles of Greene, State Assemblywoman Janet Hill Gordon of Norwich, and presiding Justice Elizabeth A. Garry of South New Berlin.

Garry herself attended the event and received special recognition by the event organizers.