Building named for state’s first elected woman

A refurbished state building was officially dedicated today in honor of the first woman elected to statewide office. In 1932, Ola Babcock Miller was elected Iowa Secretary of State, and she won re-election twice. The Old State Historical Building, across the street to the northeast from the statehouse, has recently undergone extensive renovations and been renamed in her honor. Miller was born in 1872 and was active in the movement to get women the right to vote. Her most notable achievement as Secretary of State was convinced legislators that Iowa needed a state agency to enforce highway safety laws. The Iowa Highway Patrol was established in 1935 — and Miller was put in charge of the 50 male troopers.