I just discovered that some Pennsylvania state assembly members have introduced a bill to name a stretch of Pennsylvania road the “Dr. Betty Hayes Memorial Highway,” in honor of the subject of my 2021 book, A Mighty Force: Dr. Elizabeth Hayes and Her War for Public Health.
The bill, drafted in July 2022, was referred to the Pennsylvania House’s transportation committee. If enacted, this would be a fitting tribute to Hayes, who for years fought for the improvement of living conditions in north-central Pennsylvania’s Bennett’s Valley. The section of Route 255 proposed for the naming runs through the area, where Hayes drove over unpaved roads in all kinds of weather to see her patients.
The idea for the highway naming originated at a May meeting of the Elk County Board of Commissioners. As Marilyn Secco reported in the DuBois Courier Express, “
“Former Elk County Commissioner Christine Gavazzi . . . addressed the commissioners, asking that a letter be drafted to state Rep. Michael Armanini seeking approval of a Highway Memorial Sign on State Route 255 in honor of Force native Dr. Betty Hayes.
Gavazzi referenced the book, A Mighty Force by Marcia Biederman. The book details the work of Hayes beginning in 1942 after her father’s death when she took over his practice and served as company doctor for the miners working for the Shawmut Mining Company. She fought tirelessly for improved living and working conditions for the people of Force and Byrnedale. There was no sanitary sewage system, and raw sewage ran through ditches. Water was contaminated by outdoor privies and the owner of the towns, Shawmut Mining Company, refused to remedy the situation. Dr. Betty attracted national attention and eventually won her fight to improve living conditions in these mining towns.
The commissioners agreed that the recognition of Dr. Betty Hayes’ accomplishments by placing a sign along Route 255 was appropriate. Commissioner Matthew Quesenberry read the letter drafted by the commissioners that will be sent to Armanini in support of the sign.”
If any action is taken on the measure, I’ll post updates.
