Leah C. Chittenden, 1884-1972

Mrs. Leah C. Chittenden was an Akron school-teacher who was active in several educational organizations.

Chittenden was a member of the North Hill Literary Club from 1918-1919 and she served on the club's advisory board. She held the position of first vice president of the Akron Home and School League in 1925 and she was chairman of the Department of Applied Education.

In addition to her educational interests, Chittenden was the recording secretary of the Akron and Summit County Federation of Women's Clubs and librarian of the Federation's Garden Club. Beginning in 1919, she was supervisor of all the city garden work. In the mid 1920s, Chittenden was on a committee to help organize a speakers bureau for the Community Chest campaign, which was the forerunner of United Way. She attended Church Hill Methodist Church.

Chittenden, who was born in Salem, Ind., lived in Akron for 41 years until retiring to Florida in 1949. She was married to Thomas A. Chittenden, who was a high school teacher. When she died, Chittenden left two sons, Walter and Thomas. The Chittendens resided on Glenwood Avenue.

Chittenden died in 1972 in Florida after a long illness. She is buried there.

Photo courtesy of the Beacon Journal.

--Janelle Baltputnis