Downtown in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Rep. Roberta West Nicholson
1903-1987
Photographed By Tom Bosse, November 20, 2022
1. Rep. Roberta West Nicholson Marker (Front)
Social reformer Roberta West Nicholson moved to Indianapolis ca. 1925. She co-founded the Indiana Birth Control League in 1932, renamed Planned Parenthood. As state representative, Nicholson sponsored a 1935 “Heart Balm Bill” that outlawed suing partners for broken engagements and infidelity, inspiring similar legislation and national discussion about women’s equality.
In the 1930s, Nicholson served as WPA Director of Women’s and Professional Projects in Marion County. In her work with the local Service Men’s Center, she procured recreational facilities for Black soldiers in WWII. She directed the city’s Social Hygiene Association from 1943 to 1960 and was awarded a lifetime board membership for her work with the Children’s Bureau.
Erected 2021 by Indiana Historical Bureau, Family and Friends of Roberta West Nicholson. (Marker Number 49.2021.1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Civil Rights • Government & Politics • Science & Medicine • War, World II • Women. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers, and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Indiana State Meeting of the Christian Churches (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Zerelda G. Wallace (about 600 feet away); The Wilson (about 700 feet away); Athenaeum (approx. 0.2 miles away); Glencoe Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); American Legion Mall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Roberts Park United Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Veterans Memorial Plaza (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.
Also see . . . Roberta West Nicholson. (Submitted on November 21, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Tom Bosse, November 20, 2022
2. Rep. Roberta West Nicholson Marker (Back)
Photographed By Tom Bosse, November 20, 2022
3. Rep. Roberta West Nicholson Marker
Photographed By Tom Bosse, November 20, 2022
4. Rep. Roberta West Nicholson Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 65 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 21, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
