Olyphant in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Loretto Perfectus Walsh

Photographed By PaulwC3, August 4, 2013

1. Loretto Perfectus Walsh Marker

Inscription. Recognized as the first woman to enlist in the U.S. Navy--on March 21, 1917, sixteen days before the nation entered WWI. As a Chief Yeoman (F), she served in Philadelphia; was discharged 1919. Born (1896) and raised in Olyphant; died in 1925.

Erected 1995 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, World I • Women. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 21, 2005.

Location. 41° 28.19′ N, 75° 36.301′ W. Marker is in Olyphant, Pennsylvania, in Lackawanna County. Marker is at the intersection of West Lackawanna Avenue (State Highway 347) and Willow Avenue, on the right when traveling west on West Lackawanna Avenue. The marker located in front of the Olyphant American Legion, Raymond Henry Post 327 facing West Lackawanna Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 Willow Avenue, Olyphant PA 18447, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Nestor Chylak (within shouting distance of this marker); War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Olyphant Coal Miners Memorial

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); John J. Morelli (about 600 feet away); SS. Cyril & Methodius Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (about 700 feet away); The Olyphant Heritage Development Strategy (about 800 feet away); Queen City Station (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Olyphant.

Also see . . .
1. The Navy’s First Enlisted Women, 19 March 1917 | Naval History Blog. (Submitted on August 21, 2013, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)
2. Sailors Honor Life and Legacy of First Female CPO. (Submitted on August 21, 2013, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)
3. Marker damaged in car crash. (Submitted on June 10, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

Additional commentary.
1. Spelling of first name.
Apparently the marker contains a misspelling of her first name. Instead of 'Loretto', her name actually is 'Loretta'.

— Submitted June 10, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.

Wide view of the Loretto Perfectus Walsh Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By PaulwC3, August 4, 2013

2. Wide view of the Loretto Perfectus Walsh Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2013, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. This page has been viewed 531 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 21, 2013, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.