Ruth Ellen Bascom was an American politician who served as the first female mayor of Eugene, Oregon, from 1993 until 1996.
Occupation
politician
Position held
Mayor of Eugene
Citizenship
United States
Born
February 4, 1926
Died
August 26, 2010
Overview
Ruth Ellen Bascom (; February 4, 1926 – August 26, 2010) was an American politician who served as the first female mayor of Eugene, Oregon, from 1993 until 1996.
Early life
Bascom was born Ruth Ellen Fenton in Ames, Iowa, the daughter of two university professors. She was raised in Manhattan, Kansas.
Career
As mayor, Bascom worked to revitalize downtown Eugene, removing a fountain that blocked traffic on Broadway and Willamette streets and creating bicycle and pedestrian paths. The Riverbank Trail System, which extends for twelve miles through the city along the Willamette River, is named for her.
Personal life
Bascom met her future husband, John U. Bascom, when the two were sixth-graders. The couple moved to Eugene in 1960 and had six children.
