Janis Torrence-Laughlin papers

Collection

Identifier: IWA0125

Staff Only

The papers of Janis Torrence-Laughlin date from 1976 to 1990 and measure 7 linear inches, with thebulk of the materials dating before 1986. The papers are arranged in five series: Correspondence, Memorabilia, Newspaper clippings, Photographs, and Scrapbook. The papers are especially useful forresearching women's role in local politics.

The Correspondence series(1980-1985) contains letters and cards from legislators, friends, campaignworkers and constituents regarding Torrence-Laughlin's political life, herhealth and her resignation from the legislature. There is little substantive correspondence regarding herpolitical career.

The Memorabilia series(1976-1985) contains election papers, legislative materials, politicalinvitations and campaign materials.

The Newspaper clippings series (1977-1990) consists of campaign ads, news articles and columns about Torrence-Laughlin or about issues and people in which she had an interest. Of particular interest are the Legislator Update columns she wrote for the local newspapers in her district. These presented her positions on specificissues and views about the political process in the legislature.

Photographs (1976-1985)contain campaign and political photographs, mostly undated.

The Scrapbook series (1976-1982)covers Torrence's Muscatine County Supervisor career.

Dates

1976-1990

Creator

Torrence-Laughlin, Janis, 1926-2014 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

The papers are open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Extent

7.00 linear inches

Photographs in Box 1. other_unmapped

Additional Description

Abstract

Muscatine County Supervisor from 1976 to 1982 and Representative in the Iowa Legislature from 1983 to 1985.

Biographical / Historical

Janis Torrence was a Muscatine County Supervisor and an Iowa State Representative affiliated with the Republican Party. She was born Janis Irene Bein at home in rural Montpelier Township, Muscatine County, Iowa on September 13, 1926 to Raymond I. Bein and Gladys Bohnsack Bein. She graduated from Wilton High School and in 1945 married John Torrence. They adopted two children, Ronald and Barbara. Janis and John Torrence divorced in 1983. Janis Torrence worked at banks in Muscatine and Wilton, then held various Muscatine County Courthouse positions for sixteen years. Her political career was triggered by her involvement in Concerned Citizens Organization, a grassroots movement opposed to a zoning ordinance. Torrence decided to run for County Supervisor. She was elected and served for two terms, a total of six years (1976-1982). During her second term as County Supervisor Torrence ran and was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives, District 57. Torrence served from 1983 through 1985. Three days before the end of the 1983 legislative session, Torrence suffered a mild stroke. She was successful in her bid for re-election in 1984, but resigned for health reasons late in 1985 and moved to Arizona. She married James Laughlin in 1986.