Peck, Grace Olivier, 1898-1978

Grace Olivier Peck (1898-1979) was born in Portland, Or., to Jules Olivier and Geneva Young.

From the guide to the Grace Olivier Peck papers, 1914-1973, (Oregon Historical Society Research Library)

Grace Olivier Peck (1898-1979) was born in Portland, Or., to Jules Olivier and Geneva Young.

In 1936, she married Raymond Peck, a family friend. Peck was elected to the Oregon State Legislature in 1948 and served until 1950. She was elected again in 1956 and served from 1957 until 1977. Peck focused on improving conditions for the disabled, poor, and imprisoned. An addition to the Women's Correctional Institute in Salem was named in her honor. Peck was also known for her abundant supply of candy and flowers, which drew many legislators and discussions to her desk. She was defeated in the 1976 Democratic primary by W. Rod Monroe, who based his campaign mainly upon her advanced age.

From the description of Grace Olivier Peck papers, 1914-1973. (Oregon Historical Society Research Library). WorldCat record id: 741780590

Grace Olivier Peck (1898-1979) was born in Portland, Or., to Jules Olivier and Geneva Young. After her parents separated, she spent her childhood with her mother and at her grandfather's home in the Goose Hollow area of Portland. Many members of the extended family lived in Michigan. Peck's father was a steamboat pilot, and before his retirement in 1921, he sailed the Tanana and Yukon Rivers out of Fairbanks, Alaska. Her younger brother, Arthur, also lived and worked in Alaska. After graduating from Chapman School, Lincoln High School, and Behnke-Walker Business College, Peck worked as a legal secretary and stenographer for Portland attorneys, Latourette and Latourette. She was then employed as a timekeeper in the Vancouver shipyards and served as shop steward for the office employees' union. She also worked in the real estate industry.

Peck married salesman Vernon Maxwell and lived for several years in San Francisco and Oakland, Calif. They returned to Portland in 1927 and separated in 1930. In 1936, she married Raymond Peck, a family friend. With her father, they moved into the house at 2324 SE Ivon Street, which Jules Olivier had purchased in 1914. Later, it was designated the Grace Peck House. The Pecks separated in 1941, and Grace did not remarry.

Peck was elected to the Oregon State Legislature in 1948 and served until 1950. She was elected again in 1956 and served from 1957 until 1977. Peck focused on improving conditions for the disabled, poor, and imprisoned. An addition to the Women's Correctional Institute in Salem was named in her honor. Peck was also known for her abundant supply of candy and flowers, which drew many legislators and discussions to her desk. She was defeated in the 1976 Democratic primary by W. Rod Monroe, who based his campaign mainly upon her advanced age.

Peck was active in patriotic and Catholic groups, such as the Catholic Daughters of America and Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic. She suffered an incapacitating stroke in 1977 and died in 1979.

From the guide to the Grace Olivier Peck photographs collection, circa 1890-1977, (Oregon Historical Society)