Salt Lake Tribune May 8th 57 Nebraska Woman Takes Mother of Year Award NEW YORK, May 7 (UP)—A 68-year-old grandmother who was the first woman to serve as a United States senator from Nebraska and who headed a construction company for 15 years Tuesday was named American mother of 1957. Mrs. Hazel Hempel Abel, Lincoln, Neb., was honored as the American mother of 1957 at the annual awards luncheon of the American Mothers Committee, Inc., here. THE COMMITTEE said that Mrs. Abel, a mother of five and a grandmother of six, was selected because she measured up to the committee's six qualifications. They were: She was a successful mother and a member of a religious body. She embodied traits highly regarded in mothers. Her life and conduct exemplified the precepts of the golden rule. She was active in civic affairs, and was qualified to represent the mothers of America. Mrs. Abel served as a Republican senator from Nebraska from Nov. 8, 1954, to Dec. 31, 1954, after the seat was left open by the death of Sen. Dwight Griswold. She won the election over 15 men. FOLLOWING THE death of her husband, George Abel, in 1937, she took over the reins of the Abel Construction Co. and served as its president for 15 years. During this time Mrs. Abel put all five of her children through college. She had been a tireless worker toward the prevention of juvenile delinquency. In Nebraska she has been responsible for a stimulated interest in recodification of state children's laws, improved youth courts and a statewide juvenile probation system. Mrs. Hazel R, Abel . . . Wins crown as American mom, '57.