“VOTE FOR WOMAN SUFFRAGE AMENDMENT No 1"

HSSM_1988.77_Overall.jpeg

Title

“VOTE FOR WOMAN SUFFRAGE AMENDMENT No 1"

Creator

Annin & Co

Provenance Information

1988.77

Date Created

1917

Format

textile

REDC Region

Notes

This large (10 ½ feet X 9 ½ feet) double-sided canvas and net street banner was made for the 1917 referendum on women’s suffrage in New York State. The failure of passage in 1915 was a huge disappointment, but the New York State Woman Suffrage Association was determined to redouble their efforts and to hold as many public events throughout the state as possible throughout 1916 and 1917. This large banner was made for outside, street use, and speaks to the public acceptance of parades and outdoor gatherings. Rochester, Utica and other upstate cities hosted parades as well as New York City.

It is believed that this banner was used at conventions and parades throughout the state during the 1917 campaigns; documentation efforts are ongoing. The banner is big and bold, and like all suffrage publications and posters, represents the combined efforts of many, many women giving nickels and dimes to support the cause. “Suffrage Sacrifice Week” was not just a poster by Rosie O’Neill, but also an actual statewide campaign in 1916 to energize and personally involve more women in advocacy. The prominent inclusion of the Union label on the banner is in itself an example of leadership’s awareness of the need to extend voice to working women.

The activism of the Howland family quietly supported social justice movements that made a significant difference in their time and serve as an example of how the efforts of a few can make a difference in the lives of many. Emily and Isabel Howland saved suffrage materials, including this street banner, probably because they realized that these items told the story of the long struggle to achieve the vote and the importance of many people working together in an organized way.

The banner also tells the story of changing attitudes. Parades rapidly became accepted after Maud Malone got women marching in New York City in 1908. By 1912 and 1913, Isabel and Emily Howland were marching (or riding in newfangled cars). Originally against parades, Carrie Chapman Catt changed her mind, recognizing that society had begun to accept new roles for women. World War I brought more women into the work force and more advocates for suffrage. Our banner dates from 1917 and like all suffrage materials, helped normalize the idea of suffrage as it urged men to vote.

The story of women's suffrage in New York State is the story of an underrepresented community making their voices heard as loudly as possible. Parades, demonstrations, posters, and street banners were among the many ways in which women told their story of inequality and unjust treatment. Because of its size, this particular banner tells the story in a unique and dramatic way, allowing visitors to imagine marching in the streets of New York, bringing the message to all people everywhere.

Citation

““VOTE FOR WOMAN SUFFRAGE AMENDMENT No 1",” Flipping The Narrative, accessed February 10, 2025, https://flippingthenarrative.omeka.net/items/show/8.

Geolocation