YEARS OF PERSERVERANCE

Since 1894, Ohio women could vote in school board elections. Local suffragists fought for many years to extend that right to general elections. Explore the timeline below to learn more about the suffrage movement in Allen County at its height,
c. 1912 - 1920.

searching for voices

In the early 1900s in Allen County, many efforts of white suffragists were featured in local newspapers held in the Allen County Museum Microfilm Collection; while, efforts of suffragists of color were rarely mentioned. At times all women's organizations worked together. For example, women of color, who belonged to women's clubs separate from white women, and the men of the Second Baptist Church formed a division and marched alongside white suffragists in the 1914 Suffrage Day parade (see Lima Republican Gazette, October 21, 1914).

Yet, while working to uplift women, some white suffragists also furthered cultural stereotypes, demonstrating a separation between suffragists based upon race. On May 23-24, 1916, fifty members of the Business Women's Club performed "A Night in Melodyland," a minstrel show that included a sketch titled "The Colored Suffragettes" to raise money for a new gymnasium. Popular during this time, minstrel shows were comedic musical performances where white actors and actresses dressed in blackface that created exaggerated stereotypes of African Americans.

After the 19th Amendment passed, women of color who were citizens in Allen County voted in the 1920 presidential election. Learn more about Lila Gamble, who is believed to be the first woman to vote in a presidential election in Lima.

The Allen County Museum is still working to compile information on the work of suffragists of color. If you have any information that you would like to share, please contact, Brittany Venturella, Director of Curatorial Affairs, at bventurella@allencounty museum.org.

a closer look

1912: SUFFRAGE CAMPAIGN

Two month campaign using mass meetings and canvasing to promote woman suffrage.

1914: SUFFRAGE DAY

Allen County declared October 20, 1914 Suffrage Day, celebrating with a parade and famous visiting speakers.

1916: OWSA CONVENTION

Local suffragists hosted the Ohio Woman Suffrage Association annual convention.