Tag: 2012

Oregon Women’s Suffrage Centennial

Posted on by srabun@uoregon.edu

As the November 2012 Presidential election draws near, American voters are faced with many issues to deliberate and decisions to be made. Precisely 100 years ago, only American men were allowed to cast their votes for the next president. While women across the country would have to wait until 1921 to be considered eligible voters in national elections, women in Oregon were granted equal suffrage in state elections in November 1912, making this year’s election the Oregon women’s suffrage centennial.

Newspaper clipping features a photograph of two women in an automobile with text that reads, "Off to get votes for women!"
The Evening herald. (Klamath Falls, Or.) May 27, 1916, PAGE FOUR, Image 4. http://tinyurl.com/boez4ug

The campaign for women’s suffrage in Oregon began as early as 1870, and the issue was raised on the Oregon ballot six times (1884, 1900, 1906, 1908, 1910, and 1912), more than any other state (Jensen). The most prominent leader of the Oregon suffrage movement  was Abigail Scott Duniway (1834-1915), best known for her suffragist newspaper, The New Northwest, published in Portland, Oregon from 1871-1887.

Clipping from The New Northwest newspaper reads: "The New Northwest: Published in Portland, Oregon. Free Speech, free press, free people. A journal for the people. Devoted to the interests of Humanity. Independent in politics and religion. Alive to all issues, and thouroughly radical in opposing and exposing the wrongs of the masses. The New Northwest is not a woman's rights, but a human rights organ, devoted to whatever policy may be necessary to secure the greatest good to the greatest number. It knows no sex, no politics, no religion, no party, no color, no creed. Its foundation is, Universal Emancipation, Eternal Liberty, Untrammeled Progression."
The new Northwest. (Portland, Or.) April 12, 1872, Image 5. http://tinyurl.com/d3cz7u2

Duniway was born in Illinois and came to Oregon via the Oregon Trail with her family in 1852. After the long journey, she and her husband settled on a farm in Albany where she opened a millinery shop. As a female business owner, Duniway was frustrated that she was required to pay taxes, yet she was not allowed to vote. Additionally, she heard stories of abuse and disenfranchisement from many other women, and she decided to start campaigning for equal suffrage. Duniway moved her family to Portland in 1871, where she began to publish The New Northwest, advocating for women’s rights, human and workers’ rights, and equal suffrage.

Newspaper clipping reads: "Use the press for suffrage. Advice is given on how to get their ideas before the public. Initiative is discussed. Women debate problems of economic and political interest with a surprising grasp of subjects discussed."
The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) July 02, 1905, Page 10, Image 10. http://tinyurl.com/cfowncv

Duniway’s brother, Harvey Scott, was also in the newspaper industry, although he did no favors for his sister. Scott was the editor of the Portland Oregonian from 1866 to 1872, and he generally opposed Duniway’s stance on political, economic, and social issues. The siblings would argue back and forth through their respective newspapers, thus influencing their subscribers either for or against equal suffrage. If it had not been for Scott’s far-reaching editorials in the Oregonian, the issue of women’s suffrage in Oregon might have passed long before 1912.

A newspaper clipping from The New Northwest reads: The "Oregonian's" Views. The Oregonian, in a well written article, comes boldly out for Woman Suffrage. Bravo! While not agreeing with that journal in regard to the influence it will exert in politics, we are glad it acknowledges the abstract right of women to a voice in the Government. A correspondent of that paper attempts a reply, bringing forward the stale statement that politics will degrade women, but is effectually answered by the argument that if the corruption of politics requires the disenfranchisement of women to keep them honest and pure, the disenfranchisement of men should be demanded to also keep them uncontaminated. The cause is marching on. Who comes next?"
The new Northwest. (Portland, Or.) September 22, 1871, Image 2. http://tinyurl.com/cfoogj7

After years of persistent lobbying and rallying support for equal suffrage across the state and all over the Pacific Northwest, Duniway finally saw her dream become reality. On November 5, 1912, the men of Oregon voted 52% in favor of granting Oregon women the right to vote. At the age of 78, Duniway authored and signed Oregon’s Equal Suffrage Proclamation on November 30, 1912, and she has since been known as “Oregon’s Mother of Equal Suffrage.”

Newspaper article reads: "Equal Suffrage Effective Soon. Governor West said that when the time comes to issue the proclamation declaring women's suffrage in effect in Oregon he will go to Portland to the home of Mrs. Abigail Scott Duniway, requesting her to write out the proclamation in her own handwriting and he will sign it says a Salem dispatch to the Oregonian. The proclamation will thus become a part of the archives of the state in the handwriting of the pioneer women suffrage leader of the state. The law requires that within 30 days after the election, or as soon before that as possible, the Secretary of State shall canvass the votes on the measures in the presence of the Governor and the executive shall forthwith issue proclamations declaring such laws in effect. The Governor said that he intends to hurry the issuance of the proclamation as much as possible that the women may have an opportunity to vote on what city elections are held in the state this year."
Lake County examiner. (Lakeview, Lake County, Or.) November 21, 1912, Image 7. http://tinyurl.com/c2zbwjn

As we cast our votes this year, let us remember that Duniway  and countless women in Oregon, the Pacific Northwest, and across the United States campaigned tirelessly to achieve the equal voting rights that we enjoy today.

Newspaper clipping reads: "Fifty Years of Work. First convention held in 1848. Susan B. Anthony issued call for first convention. In five states equal suffrage has been submitted to voters. Colorado defeated it in 1871. Colorado voters passed it in 1893. In Washington, 1889, the adverse majority was 19,386; in 1898 it dropped to 2882. In South Dakota in 1893 suffrage was defeated by only 3285 votes. In Oregon in 1884 there were 11,223 votes for and 28,176 against it. In Oregon in 1900 there were 28,298 against and 26, 263 for it. Gains have been shown where the question has been put to the voters more than once."
The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) March 26, 1905, PART THREE, Page 32, Image 32. http://tinyurl.com/czqjlyk

Works cited:

Jensen, Kimberly. “Woman Suffrage in Oregon.” The Oregon Encyclopedia. Oregon History and Culture. Portland State University. 2008-2012.

Happy Leap Year!

Posted on by srabun@uoregon.edu
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The times dispatch. (Richmond, Va.) February 29, 1908, Page 2, Image 2, http://tinyurl.com/7r23ljd

To some, 2012 is just another year, and February 29th is just another day. But then there are those of us, writer included, who find rare excitement in the 366th day that exists only once every four years in the Gregorian calendar. Well, that is, once every four years unless the year is evenly divisible by 100 and also not evenly divisible by 400…Confusing? This clip from The Daily morning Astorian helps to explain:

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The Daily morning Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) February 28, 1884, Image 2, http://tinyurl.com/79zrvgg

Leap Years spice up the monotony of the common 365 day calendar, providing reasons for celebration and defiance of social norms, at least during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as covered by America’s historic newspapers. Dances and balls were often held in support of the tradition of Leap Year proposals, where women would propose marriage to the mate of their choice (discussed in one of our previous blogs: “Searching for Love in All the Right Pages”), and parties were thrown to celebrate the rare day. Leap Year proposals actually date back to the 17th century, and Leap Year newspaper feature writers still speculate about the tradition today.

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The Madras pioneer. (Madras, Crook County, Or.) December 21, 1911, Image 1, http://tinyurl.com/76s2f3v
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The Paducah evening sun. (Paducah, Ky.) February 29, 1908, Page 2, Image 2, http://tinyurl.com/88j6luw

Apparently, if a man were to refuse a woman’s marriage proposal on Leap Year day, he would be obligated to give the woman a silk gown and a kiss…but only if she was wearing a red petticoat when she popped the question. Of course, red petticoats, silk gowns, and strict gender roles are now antiquated notions, generally speaking. In today’s society, women can propose marriage, if they wish, on any day of any year, and women around the world now exercise freedoms that were once reserved for men only. For example, starting on February 29thof this year, the 19th annual Algarve Cup international women’s football tournament will be held in southern Portugal. The United States women’s national soccer team will be in attendance, among teams from several other countries. Also, modern women across the United States are free to vote in all political elections, and in fact, Oregon women have been eligible to vote since 1912, making 2012 the Oregon women’s suffrage centennial.  The political cartoon below illustrates an interesting relationship between leap year, traditions, and votes for women as perceived in 1920:

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The Evening herald. (Klamath Falls, Or.) January 13, 1920, Image 1, http://tinyurl.com/88l4g7s

Businesses have historically used Leap Year hype for advertising purposes, and consumers were free to celebrate the many sales that were held on Feb. 29thas well. While several businesses continue to offer deals on Leap Year day, it’s doubtful that we will ever see a 29 cent sale in the 21st century.

Los Angeles herald. (Los Angeles, Calif.) February 29, 1908, Page 12, Image 12, http://tinyurl.com/7w8b68k

While social traditions and market prices provide interesting food for thought this leap year, it is impossible to overlook the most curious implication of Leap Year day, which applies to all of the people born on Feb. 29th!  What is it like to technically only have a birthday every four years, if that?

Bandon recorder. (Bandon, Or.) March 07, 1901, Image 3, http://tinyurl.com/7nnllsy

Surely  you could celebrate on Feb. 28th or March 1st, but would it be the same? The limited occurrence of February 29th must make Leap Year birthdays all the more special…

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St. Paul daily globe. (Saint Paul, Minn.) February 29, 1896, Image 1, http://tinyurl.com/7po9vtv

While “Leaplings” or “Leapers” – as people born on Feb. 29th are often called – do not have a precise birth date anniversary every year, they do have the privilege of being the only people who can join the Honor Society of Leap Year Day Babies.

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The Guthrie daily leader. (Guthrie, Okla.) February 29, 1904, Image 1, http://tinyurl.com/7proy26

One thing is certain: babies born on February 29, 1916 in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, gained an advantage over the rest of us thanks to their rare birth date:

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The day book. (Chicago, Ill.) February 29, 1916, LAST EDITION, Image 25, http://tinyurl.com/85bn229

As the world continues to leap and bound into the future, remember that 100 years ago on Feb. 29th, people across the nation were celebrating the special day.

The times dispatch. (Richmond, Va.) February 29, 1912, Page 9, Image 9, http://tinyurl.com/7bb9tst

What will people be saying about Leap Year 100 years from now? Will they be looking back at our current newspapers to find interesting Leap Year clips? Perhaps we should start some new Leap Year traditions this year to give them something more to think about? Until then, happy birthday to all of the Leaplings out there, and have a happy and safe Leap Year!

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Also, in the spirit and honor of Black History Month, don’t forget that content from the Portland New Age, Oregon’s first African American newspaper, from 1896-1907, is available for searching and browsing online through Historic Oregon Newspapers, and offers a unique perspective on the history of African American culture in Oregon. A brief essay on the history of the New Age can be found here: http://oregonnews.uoregon.edu/history/newage/ .

Search and browse through historic African American newspapers from all states here: http://libguides.marist.edu/AfricanAmericanNews .

Is it 2012 yet?

Posted on by srabun@uoregon.edu

The end of every year brings the promise of a better year to come. Many begin to plan out their obligatory, “New Year’s Resolutions,” which usually range somewhere between losing weight to quitting their job and volunteering in Kenya.  No matter how you slice it, people want to start each year from scratch, with a clean slate, and with an opportunity to reach goals that might have been abandoned during the previous year. New Year’s Resolutions stem from all of us wanting to kick old vices to the curb and improve our lives, which explains why so many resolutions are similar and really don’t change much over the years. Take for example this New Year’s cartoon from the Wichita Daily Eagle. Two men vow to quit smoking for the New Year, placing a $50 bet on the resolution.  One of men must smoke, so he takes a small blimp up in the air where his friend will never catch him. But the blimp catches fire when he lights his cigarette, falling to the ground where he is caught in the act by his friend.

The Wichita daily eagle., December 27, 1903, EDITORIAL SECTION, Image 18 http://tinyurl.com/7oz8m9w

And in another New Year’s comic, a man resolves to stop swearing, but from the time he wakes up until he arrives at work he is put in many situations that would provoke him to swear.

The times dispatch., December 27, 1903, MAGAZINE SECTION, Image 21 http://tinyurl.com/7o5b3rb

Many people, like the characters in these comics, fail to keep their resolutions for very long, so it’s always encouraging to see when people actually succeed at their intentions, as unusual as their resolutions might be.  This gentleman resolved to not cut his hair until a democratic president was elected and has the mane to prove his dedication.

The day book., February 03, 1913, Image 22 http://tinyurl.com/86elkb8

Or this Eugenic couple, who vowed to be physically and mentally fit in order to improve the genetic make-up of the human population.

The day book., March 03, 1914, NOON EDITION, Image 11 http://tinyurl.com/6ocl8sl

There is always the hope that the New Year will bring joy and promise to all, no matter what their resolutions may be. From all of us at the Oregon Digital Newspaper Program, Happy New Year!

The Jasper news., December 27, 1917, Image 6 http://tinyurl.com/6omadcy