Images(2)

Button, Campaign

Object number2015.22.1480

Manufacturer Whitehead & Hoag Company

Date1915

MediumMetal; Celluloid; Paper

Credit LineThe Elaine B. and Carl Krasik Collection of Pennsylvania and Presidential Political Memorabilia

DescriptionCircular metal celluloid open-back button with vertical pinback. Front features a navy blue background with a white Pennsylvania keystone in the center. Blue text throughout keystone. White "ribbon" across lower section of keystone contains blue text. Maker's mark on reverse side.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 0.75 × 0.75 × 0.125 in. (1.9 × 1.9 × 0.3 cm)
Inscriptions"PENNA- / VOTES FOR WOMEN / 1915" on front of button.
MarksOn back paper: "THE WHITEHEAD & HOAG CO. / BUTTONS, / BADGES, / NOVELTIES, / AND SIGNS". Union label below this is illegible. Below this continues: "NEWARK, N.J.".
Historical NotesThis button represents an early attempt at women's suffrage in Pennsylvania before the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920. In 1913, the Pennsylvania legislature passed an amendment giving women of the state the right to vote. After a passionate campaign that included a state-wide tour of a replica of the Liberty Bell (called the Justice Bell) by the Pennsylvania Woman Suffrage Association, the amendment was sent to voters to ratify on November 2nd, 1915. The amendment failed to garner enough votes to be made into law. Pennsylvania women would receive the right to vote along with the rest of the country's women after ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

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