Abigail Scott Duniway, Oregon’s ardent–and long suffering–advocate for woman suffrage, would have been been 178 years old today. Back in 1912, Oregon’s leading suffragists gave Abigail a huge party. Abigail was ailing by then, and Dr. Viola Coe took over much of the suffrage work.
Here’s what The Oregonian had to say about it:
A most unique party was given by Dr. Coe, October 22nd, shortly before election, in the great Gipsy Smith Auditorium, the occasion being Mrs. Duniway’s 78th birthday. The beneficiary was carried in a wheeled chair to an artistically decorated platform, amid the applause of assembled thousands.”
In this photo, Abigail is standing in the upper left, assisted by two men. I’d like to think that every eligible female voter in Oregon will send in a ballot in November 6th in Abigail’s honor. Now that would be a fine birthday present indeed.
My name is Ruth. I write books and articles for children and young adults. Blue Thread is my eleventh book, and the first one in which I have knowingly stretched the truth.