Tag Archives: 4th of July

A 4th of July Tale: Suffrage movement related!

Do you know the story of five co-conspirators who crashed a national Fourth of July centennial celebration?

If not, you’re not alone.

Picture the scene: July 4, 1876. Philadelphia, PA.

A national celebration with visitors from all over the world.

The platform’s filled with dignitaries, but the co-conspirators wait until after the reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Susan B. Anthony’s ready to make a move along with: Matilda Joslyn Gage, Sara Andrews Spencer, Lillie Devereau Blake, Phoebe W. Couzins.

Anthony marches up to the platform filled with officials. She formally presents the Declaration of Rights of the Women of the United States, an update on the declaration from back in 1848 in Seneca Falls, New York.

THE MESSAGE: that the nation must not turn its back on the Unfinished American Revolution by denying women equality and the right to vote. Actual text.

After delivering the proclamation, Anthony and others distribute copies to the crowd and leave the centennial hall.

THE RESULT: Pandemonium. General Howley, chairman, shouts for order to be restored.

THE OUTCOME: Suffrage activists hold their own independence celebration in Philadelphia.

I’m sending this update to you because I know you’re interested in finding out more about our nation’s social movements in support of freedom.

AUDIO ACCOUNT OF WHAT HAPPENED on July 4, 1876 at the Fourth of July national centennial, as told by Elizabeth Cady Stanton in her memoir, Eighty Years and More. Read by Amelia Bowen.

Share this story with others.

NOW, LET’S FIRE UP THE BARBEQUE GRILL

and have some fun!

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

SuffrageWagon.org

      A platform with writings about my family, suffrage history and news

LetsRockTheCradle.com

      An opportunity to find out about visiting the “Cradle” of the U.S. women’s rights movement

SuffrageCentennials.com

      Where information is available about the Big Picture of suffrage observances, features, and celebrations

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