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An under-reported and often overlooked chapter in the history of the vote
The African American women's experience of suffrage
n the popular imagin~tion,.the face of women's suffrage IS white. But from the beginning, African Ameri cans were speaking out and standing up for the cause. Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells, and countless oth ers organized and advocated for votes for women. Their efforts were not always welcome. For decades, black suffragists struggled for a place in the movement, and even today their story struggles for a place in its history.
By the end of the 19th century, the rift in the movement over race was mended. But the new century brought with it a new wave of moral compromises.
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The southern strategy
In the beginning Many of the early white suffragists began their activism as abolitionists. Lucretia Matt and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, orga nizers of the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention that launched the suffrage movement, met at an international abolition meeting. The legendary friendship between Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass grew from their joint efforts to end slavery. Early suffragists found their voice and honed their leadership skills in the abolition movement. How did it happen, then, that the leaders of the mainstream suffrage move ment came to shut out their black sisters?
Mary Church Terrell (1863-1954), racial-equality activist and suffragist, described African Ameri can women's "double burden of their blackness and their womenhood."
Fallout from the 15th Amendment
The trouble started in the aftermath of the Civil War. Anthony, Stanton, and others had suspended the suffrage campaign to work on the war effort. The 400,000 signa tures they gathered in support of the 13th Amendment ending slavery helped gain its passage. When the 14th Amendment (de fining the rights of citizens) and the 15th Amendment (granting former slaves the vote) were drafted, the suffrage leaders expected that their efforts would be rewarded, that women would be included. They weren't. Bitterly disappointed, Stanton and Anthony and their organization Ida B. Wells (center) defies orders to march at the refused to support ratification. They back of the parade and takes her place beside white broke with those who did and issued suffragists in the 1913 Women's Suffrage Procession. statements that were clearly racist.
The 20th century suffragists worked on two levels. They pushed for amendments to state constitutions and they fought for rati fication of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Success at both levels rested with the state legislatures. And then, as now, there were stark regional differences. In their single-minded commitment to ratification, suffrage leaders-whose lives had been devoted to social justice and equal ity-overrode their moral compass to ap pease legislators and others who feared en
franchising black women. Carrie Chapmen Catt assured southern states that "white supremacy will be strengthened, not weakened, by women's suffrage." Alice Paul, fearing a backlash from southern del egates at her massive 1913 suffrage proces sion, ordered black marchers to the back of the parade.
Beyond 1920 The 19th Amendment guaranteeing wom en the vote became the law of the land August 26, 1920. But the fight for the vote did not end. Voter suppression practices targeting African Americans and other groups continue. We can't un-write the painful story of the African American women's experience of suffrage. What we can do is stand up for equal access to the ballot box today. Visit
VOTES FOR WOMEN NJ AND BEYOND Eden Woolley House through August 2020
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Ocean's Heritage, Winter 2020
Ongoing collaboration between the Museum and the schools
'-' ~ ~( Sixth graders from the Ocean Township Intermediate School (left) check out the "Votes for Women" exhibit. The Ocean Township High School students (right) filled their classroom with "museum exhibits" after visiting the Woollel) House to learn how. or the fourth year in a row, Ocean Township Intermediate School history teacher Pete Ryan brought his American History classes (this year 65 students) to the Museum to see and discuss exhibits that illustrate topics they are studying. This year, Pete offered the students an extra challenge: Return to the Museum with your par-
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OJ N
Calling all book groups ···
eed to shake up your routine?
ents, write a two-page paper, and receive extra credit! In another Museum-School collaboration, Krysten Semerano's American History classes at the High School, instead of a taking a final exam, create "museum exhibits" on topics covered during the term. To prepare, they visit the Museum to learn tips of the trade. "This is the fourth year Krysten has run this innovative pro gram," Museum Exhibit Director Peggy Dellinger explained. "After they've visited the Museum, the students invite me to the classroom to see their work, and every year I am awestruck by their creativity, enthusiasm, and subject-matter mastery."
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The Ocean Township Library is offering Book Group Kits on topics related to Museum ex hibits-eurrently on women's suffrage. Choose a title, pick up your books from the libary, and arrange a date to meet as a group at the Museum. We can offer you a tour of the exhibit and provide space for your book discussion.
::;WiNE & CHEESE RECEPTION
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For more information, contact the Museum Director at marianne.wilensky@gmail.com.
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GALLERY TALK
3 to 4:30 t SundaYt March 29 Eden Woolley House Call 732-531-2136 for reservations
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New exhibit premiered on Holiday Weekend E
Bill MullanelJ poses by the new exhibit featuring artifacts from the personal collection ofelection memorabilia he donated to the Museum in 2002.
~ection
Memorabilia: The stuff of American Campaigning premiered the Woolley House at our annual Holiday Open House the first weekend in December. The Museum is transformed fOf the occasion. The Hearth and Home Gallery was emptied to make room for a hand made gift boutique and bakery shop. The OUf Town Gallery held a mod el train display; a tree decorated with .. - I suffrage ornaments, and more. About 120 guests arrived during regular hours and nearly that number visited early Sunday evening in con junction with the Township tree-light ing ceremony. In
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Museum Trustee Phyllis Fyfe won the 2019 Museum Quilt Raffle
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Ocean's Heritage, Winter 2020
7:15 p.m., Wednesday, March 25 at the (NEW VENUE) West Park Recreation Center
Nuclear Missiles in our Backyard
or anyone who remembers ducking under a school desk in a simulated-nu clear-attack drill, the words COLD WAR are particularly chilling. The next talk in the Museum Speaker Series, "Nuclear Missiles in our Backyard," offers a behind the-scenes look at those times. At 7:15, Wednesday, March 25, in the West Park Recreation Center, 615 West Park Avenue, Oakhurst (a new venue), Army veterans Bill Jackson and Kevin McMahon share the story of the Nike anti-aircraft missile system at Fort Hancock on Sandy Hook. From 1954 until Ft. Hancock closed in 1974, Nike missiles-some equipped with nuclear warheads-stood ready to
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launch, just 14 miles to our north. They made up one of the country's most tight ly guarded secret defenses against poten tial Soviet attack. There were close calls. The missiles were on full alert, raised from their underground bunkers, in No vember 1965 (Northeast Blackout), June 1967 (Six-Day War) and again October 1973 (Yom Kippur War). Our speakers, stationed at Ft. Han cock during the Vietnam War, share their first-hand knowledge of the Nike Guided Missile System and their enthusiasm for the restoration of the Nike site on Sandy Hook. They are members of the Fort Han cock Nike Association.
Nike Hercules Missile restored and on display at Sandy Hook Unit of the Gateway National Recreation Area. Please join us. The speaker event is open to the public, free of charge. Dona tions are appreciated. Refreshments are served.
16tlAvuud'SfrUu; k WOMEN CHANGItNCiJ4rsTORY
SATURDAY, APRIL 18,2019
Doors open at 1:30. Tea served, 2to 4.
WOMAN'S CLUB OF AsBURY PARK BUILDING 57 Wickapecko Dr., Ocean
$251 PERSON OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Tickets must be purchased in advance Homemade tea sandwiches. scones. and desserts. Gift basket raffle. Hand-crafted items. Fancy Hat contest. 50/50 raffle. Table Prizes.
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Oceans Heritage, Winter 2020
Suffrage display installed in
County Clerk's Headquarters
Message from the Museum President
Women who changed history he Museum joins the nation in cele brating the annual Women's History Month this March. This year, in particular, the celebration of determined and powerful women is in order. It's the 100th anniversary of the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitu tion that gave women the right to vote.
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Suffragists Susan B. Anthony, Eliza beth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott and Alice Paul were among the leaders who worked tirelessly for women's rights-and the vote. Their hard work and dedication changed the game for the generations of women who followed them. Our comprehensive exhibit "Votes for Women, New Jersey and Beyond" tells their story. It guides visitors through the 72-year fight for suffrage and is drawing a steady stream of guests-many seeing the Museum for the first time. If you haven't visited yet, add it to your "to do" list. This year's Spring Tea, April 18, again at the Women's Club building on Wick apecko Dr., will also recognize "Women Who Changed History." In addition to the suffrage pioneers, the Tea will celebrate the contributions of Clara Barton (founder of the Red Cross), Rosa Parks (civil rights activist), Amelia Earhart (pioneer female aviator), Eleanor Roosevelt (The United Nations), Barbara Jordan ( the first African American woman from the South elected to the House of Representatives), and San dra Day O'Connor (first female Supreme Court Justice). Make your reservation early. The Tea was a "sell out" last year.
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Museum Exhibit Director PeggJJ Dellinger (left) and Monmouth County Clerk Christine Hanlon.
s part of her campaign to celebrate the centennial of the 19th Amendment, County Clerk Christine Hanlon invited the Museum to install a Suffrage display at her Freehold headquarters (on view through March).
A
S UF~RAG E
72
1878
B ti&N~s
e from the start of the suffrage movement (Seneca Falls Woman's Rights Convention, 1848) to Ratification of the 19th Amendment (August, 1920).
The year the "Anthony Amendment" was first introduced to Congress. It was reintroduced every new session thereafter until it was finally passed in 1919 by 2/3 of both houses and sent to the
states for ratification. 15
Number of states with full suffrage for women before ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920.
168
Number of suHragists jailed for picketing the White House de manding Woodrow Wilson's support for the 19th Amendment.
10 million Number of women who voted in the Presidential contest of 1920, the first election after Ratification. (It was about one-third of women who were citizens of voting age. Racial discrimina tion prevented many from going to the polls. Others declined to exercise their new right.)
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Number of constitutional amendments ratified during Wilson's Presidency. (Income Tax, Direct Election of Senators, Prohibition, and Suffrage.)
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Ocean's Heritage, Winter 2020
Denise Parlamas has a unique perspectiue on Ocean Township schools. She is a graduate of the system and a 19-year member of the Board of Education. Here she shares what she remembers, what has changed, and why she has dedicated nt'arly two dt'cades of her life to guiding our schools through changing times. Denise is a life-long resident of Oakhurst, the president of the Township Com munity Hope Fund, and the mother of three daughters.
K though 12 in the Ocean Township schools
he way is familiar: across the blacktop, through the metal door, up the stairs, down the hall, and into the room to my seat. Every Tuesday night for the last 19 years, I've entered the old Oakhurst Schoolhouse at 163 Monmouth Road (now the School Board offices) to take up my post as a member of the Township of Ocean Board of Education. But it was more than 50 years ago, as an Oakhurst School second-grader, that I first traveled that same ground.
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held only grades 1 through 6. I went on to Dow Avenue (to day's Ocean Township Elementary School), which that year be gan housing 7th and 8th grades for the whole Township as I re member. The new junior high school opened the year I entered 9th grade. So, instead of starting high school, my class went to the new building on West Park Avenue in Wayside. It operated as a junior high for a short time before the SchOOl Board again redistributed the student population and sent 9th grade to the high school.
THE MEMORIES STAY FRESH Memory works in strange ways. When I enter A NEW ERA OF CHANGE the old building today, I swear there is a familiar And here I am now, on the School Board my smell to the structure itself. My thoughts wander self, working with my fellow Board members in another era of profound change. to favorite teachers (Mrs. Bain and Mrs. Lekach), Population is again in play. But this time, the ringing of the mechanical bell (so different from today's electronic signal), lunches at our it is loss, not gain, that is the challenge. In the desks, and so much more. past decade, the Township school population We ate at our desks because Oakhurst School had has decreased by 25%. no cafeteria. We brought our food from home or Technology has transformed the classroom. bought the one lunch option delivered-along with Paper has all but disappeared. Chrome Books milk-each day by truck. DeSignated students had and Powerpoint are the norm. Students subDenise Telonidis, Mrs. Bernstein's "lunch duty" to carry the packaged lunches and mit work and see their grades electronically. milk to the classrooms from the small room in the 2nd grade, Oakhu!st School They have 24-hour access to a world of inbasement where they were stored. Such sweet memories. formation. And with all this power came challenges: keeping up with technology, overseeing internet use, dealing with cell CHANGING TIMES phones, and more. At the time I was starting school, Ocean Township was trans We are richer for the increased diversity of our student forming. Between 1960 and 1970, it grew from a small, large body-a diversity that challenges us to meet a broader range ly rural community of 11,622 to an up-and-coming suburb of of needs than ever before. We've made great strides in our 18,642-a 60% increase. West of Route 35, newly constructed ability to support special needs students-support that we apartment complexes soon housed 30% of the Township popu work to fund in a time of constrained financial resources. lation. In Wayside, subdivisions replaced farmland. In my time on the Bomd, we've overseen major capital im The schools felt the pinch. Class size grew. The School provements to all our schools. We've maintained the quality Board began renting space in local houses of worship to hold of programs and introduced innovative offerings in the face kindergarten and first-grade classes. (My kindergarten was in of decreased state funding. The new academies of Finance, the Oakhurst Methodist Church. My first grade was in Temple Performing Arts, and Technology within the high school, for Beth Miriam in Elberon.) The Township opened its own high example, offer students previously unavailable opportunities. school in 1965 and no longer sent its teens to school in Asbury I look back on my second-grade self and marvel at what has Park. Plans began for a third elementary school (Wayside, Changed-for the district and for me. The problems and opportunities opened in 1970) and a junior high school (today's Intermediate ahead were beyond what any of us could have imagined. Bilt change School, opened in 1975). is a constant. Our work is to anticipate and use it to the advantage of To keep up with the changes, the Board regularly reconfig our students. ured how the grades were distributed among the district build 'Denise Par[amas ings. When I left Oakhurst School, for decades a K-8 facility, it
Ocean's Heritage, Winter 2020
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The Woolley House in 2019: The year in review
W
hen Museum President Paul Edelson sits down to write his annual report, the result is an impressive list of accom plishments. Here are some highlights of the 2019 Museum
year:
• Hosted 2,005 visitors to the Museum during regular hours and at special events.
• Advanced the restoration of the historic Tower and Cow Bam on parkland adjacent to the Museum. • Accomplished all this with volunteers-only on an operating budget of $51,160 (excluding expenses associated with the res toration of the Tower and Cow Bam).
• Received 296 household memberships (representing >523 people). • Opened to the public, free of charge, 50 hours/month.
AMERICAN DOLL TEA
• Premiered two exhibits: "Votes for Women: NJ and Beyond," "Election Memorabilia: The Stuff of American Campaigning."
1 to 3:30, Sunday July 12
• Produced four episodes of "Hometown Histories," our video / oral history interview program available for viewing on ocean museum.org and local cable channels.
Eden Woolley House and Grounds
(Rain Date July 19)
• Published three issues of the newsletter, circulated to 1,000 households. • Held special (non-fund-raising) events: 1849 Map Unveiling, Members Only Gallery Talk, and Volunteer Reception. • Offered two talks to the public, free of charge, in our Speakers' Series ("Rethinking Grant's Presidency,' 'Victorian Mourning Practices") • Participated in the state's New Jersey History Fair, the Countys Archives Day and Weekend in Old Monmouth, and the Town ship's Greenfest and Christmas Tree Lighting. • Held fund-raisers netting $20,635 (induding: Gold Event, $2,097; Doll Tea, $883; Crafts, $2,097; Quilt Raffle, $3,900; Celebrate His tory Luncheon, $7,911; and Spring Tea, $4,273). • Opened the Museum to non-profit organizations including the MS Society, Boy Scouts (Court of Honor), AAUW, Lions Club, and League of Women Voters. • Hosted hundreds of students from pre-school to college, includ ing all Ocean Township third-graders.
$30 for one adult and one child Museum galleries filled with doll collections. A Victo rian playhouse to visit. Acustom-made craft project. An original story. Afashion show featuring the guests and their dolls. Homemade, child·friendly treats. Doll Shop stocked with handmade doll clothes and accessories. Reservations open June 1. 732-531.2136/oceanmuseum.org
Meet our Museum Director By Joan Brown arianne Wilensky has been involved with the Museum veloping ways to enroll new volunteers to maintain the accessibil ity that makes the Eden Woolley House unique in the area. for years, serving as a docent and on the bylaws com Marianne is excited by the things she has learned through mittee. After 30 years in her professional career with the Township of Ocean as Director of Community Development, she . her involvement in the Museum, and not just from the exhibits. retired in 2017 and was able to expand her volunteer time with the "1 learn something new each time I enter the building," she ex museum as its Director. plained. "1 love getting to know museum visitors and volunteers Marianne's first acts as Director and hearing their stories of the township and its history." were to learn more about the Muse Her Director responsibilities fit into a full schedule_ Mari um's operations and its people. She anne has three sons and two grandchildren. She loves traveling, interviewed volunteers in key pOSi especially to the Midwest where sons Ben and Joe live with their tions and developed a vision. She sees families. Her son Danny is a willing and cheerful volunteer at the Museum expanding its offerings many Museum events. Marianne belongs to two book clubs and to showcase the Tower and Cow Barn spends Tuesday afternoons in painting class. She works part-time once their restorations are complete. at a local law firm. We are fortunate to have Marianne Wilensky as our Museum Di She envisions the Woolley House as a cultural hub and is working to elevate rector. She is living prOOf that if you want something done, ask a busy Marianne Wilensky our profile in the community. She is de person!
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Sat. and Sun., May 2 and 3
Weekend in Old Monmouth nce a year, 50 of Monmouth Coun ty's most note-worthy historical sites open their doors to the public, free of charge, as part of the Weekend in Old Monmouth. The two-day event is a self guided tour sponsored by the Board of Freeholders and the county Historical Commission. And once again, it features the Woolley House. Tour guidebooks, available at each site, including our Museum, describe the stops, suggest routes, and provide an easy-to-use map. Google "Weekend in Old Monmouth" for details.
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Oceans Heritage, Winter 2020
Mark your calendar
Coming
Events
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Museum re-opens Thursday evenings March 12 and every Thursday, 7 to 9 Eden Woolley House \I€.tl u€, €.'Il Speaker Event
"Nike Missiles in our Backyard"
The Sea Bright Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club is among the more the 50 historic sites open, free of charge, May 2 and 3.
Wed., March 25, 7:15-W. Park Recreation Center. Two men who were there describe
Ft. Hancock's Cold War anti-aircraft defenses. o~"t'€.
.€ '1'lMembers Only
Thank you to these businesses for their support he contributions of the following businesses and individuals to the Silent Auction at our "Celebration of History" Luncheon, October 26, helped make it one of the most successful fund-raisers in our history.
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Atlantic Fencing Academy Soul Focus Spa and Fitness William F. Larkin Golf Course Diane Novobilsky, artist Count Basie Center for the Arts New Jersey Repertory Company Hotel Tides Restaurant and Spa McLoone's Restaurant The Columns, Avon by the Sea Kramer Photographic Portraits New York Jets Cryolete Body Sculpting Earth Treasures Deal Golf and Country Club The Atlantic Club Dr. Noah Gilson
Axelrod Performing Arts Center Two River Theater One 18 Restaurant Simko's Bar and Grill James Nairn Ferrier, Artist Mike and Joan Berzansky Hollywood Golf Club Sergie Conklin True Rest Float Spa Mike Duffy Personal Trainer Piccola Italia Restaurant The Marina at Oceanport Mr. C's Beach Bistro Asbury Park Ale House Sunset Farm Market Paper Mill Playhouse
Posillipo's Italian Restaurant William F. Larkin Pascal & Sabine Restaurant Jumping Brook Country Club Algonquin Theter State Theater of NJ John Lori Salon Mike Duffy's Personal Training Yoga with Love Jafajems Brenda Wityk Lois Kiely Costco Marge Edelson Panera Bread Wanamassa Liquors
In memory ...
Gallery Talk/Wine & Cheese Reception Sunday, March 29, 3 to 4:30, Richmond
Gallery, Woolley House. Behind the
scenes look at the "Votes for Women" ex
hibit. Call 732-531-2136 to reserve your place.
Spring Tea
Saturday, April 18, 1:30 seating
Woman's Club of Asbury Park building,
Wickapecko Dr., Wanamassa.
Weekend at Old Monmouth Saturday and Sunday, May 2 and 3 A self-guided tour of 50 Monmouth County
historical sites, including our Museum. American Doll Tea Sunday, July 12 (Rain Date July 19) Eden Woolley House and grounds.
Ocean's -'-"
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Oceans Heritage is published three times a year
by the Township of Ocean Historical Museum
Stan Schodowski, 91, of Wayside died February 13. As a member of the Smithsonian "Moonwatch" team, Stan was the first American to optically observe the Russian Sput nik-a story shared by Stan in our newsletter "I Remember" column and celebrated by the Township each Oct. 12, Stan 5chodowski Day.
Harry Lawrence, 84, of Oakhurst, died January 13. Harry was a long-time member
Museum President, Paul Edelson
Newsletter Editor, Peggy Dellinger
Membership ~minder
who shared his hand-crafted model of his Oakhurst home with the Museum for sev eral exhibits over the years.
If you haven't yet renewed your
Sheila Jackson, 72, died October 28. She lived most of her adult life in Wayside and worked at Ft. Monmouth and later for the Department of Justice.
2020 Museum membership, please use the form on the back of this newsletter to do so now.
Paul Benoit, 88, died October 17. Paul was one of 13 children and a veteran of the Korean War. He worked for the Benoit real estate agency in Allenhurst and later for the Four Seasons Golf Course in Lakewood.
Your support keeps us going!
Oceans Heritage. Winter 2020
__
·7~15-P~~,) W;dnesday March 25 "'€.~u€.
l"€.-.tl
Museum Speaker Series
NONPROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
»
PERMIT NO.7G5
"Nuclear Missiles in Our Backyard West Park Recreatio~Center~ 165_W. Pa.:~ ~v~.) _Oakhurst _
RED BANK, NJ
The Eden Woolley House Home of the Township of Ocean Historical Museum "
Or Current Resident
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703 Deal Road • Ocean, NJ 07712
(Mailing address: P.O. Box 516 • Oakhurst, NJ 07755)
732-531-2136. oceanmuseum.org
oceanmuseum@yahoo.com
Museum Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 1 to 4
'Ihursday evening: 7 to 9 (April to November)
1st and 2nd Sundays ofthe month: 1 to 4 Funding has been made possible in part by an oper ating support grant from the New Jersetj Historical Commission, a Division of the Department Of Stale, through grant funds administered by the Monmouth Countlj Historical Commission.
The Township of Ocean Historical Museum
2020 Household Membership Application New_ _ Renewal__
Date:
_
Name(s) you would like to appear on your membership card and correspondence.
Number of people in your household (your membership includes them all)
_
Street
_
Town
Zip,
State
Phone
_
(used only to send notice of Museum events )/
_
Please check your level of support. (The Museum is 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization and donations are tax deductible, as allowed by law.) _ _
Friend of the Museum $5000+ Silver Member $250 Supporter $25+
Platinum Member $ I000+ Benefactor $100+ Basic Member $15+
_
Gold Member $500+ Patron $50+
Please l:heck the areaS where you might be interested in sharing your time and talent _Historical research _ Grant preparation _ Membership _CoUections/Acquisitions _ 3rd Grade program _ QUilting/Crafts _Public relations _Exhibits _Office work _Fund -raising Oral histories _Gardening Restoration _Baking Other _ _ Tour gUide/Docent Detach and mail to Township of Ocean Historical Museum, P.O. Box 516, Oakhurst, NJ 07755, or pay through PayPaI (PayPaI now handles Single credit card transactions and no longer requires PayPal membership. Go to oceanmuseum.org to pay electronically. )
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