Suffrage "War of the Roses"

Yellow roses had long been a familiar symbol of the suffrage movement. In 1910 at the conclusion of the successful Washington state womens suffrage campaign, Emma was presented with a rose bush from each suffrage club in the state of Washington. With these she built her own private rose garden. Sadly her garden no longer exists.

WAR OF THE ROSES - In August 1920, the 19th Amendment was one state shy of ratification when it came up for vote in Tennessee. The Suffragists, led by Carrie Chapman Catt, descended on Nashville to lobby for ratification along with Tennessee women of every background, race and social class. Despite their diversity, they were united under a single symbol: the yellow rose -- which was worn everywhere by supporters of the amendment.

Unfortunately, red roses -- the flower of choice for Anti-Suffragists -- were also very much in evidence. What ensued that hot summer so many years ago was nothing less than the second "War of the Roses," only this one was fought in America. The events surrounding the eventual ratification of the 19th Amendment were very dramatic, and quite a few colorful legends now surround those historic events.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Tacoma Rose Society. They are celebrating with a rose show open to the public from 1:00 – 5:30 on June 26th at the Tacoma Yacht club, 5401 North Waterfront Drive, Tacoma. This event is open to the public. Read more about the Tacoma Rose Society. Come meet members of the Tacoma Rose Society at the Book Signing and DeVoe Mansion Tour on Saturday June 18th.

Dodge Brothers Cars and Suffrage

The History of Dodge

John F. and Horace E. Dodge, sons of a Niles Michigan machinist, moved to Detroit at the turn of the century, briefly produced transmissions for Ransom E. Olds, and beginning in 1903, became the major suppliers of drive trains to the Ford Motor Company.

On February 23, 1903 the Dodge brothers formally agreed to supply Henry Ford with 650 chassis (including engines, transmissions, and axles) for $250 each, thus beginning a profitable, but stormy relationship between the two firms that would last until 1914.

They built the first Dodge in November 1914 and the new car was an instant success. (See brothers above in a photo of them in the first 1914 Dodge) When the Dodge brothers died in 1920, they employed 22,000 workers and produced 140,000 automobiles per year. Dodge Brothers Company remained an independent firm until 1928, when it became a major division of the fledging Chrysler Corporation.


Henry and Emma Smith DeVoe were proud Dodge Brothers owners. In November 1925 they took possession of their new 1926 Dodge Brothers Business Sedan. (See photo above taken in front of their Tacoma home "Villa DeVoe.")

“Having owned a Dodge Brothers car previously they thought they knew all the fine points about it, but they were agreeably disappointed when they rolled away in their 1926 model to find such wonderful riding comfort, beauty and style.”

In 2010 Dave and Cheryl Teifke purchased a 1926 Dodge Brothers sedan for restoration. Come to the Book Signing Party and DeVoe Mansion Tour on June 18th and see an authentic 1926 Dodge Brothers Business Sedan in the restoration process. You will see for yourself how this beautiful old car is getting a new lease on life. Once finished the DeVoe Mansion will once again be home to a lovely 1926 Dodge Brothers Business Sedan.


This photo shows the car before the restoration work began a year ago.

My Mothers Buttons

One of a Kind Jewelry
Made From Authentic Antique Buttons

Northwest native and artist Linda Wright is founder and creator of My Mothers Buttons.

Her story tells it all…..

“In the bottom of an old chest sat my Mother's careworn sewing basket. Inside was a wonderful box of buttons. Each button told a tale significant of its time. I have such fond memories as a child of my Mother teaching me to count using buttons and how they served as wonderful chocolate bits and nuts for my imaginary cookies.”

“When my Mother's buttons were passed down to me, they were too beautiful and cherished to keep hidden in a box. I chose to enjoy them through jewelry which is how "My Mothers Buttons" came to be. I now collect antique and vintage buttons from around the world, which date back as far as the early 1800's, to create one of a kind jewelry and accessories.”

You’ll find Linda’s beautiful button bookmark the perfect accompaniment to your copy of Winning the West For Women The Life Of Suffragist Emma Smith DeVoe. What could be more perfect – an antique button bookmark to hold your place as you read about one of the most influential women in the Western suffrage movement. On June 18th at the Book Signing Party and DeVoe Mansion Tour there will be a lovely selection of Linda’s work available.

"The Messenger" Suffrage Jewelry

Mes-sen-ger n. 1. - One who carries a message

"I truly enjoy making personalized gifts. Putting a piece together to tell a story or message. My gift is helping to create your story. The bracelets are daily reminders to encourage, inspire and remember, " says Kerry LeBleu, owner of The Messenger Jewelry.

Kerry specializes in Swarovski Crystals, and Sterling Silver. Her journey with the story bracelets has taken her many different directions. Kerry has literally traveled thousands of miles both showing and teaching. She has had shows in galleries, stores, homes and wedding shows. Kerry teaches her methods at art schools, retreats, churches, birthday parties, both public and private schools. She is often commissioned to design pieces specifically for many different businesses, such as wineries, spas, fundraisers: breast cancer awareness, autism to mention a few.

Come to the Book Signing and Mansion Tour on June 18th and watch a suffrage jewelry fashion show featuring Kerry’s work. She has created some unique, one of a kind pieces that tell the story of Emma and the 1910 passage of women’s suffrage in Washington state. Kerry will also be showing her other artistic design work. Come see her lovely creations. What story can she help you tell?

Votes for Women and the rhododendron

So what does the state flower have to do with women's suffrage?

In 1892, before they had the right to vote, Washington women were asked to select the state flower. They wanted an official flower to enter in a floral exhibit at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. Six flowers were considered the dogwood, syringa, gaillardia, Washington holly, marguerite, and the wild rose. The final decision was narrowed to clover and the "rhodie,"

Voting booths were set up for ladies throughout the state. Voters flocked to post offices, drugstores, hotels, and other public business places across the state to cast their ballots for the official state flower. There were no landslide victories in this contest. In the end, when the ballots were counted the coast rhododendron was favored by capturing 53 percent of the 15,000 ballots cast.

The Washington Senate took action and approved the coast rhododendron as the official state flower on February 10, 1893, in time for the Exposition's opening on May 1st. In 1959, the Legislature designated the native species, Rhododendron macrophyllum, as the official flower of the state of Washington.

To commemorate the centennial of the passage of women’s suffrage in Washington State, Briggs Nursery in Olympia has propagated a special hybrid rhododendron “Emma and May” in honor of the leaders of the Washington state suffrage campaign. This beautiful fragrant plant features frosty pink flowers. Would you like to add one to your garden? This lovely flower with a story to tell will be on sale during the book signing and mansion tour event on June 18th.

Photo courtesy of Briggs Nursery Olmpia.

FISH Food Banks of Pierce County

We are honored to be a part of helping FISH Food Banks of Pierce County serve those in need in our community. On Saturday June 18, 2011 DeVoe Mansion Bed and Breakfast is hosting a book signing party for the just released Winning the West for Women The Life Of Suffragist Emma Smith DeVoe by Dr. Jennifer Ross-Nazzal. This is a benefit event with proceeds going to FISH. Please see the 5/31 post for more complete event details on the book signing and mansion tour.

Who is FISH Food Banks and what is their mission? FISH is now the county’s oldest and largest food bank and has been providing nutritious food to individuals and families since 1977. No one needing assistance is turned away. Their mission is providing food to people in need with compassion, dignity and respect. FISH (Friends in Service to Him) Food Banks of Pierce County is an ecumenical ministry of volunteers providing food to individuals on a non-discriminatory basis.

FISH Food Bank operates eight locations throughout Pierce County serving over 30,000 individuals each month. Each client is provided with basic ingredients to make three nutritious meals a day for three days. In 2010 FISH Food Banks served more than 363,000 Pierce Country residents, a 16% increase over 2009. This year already they have seen a 14% increase over the 2010 numbers.

More than 650 volunteers help to operate the food banks, pick up donated food and deliver food to individuals needing extra assistance. In 2010 their 85,999 + volunteer hours provided the equivalent of more than 40 full-time staff.

You can make a difference. For every $1.00 donated, FISH is able to distribute $7 worth of food. Come to the event on June 18th and make a donation or bring a canned food donation. If you can’t make the event, you can still help FISH. More information about FISH Food Banks of Pierce County visit:

Their Website
Their Blog
Watch their UTube Video

Together we can all make a difference.