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.