Politics

DAR marks centennial of Women’s Suffrage

Joseph McDowell Chapter Regent Sharon Horan (left) reads the history of the Women’s Rights Movement during the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Votes March.

By Lightning Reports, Published: August 29, 2020

Members of the Joseph McDowell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution gathered in front of the Henderson County Historic Courthouse on Tuesday to celebrate the centennial of Women’s Suffrage.

Mayor Barbara Volk presented a proclamation declaring Aug. 26, 2020, as Women’s Equality Day in the city of Hendersonville. Afterward, DAR members silently marched up and down Main Street displaying signs that read “100 Years of Women’s Votes.”
What began as a women's rights movement in 1840s eventually led to the ratification of the 19th Amendment on Aug. 18,1920, when women received the right to vote. On August 16, 1973, Congress approved H.J. Res. 52, which stated that Aug. 26 would be designated as Women's Equality Day.
"The time period leading up to the ratification of the 19th Amendment is remembered for increased opportunities for women’s and children’s education, the founding of women’s clubs, health and safety reform in the areas of housing and medicine, an increase in philanthropic efforts, and mobilization on the home front to provide aid during both the Spanish-American War and World War I," Denise VanBuren, President General NSDAR, said. "Many women used the opportunities provided by advances in industrialization and a growing societal acceptance of educated, working women to engage enthusiastically in reform activities.”
In the early twentieth century, Hendersonville benefited from these efforts. Before they had the right to vote, members of the Joseph McDowell Chapter were instrumental in founding schools, hospital facilities, and philanthropic organizations; thereby improving the living conditions, education, and quality of life for local veterans, women, and children.