Author: DHughes

Trunk Show at Mann’s Jewelers

DHughes

—featuring “Ms. Anthony—Purse with a Purpose”—

 

Rochester, NY—The Susan B. Anthony House is teaming up with Mann’s Jewelers to present a Trunk Show called “Susan B. Anthony for the Holidays” on Thursday, December 8, 2011 from 5:30-8:00 p.m.at the Mann’s store, 2945 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14618.

The show features “Ms. Anthony—Purse with a Purpose,” the numbered, limited-edition purse inspired by Susan B. Anthony’s original alligator bag. The purse was created by Gail Riggs of the Abigail Riggs Collection. The cost for each is $250 plus tax, with all proceeds going to the Anthony House. In addition, Mann’s Jewelers is generously donating 10% of all its jewelry sales that take place during the trunk show.

Also on display for the event will be three newly-acquired artifacts in the Susan B. Anthony House collection—a cameo brooch that Susan B. Anthony referenced in her writings, a tortoise-shell hair comb, and kid gloves—all items that she wore regularly. They were donated to the Anthony House in 2009 by Susan B. Anthony’s great-great grandniece.

 

Mission Statement (adopted 4/2010): The National Susan B. Anthony House and Museum preserves the National Historic Landmark where the great reformer lived for 40 of her most politically active years, collects and exhibits artifacts related to her life and work, and offers programs through its learning center that challenge individuals to make a positive difference in their lives and communities.

 

The Susan B. Anthony House is supported primarily through the contributions of its members and donors. The Susan B. Anthony House is not affiliated with other organizations bearing her name.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:    November 30, 2011

CONTACT:   Ellen K. Wheeler, (585) 279-7490, ext. 15, Director of Public Relations & Communications

 

 

IN HONOR OF A WOMAN’S BIRTHDAY

DHughes
Subtitle: “Anniversary Reception Tendered to Miss Mary S. Anthony”

Subtitle: “THREE SCORE AND TEN”

Subtitle: “The Home of Mrs. Mary Thayer Sanford Was the Scene of the Happy Occasion Yesterday—Addresses and Presentations”

“The citizens of Rochester are ever willing to honor things achieved, and this is especially if the person to whom honor is due is a citizen. This fact was well demonstrated yesterday by the informal reception given to Miss Mary S. Anthony by Mrs. Mary Thayer Sanford, at No. 20 James street. The occasion was the seventieth anniversary of Miss Anthony’s birth, and between the hours of three and five in the afternoon and eight and ten in the evening, hundreds of her friends gathered to offer their congratulations and do homage to one who has done so much toward the advancement of the educational interests of the city and the securing of social and political equality for her sex.

“Miss Mary Anthony, to be sure, has not gained the national reputation which her more famous sister enjoys, yet among the people of Rochester she is regarded as a sharer in the laurels won by Susan B. Anthony. Whenever one is mentioned the personality of the other is immediately brought to mind. They have always been faithful allies in their work, and the success which the older sister has gained is largely due to the care and support of Miss Mary. The sisters have labored together for many years, and they expect to continue for a long time in their chosen work as advocates of the highest interests of women.

“Miss Mary Anthony was born in Battensville [sic], Washington county, in 1827. Her father was one of the most prominent cotton manufacturers in that section of the state. He had the supervision of a private school at his residence, where Mary Anthony received her early education. She afterwards attended a boarding school at some distance from her home, where she finished her preparatory training and laid the foundation for that learning which she was to impart to others. In 1845, the family moved to this vicinity and settled upon a pleasant farm about a mile from the city limits on the old Rapids road. There, Miss Mary began her vocation as a teacher in what was known as the “old Red school house,” on the Rapids road, and afterwards in the “old Stone school house” on the Chili road. After two years in this place, she secured a position on the faculty of a boarding school at Easton, Washington county, not far from the home of her childhood. She spent but a year in this position, however, when she returned to Rochester and began her long and successful career as a teacher in the public schools. This work was taken up in 1856 and was continued for an uninterrupted period of twenty-six years. During this time she gained a record of which she is justly proud, distributing her services among four schools, Nos. 14, 16, 3 and 2. She spent the largest part of her time at No. 14 school and it was at this place that she attained the distinction of being one of the most successful of the public school instructors. Among her scholars who have gained what might be called success in their business and political careers are Cornelius R. Parsons, state senator from the local district; Rev. Dr. Stephen Camp, a famous Unitarian minister of Brooklyn, Alonzo L. Mabbett and many others.

“While teaching No. 14 [sic] school Miss Anthony had the distinction of filling the office of principal for a short time, receiving “a man’s pay” for her services. J. R. Vosburg, who was at the head of the school during the whole of Miss Anthony’s stay there, became ill and a young man who had been a successful teacher in the country districts, was employed in his place. The young man kept the place for one day and then decided that the cares of a city school were too great and resigned his position. Miss Anthony had taken charge of the school temporarily and the board of education asked her if she would assume the duties until Mr. Vosburg’s return. She answered that she would if she could receive the same salary that Mr. Vosburg was getting. The members of the board were astounded at this seeming impudence, but they finally decided to yield to her proposition, so for one term she held the office of principal, with the same pay that a man received, and it is said, will go down to posterity as the first woman to have this distinction.

“Since leaving the school she has been prominently identified with the educational, industrial and political interests of women and in this sphere she is best known to the younger generations in Rochester families. She is, at the present time, president of the Political Equality Club and active member in several kindred organizations.”

“It was with rare hospitality, interwoven with personal love and respect, that Dr. and Mrs. Sanford devoted their handsome home to the celebration of the seventieth birthday of Miss Mary S. Anthony, and if the general interest that was taken by the people of Rochester in their participation in the anniversary reception is any index to the success of such a venture, surely the host and hostess builded [sic] much better than they knew. During the afternoon hours many guests availed themselves of the opportunity of honoring Miss Anthony but in the evening the visitors were numbered by the hundreds.

“As the guests arrived, they were received by Mrs. Sanford, who presented them to Miss Anthony. Attired in simple black satin and duchesse lace, with a pretty bouquet of bride roses in her hand, Miss Anthony presented an attractive womanly appearance. The others who assisted her in receiving were Mrs. Helen Miller, Dr. and Mrs. F. L. H. Willis, Mrs. Harper, Dr. and Mrs. Tozier, of Batavia, Mrs. Jean Brooks Greenleaf, Susan B. Anthony and Mrs. Lynn. After all had been presented the reception resolved itself into something of a formal nature, and Mrs. Sanford then stepped forward and presented Miss Anthony with a handsome cape on behalf of the Political Equality Club…..”[Ed. Note: from an unidentified Rochester newspaper circa April 2, 1897]

Vote!

DHughes

“‘Vote!’ said the lady with the alligator purse.” That famous line from the jump-rope rhyme about Susan B. Anthony says it all.

Vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 8, 2011. Every vote counts—every voter needs to be heard—every election matters. Then come to the Susan B. Anthony House and Museum at 17 Madison Street, Rochester, from 11 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. for a complimentary tour—only on Election Day. Hear the story of the remarkable and courageous women and men who labored for decades in the campaign for equal rights. Celebrate your vote at this National Historic Landmark that served as the headquarters for the campaign that made your vote possible!

Election Day Special—Complimentary Tours of the Susan B. Anthony House

DHughes

Rochester, NY—The Susan B. Anthony House invites one and all to visit the National Historic Landmark at 17 Madison Street on Election Day, Tuesday, November 2, for a complimentary tour. The House is open for tours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last tour starting at 4:15 p.m.

“First, we encourage everyone to vote and second, we invite everyone to the House on Madison Street. It was not only Susan B. Anthony’s home, but also the national headquarters for the campaign to win voting rights for women,” says Deborah L. Hughes, executive director of the Susan B. Anthony House. “We need to remind ourselves of these hard-earned rights, and honor the courageous women who fought the long and difficult battle to guarantee them.”

An ardent abolitionist, labor activist, educational reformer, temperance worker, suffragist, and women’s rights campaigner, Susan B. Anthony was arrested in 1872 at this home on Madison Street for the crime of voting—it was then a crime because she was a woman. Forty-eight years later, and fourteen years after her death, the 19th Amendment was finally ratified, guaranteeing women the right to vote. It is known as the Susan B. Anthony Amendment in honor of her life’s work for the cause of women’s equality.

The Susan B. Anthony House is located at 17 Madison Street, off West Main. Admission is normally $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for students; group tours and custom tours are available by appointment by calling 585-235-6124, ext. 19.

Background: The Susan B. Anthony House was Anthony’s home for the 40 most politically active period of her life and the site of her famous arrest for voting in 1872. It has been preserved in Anthony’s memory as an historic site since 1946 and a National Historic Landmark since 1966. It is supported primarily through the contributions of its members. It is not affiliated with any other organization or group bearing Susan B. Anthony’s name.

Mission Statement: The Susan B. Anthony House preserves the National Historic Landmark where the great reformer lived for 40 of her most politically active years, collects and exhibits artifacts related to her life and work, and offers programs through its learning center that challenge individuals to make a positive difference in their lives and communities.  For more information, visit our website at www.susanbanthonyhouse.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    Wednesday, November 02, 2011

CONTACT: Ellen K. Wheeler—585-279-7490, ext. 15,  PR & Communications Dir.

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Anthony House Presents “Meet the Madison Mavens” to re-open guest room

DHughes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:      Thursday, August 11, 2011

CONTACT:   Ellen K. Wheeler, Public Relations & Communications Director (585) 279-7490, ext. 15

Rochester, NY—The Susan B. Anthony House officially re-opens the guest room, the large second-floor front bedroom in the National Historic Landmark, with a special event on Friday, August 19 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. called “Meet the Madison Mavens.” Reservations are required at 585-279-7490, ext. 12 or lstrasenburgh@susanbanthonyhouse.org. Admission is $25 for non-members, complimentary for members.

“The room has been closed to the public for nearly two years, undergoing rehabilitation,” explains Deborah Hughes, executive director of the Susan B. Anthony House. “For many years after the Susan B. Anthony Memorial was established in 1945-6, this was the museum room, exhibiting the large collection of historic photos of the suffrage campaigns given to the House by Carrie Chapman Catt. We now re-open it as a bedroom, with portraits of some of the people who stayed overnight here displayed on the walls.”

These “Madison Mavens” include Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Anna Howard Shaw, Ida Husted Harper, Carrie Chapman Catt, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, and Lucy Read Anthony, who purchased the House in 1865 and used this room as a bedroom until her death in 1880.  After that it became a parlor for a time when Mary Anthony rented out the first floor to tenants, then a workroom for the suffrage campaign, then a guest chamber for the many people who visited Susan B. and Mary Anthony over the years.

“As a guest room, this space gives us the opportunity to share information about some of the many amazing women who were important to the Anthonys and who stayed overnight in this house,” Hughes explains. “Each of these featured women played a significant role in the women’s rights movement and other important social reforms. For them, the House on Madison Street was a hub of energy, inspiration, and activity.”

The event will include visits with House docents portraying six of the people whose portraits are on display in the guest room. Light refreshments will be served in the Carriage House.

For more information, please go to www.susanbanthonyhouse.org or call 585-279-7490, ext. 12.

 

Mission Statement (adopted 4/2010): The National Susan B. Anthony House and Museum preserves the National Historic Landmark where the great reformer lived for 40 of her most politically active years, collects and exhibits artifacts related to her life and work, and offers programs through its learning center that challenge individuals to make a positive difference in their lives and communities.

 

The Susan B. Anthony House is supported primarily through the contributions of its members and donors. The Susan B. Anthony House is not affiliated with other organizations bearing her name.

Susan B. Anthony House salutes California on its suffrage centennial!

DHughes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, September 15, 2011

CONTACT: Ellen K. Wheeler, PR & Communications Dir. (585) 279-7490, ext. 15

 

Anthony House invites California women to carry a symbol of women’s rights!

 

Rochester, NY— The Susan B. Anthony House invites the women of California to carry on their arm “Ms. Anthony—Purse with a Purpose,” a contemporary version of Ms. Anthony’s original alligator handbag, as they mark California’s centennial of woman suffrage on October 10, 2011, a cause Susan B. Anthony worked for a quarter of a century to bring about.  The Anthony House, the National Historic Landmark in Rochester, NY and Anthony’s home for her 40 most politically active years, is offering this exciting symbol of the great reformer’s life and work for today’s innovative, creative women.

Deborah L. Hughes, executive director of the Susan B. Anthony House, said, “The original alligator bag traveled with Susan B. Anthony wherever she went, including several trips to California.”  In it, she carried the key assets of her campaign for women’s rights—speeches, flyers, newspaper clippings, and the transcript of her trial for voting. With it, she was immediately recognized and known as “the lady with the alligator purse.” Children—from California, according to tradition— even invented a jump-rope rhyme that features the line

“‘VOTE!’ Said the lady with the alligator purse.”

Susan B. Anthony featured prominently in the long struggle for women’s voting rights in California. Ida Husted Harper details Susan B. Anthony’s trips to California in the biography Life and Work of Susan B. Anthony, the first trip happening in 1871, when Anthony, together with Elizabeth Cady Stanton, traveled all over the state. On December 15 that year, her friends in San Francisco held a reception and banquet in her honor at the Grand Hotel. Harper shares this account from the San Francisco Chronicle: “Miss Anthony said: ‘I go from you freighted with a burden of love and gratitude, and no greetings have been more precious than those of working men and women. Tonight when the woman who earns her livelihood by selling flowers through the hotel came to the door of the parlor and, presenting me with the beautiful bouquet which I hold in my hand, asked, ‘Will you accept this because you have spoken so nobly for us poor workingwomen?’ it brought tears to my eyes…I felt a thrill of gratitude that I had been permitted to prosecute this work…we are not working for ourselves, but for those now suffering around us. For them, our sisters, and for future generations must we labor.’ ”

Twenty-four years later Susan B. Anthony returned to San Francisco for the Woman’s Congress in May of 1895, this time to lead the campaign for a state suffrage amendment. Harper reports “The newspapers of San Francisco had decreed that this congress should be a success, and to this end they had been as generous with space and as complimentary in tone as the most exacting could have desired. The result was that at not a session during the week was the great hall large enough to hold the audience which sought admission…” The mayor of the city offered the welcoming address, stating his belief, according to Harper, that “the ballot should be placed in the hands of woman as the most powerful agent for the uplifting of humanity.”  At the close of the Woman’s Congress, according to Harper, the Chronicle reported: “nobody ever supposed that the women of San Francisco cared for aught except their gowns, their teas and their babies. But they do. They like brains, even in their own sex. And they can applaud good speeches even if made by women…” In spite of Anthony’s intense campaign all around the state, the people of California in 1896 turned down the suffrage amendment, passing it fifteen years later in a special statewide election on October 10, 1911. This was five years after Anthony’s death but still 9 years before women in every state won that vital right with the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.

California women can now share in that history with “Ms. Anthony—A Purse with a Purpose.” It was designed for the Anthony House by the Abigail Riggs Collection and is a beautifully crafted, numbered, limited-edition handbag inspired by the original alligator bag that was donated to the Susan B. Anthony House more than 60 years ago. Roomy enough for a mini-laptop computer, with comfortable handles for over-the-shoulder wear, this faux-alligator bag features a nameplate with Susan B. Anthony’s famous words, “Failure is impossible” as well as a medallion with her statement for woman’s financial independence, “Every woman needs a purse of her own.” The handbag comes with a DVD that tells the story of this ‘Purse with a Purpose’ and includes women from all around the world thanking Susan B. Anthony for her vision and perseverance.

“In purchasing the contemporary handbag,” continues Hughes, “women today all over the country share Ms. Anthony’s story as they embark on their own campaigns and causes, and demonstrate the financial independence Susan B. Anthony wanted women to have.” One-hundred percent of the purchase price from each handbag directly supports the mission and programs of the Susan B. Anthony House, thanks to a visionary group of women who underwrote the cost of manufacturing the bags.

For more information, please go to www.susanbanthonyhouse.org or call 585-279-7490, ext. 15.

Mission Statement (adopted 4/2010): The national Susan B. Anthony House and Museum preserves the National Historic Landmark where the great reformer lived for 40 of her most politically active years, collects and exhibits artifacts related to her life and work, and offers programs through its learning center that challenge individuals to make a positive difference in their lives and communities.

 

The Susan B. Anthony House is supported primarily through the contributions of its members and donors. The Susan B. Anthony House is not affiliated with other organizations bearing her name.

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A few words from our ‘Ms. Anthony’ customers

DHughes

“I love the bag!” from Stella.

“I am so happy with my purse and also happy to know the revenue is for a great cause. My best friend couldn’t help but go and purchase one for herself!” from Naomi.

“I purchased this bag collectively along with some friends as a gift for our friend’s 40th birthday…about 20 minutes ago I pulled out the DVD and watch it tearfully. I have been so inspired that I plan on coming back this week to buy another as a gift for my mentor!” from Michelle.

“I purchased the ‘Ms. Anthony’ as a gift for a friend on the occasion of her recent retirement. Hopefully you will be hearing from me regarding my own ‘Ms. Anthony.’ I have dropped several very obvious hints to my husband that I want one! And Mother’s Day is just around the corner,” from Paula.

“Beautiful purse to honor a great lady and to support a wonderful cause,” from Patricia.

Overheard in our Carriage House: a woman visiting the Anthony House last week told of a group of 5 of her friends who purchased one ‘Ms. Anthony’ purse to share among them. They have put a notepad in the bag. The intention is to take turns carrying it for special occasions or on trips and log all the places ‘Ms. Anthony’ visits and the people she meets.

Ms. Anthony Product Details

DHughes

The purse is a contemporary interpretation of Susan B. Anthony’s trademark alligator purse. This limited edition, faux alligator handbag is 17″wide and 5″deep, standing 11″ to the top of the zipper closure and 17″ from the bottom to the top of the handles. The exterior is a glossy, deep chocolate brown; the interior is a warm fawn color. The synthetic material is easily cleaned and durable.  Ms. Anthony is designed to fit comfortably over the shoulder and accommodates a mini laptop and a host of other essentials. It features two quotes from Susan B. Anthony: a plate reading “Failure is impossible” on the back of the purse, and “Every woman needs a purse of her own” stamped on the reverse of the Abigail Riggs Collection “bee” medallion on the front. Each handbag is numbered and only 2,000 have been produced. Women of all ages are proud to carry this beautiful modern handbag as a reminder of the pioneer who believed that every woman should have the right to economic independence and financial success. One hundred percent of the purchase price benefits the mission and programs of the Susan B. Anthony House.

Kate Gleason a Remarkable Pioneer

DHughes

Life and Letters of Kate Gleason book jacketThe Anthony House was delighted to feature author Janis F. Gleason for two programs on March 21, introducing the audience to the new biography of the woman Susan B. Anthony declared to be “the ideal business woman of whom I dreamed fifty years ago.”  Engineer, entrepreneur, bank executive, and philanthropist were among Kate’s accomplishments. “She built a country club and a golf course, ran a trailer car company, and designed what was perhaps the first mobile camper pulled by an automobile. . .bought land. . .built houses. . .constructed a hotel, a resort” and helped “to rebuild the structure and spirit of the war-decimated town” of Septmonts, France, writes Gleason.

Here’s what executive director, Deborah L. Hughes, says about this new biography:

Kate Gleason was born into a world and a century that wasn’t ready for her confidence, courage, or competence,just like her friend and mentor, Susan B. Anthony. Kate was more than ready for the world.  Plunge into the “Life and Letters” to journey with this remarkable woman whose life flows from the end of the Civil War to the beginning of the Great Depression, from Rochester to France, and from California to South Carolina.  You will emerge feeling energized and renewed by what woman can accomplish.

The Life and Letters of Kate Gleason is available in our Visitors Center Museum Shop and in our online store.