Eighty-eight years ago on November 2, 1920, Norfolk women cast their ballots for the
first time in a presidential election. This photograph is a timely reminder of the long
struggle fought by many dedicated women for basic civil liberties including the right to
vote. Pictured at the annual convention of the Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association
in Bridgeport in 1911, these women are not identified by name. History tells us, however,
that they were articulate, educated citizens, knowledgeable about both national and
international affairs. Their legacy is not simply our right to vote, but our responsibility to
be informed. And the Norfolk connection? The bearded man standing near the upper right
corner of the group is now-legendary Norfolk architect Alfredo Taylor, one of the
founders of the Men’s Suffrage League of Connecticut. He and his wife, Minna, were
active supporters of the cause.
Ann Havemeyer
This photograph must have the following credit on the side (not copyright NHS):
“Original photograph in RG 101, Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association, Connecticut
State Library.”