Locations — Our Neighbors, Our Crusaders

Westport’s Suffrage Locations

These vintage postcards and photos feature eight of the homes and buildings around Westport that were used for suffrage meetings and rallies.

Wright Street was home to many families of suffragists and artists in Westport. The first official meeting of the Westport Equal Franchise League (WEFL) was held here at Agnes Lewis Mitchill’s residence. Courtesy, Bill Scheffler. — Wright Street was home to many families of suffragists and artists in Westport. The first official meeting of the Westport Equal Franchise League (WEFL) was held here at Agnes Lewis Mitchill’s residence. Courtesy, Bill Scheffler.

Labor issues and fair wages for immigrant and native workers was a concern of suffragists. In 1912, WEFL members began visiting local factories—like the Saugatuck button works and Lees Manufacturing Co.—which hired female laborers. Members would giv… — Labor issues and fair wages for immigrant and native workers was a concern of suffragists. In 1912, WEFL members began visiting local factories—like the Saugatuck button works and Lees Manufacturing Co.—which hired female laborers. Members would give inspiring soapbox speeches, even in Italian, French, or German, at the factory doors. Courtesy, Bill Scheffler.

Compo Beach was the site of summer suffrage gatherings: a 1914 WEFL clambake and a 1916 Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association (CWSA) meeting of all the leagues in Fairfield County. There were more local chapters in Fairfield County than any other i… — Compo Beach was the site of summer suffrage gatherings: a 1914 WEFL clambake and a 1916 Connecticut Woman Suffrage Association (CWSA) meeting of all the leagues in Fairfield County. There were more local chapters in Fairfield County than any other in the state and the most state representatives supporting the 19th Amendment. Courtesy, Bill Scheffler.

Mia Thayer, wife of Smart Set publisher John Adams Thayer, had a grand residence (Sylvan Road South and State Street), well suited for hosting a WEFL concert and a bridge party in 1916. In June 1917, Fairfield County leagues assembled there for thei… — Mia Thayer, wife of Smart Set publisher John Adams Thayer, had a grand residence (Sylvan Road South and State Street), well suited for hosting a WEFL concert and a bridge party in 1916. In June 1917, Fairfield County leagues assembled there for their annual CWSA convention and “banners and suffrage colors were displayed all over the picturesque town.” Courtesy, Westport Library, Historic House Collection.

Westport’s cobblestone Town Hall, built in 1908, was the site of a 1912 Westport Equal Franchise League (WEFL) meeting. In 1915, the WEFL held  a Washington’s Birthday rally here with State Attorney General John Light of Norwalk, well known for… — Westport’s cobblestone Town Hall, built in 1908, was the site of a 1912 Westport Equal Franchise League (WEFL) meeting. In 1915, the WEFL held a Washington’s Birthday rally here with State Attorney General John Light of Norwalk, well known for delivering speeches with “forceful oratory” on woman’s suffrage. Courtesy, Bill Scheffler.

In January 1913, the WEFL began meeting in “their rooms” at the newly built Fable building. In addition, they held bridge and whist games here for socialization and fundraising. Such functions brought women together to talk strategy, solicit new mem… — In January 1913, the WEFL began meeting in “their rooms” at the newly built Fable building. In addition, they held bridge and whist games here for socialization and fundraising. Such functions brought women together to talk strategy, solicit new members and rally for the cause. Courtesy, Bill Scheffler.

In 1873, Horace Staples built National Hall (seen at the end of the bridge) as a business and social center of Westport. In February 1915, the WEFL used the upstairs hall for a dance and rally to raise awareness and funds for the cause. Courtesy, Bi… — In 1873, Horace Staples built National Hall (seen at the end of the bridge) as a business and social center of Westport. In February 1915, the WEFL used the upstairs hall for a dance and rally to raise awareness and funds for the cause. Courtesy, Bill Scheffler.

Toquet Hall, built in 1892 to house the Westport Opera Co., was a poplar setting for town meetings and social events. In November 1913, it was a mainstage for the WEFL’s Suffrage Week. Among the speakers were WEFL members Emily B. Fuller on “The Nec… — Toquet Hall, built in 1892 to house the Westport Opera Co., was a poplar setting for town meetings and social events. In November 1913, it was a mainstage for the WEFL’s Suffrage Week. Among the speakers were WEFL members Emily B. Fuller on “The Necessity of a Mother’s Vote” and Rose B. Berrell on “Taxation without Representation.” They were joined by Alyse Gregory of Norwalk, who spoke on “The Wage Earning Woman.” Courtesy, Bill Scheffler