WOMEN'S RIGHTS

Women of all ages should be aware of the impact these women had on the future of all women. Women, such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Lucretia Mott, Mary M’Clintock, Jane C. Hunt and Amy Post demanded equality with men before the law. There were so many more issues than just the right to vote. Not only were women not allowed to "participate in the elective franchise; if married, in the eye of the law, they were considered civilly dead; all rights to the property she owned and wages she earned could be taken from her. In the case of separation from a husband, the power of guardianship of the children, shall be given into his hands. All colleges being closed against her, if she, by an indulgent professor, would be educated as a teacher of theology, medicine or law, she is not known. Also, exclusion from the ministry or any public participation in the affairs of Church were prohibited. Virtually, women were at the mercy of their husbands... who could lessen the self-respect of the wife and make her willing to lead a dependent and abject life." *

Amelia Bloomer also lived in Seneca Falls in 1848, but was not an active participant in the Convention. Ms. Bloomer did not have the spirit of the reformer. However, in 1849, Ms. Bloomer began publication of The Lily, a monthly temperance paper. The paper soon became an active voice for E.C.Stanton and other advocates of women‘s interests. Ms. Bloomer was also instrumental in revolutionizing women’s dress, with the abandonment of restrictive clothing in favor of shorter skirts and knee-length undergarments that came to be known as Bloomers.

The statue, "When Anthony Met Stanton", of Amelia Bloomer introducing to Susan B. Anthony to Elizabeth Cady Stanton was sculpted by A.E. Ted Aub, Professor of Art at Hobart College. It was erected in honor of the Women’s Movement that is still ever evolving and improving the lives of women.

* paraphrased from The Declaration of Sentiments and Resolution-1848, Seneca Falls, NY
~Linda Solan