Abstract:
Kansas's dramatic approval of the equal suffrage amendment, November 5, 1912, is particularly noteworthy as were the women who fought the battle, often against overwhelming odds. Each state is distinguished by its own unique story of the approval of woman suffrage. However, in no other state did the women's club movement have such innovative results as the passage of equal suffrage. Kansan Lucy Browne Johnston led the club women in the final successful campaign in 1912 as the state Equal Suffrage Association president. Lucy Johnston's story closely parallels the development of women's clubs in Kansas. This essay is an analysis and evaluation of the women's club movement in Kansas and its leader, Lucy Browne Johnston. Chapter I is an examination of Lucy Browne Johnston's background. Lucy was the American woman. A granddaughter of Irish immigrants who moved west looking for the "Great American Dream," she had to fight for an education. This led to her interest in social reform, equal education and self-improvement. Chapter II is devoted to the development of the traveling libraries, a brainchild of Lucy Browne Johnston, and its impact on club women. The successful campaign to acquire funds for the traveling library had a unifying effect on club women, and the momentum generated carried over into the campaign for woman suffrage. In Chapter III comparisons are drawn with the national suffrage scene. An analysis is made of the effect on Kansas the national campaign had and vice versa. Chapter IV deals with the successful campaign of 1912, coordinated by Lucy Browne Johnston, and the special nature of women's clubs' activities. The club women did not curtail their activities with the successful campaign, but continued with their "search for wisdom." Chapter V is a study of legislative bills supported by Kansas club women. Chapter VI is an analysis of Lucy Browne Johnston's contribution and her commitment to women's clubs, and the clubs' accomplishments which led to the fight for the ballot.
