April 1912: Hood River is a Hotbed of Suffrage Work
The votes for women victory in 1912 was the result of a statewide effort, coalition building, and activists’ willingness to adopt mass campaign tactics to reach every possible voter. In April 1912 Hood River was a hotbed of activity for woman suffrage.
Consider how much this brief news article reveals about Hood River suffragists and their work:
“Hood River Greets Woman,” Oregonian, April 20, 1912, 11.
Activists used the evening of the return of the primary election ballots to publicize the votes for women measure on the ballot for the general election in November. As the Oregonian reported, Portland suffrage lecturer Sarah Commerford came to Hood River and, at headquarters in the city’s Commercial Club, appealed “for the right of votes for women.” Savvy Hood River suffragists used popular technology and made the most of the occasion by announcing the results of the primary by stereoopticon (magic lantern slides) “from the platform” of the Commercial Club.
The Oregonian noted that “a great deal of interest has been evinced recently by women in equal suffrage rights.” Hood River activists organized a suffrage club. And on April 19 “in an automobile decorated with ‘Votes for Women’ signs, the suffrage leaders made a tour of the Hood River Valley.”
Hood River had greeted woman indeed.
—Kimberly Jensen
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