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Collection on Woman Suffrage in Idaho

 Collection
Identifier: MG 5768

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of a three-page holographic manuscript of Joint Resolution No. 2 of the Third Session of the Idaho Legislature, 1895; the purpose of the resolution was “to submit to the electors of the State of Idaho for their rejection, or approval, an amendment to section 2, article VI of the Constitution of the State of Idaho relating to suffrage and elections.”

In November 1896, the voters of Idaho adopted the amendment, thus making Idaho one of the first states in the nation to grant to vote to women.

Also in the collection are a metal plaque and a fountain pen. The plaque reads, “Both this document, which amended the Idaho Constitution to make it legal for women to vote and the pen used in signing that bill, are displayed here to honor Mrs. Martha Whitman, first women Regent of the University of Idaho and President of the Equal Suffrage Association. The bill was presented to the University of Idaho on behalf of the State by Secretary of State Pete T. Cenarrusa, and the pen was presented by the family of Mrs. Whitman.”

Based on this information, as well as that found on a “Post-It” note found with the collection, that reads, “From Wallace Residence Hall c. 2002,” it appears these items, along with the joint resolution, were once on display, perhaps in Whitman Hall, a residence hall located in the Wallace Residence Center on the University of Idaho Moscow campus.

Dates

  • Creation: 1895

Language of Materials

This collection is in English.

Conditions Governing Access

The manuscript group is open to the public. Researchers must use the collection in accordance with the policies of the University of Idaho Special Collections and Archives.

Extent

0.25 cubic feet

Abstract

Holographic manuscript of a joint resolution passed in the 1895 Idaho Legislature to amend the state constitution to extend the vote to women.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Acquisition information is not known, but it is believed that an official of University Housing transferred the items to the University of Library, via Nathan Bender, Head of the Library’s Special Collections and Archives, in 2002.

Title
Guide to the Collection on Woman Suffrage in Idaho1895
Author
Finding aid prepared by Julie Monroe
Date
© December 2013
Description rules
Finding Aid Based On Dacs ( Describing Archives: A Content Standard)
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latn
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the University of Idaho Library, Special Collections and Archives Repository