The Akron’s Progressive Women’s Club and my G-G-Grandmother
I just decided to post a short excerpt from the genealogy book I am writing about one aspect of my g-g-grandmother’s life.
Though, a bit of data and two photos first.
Irene Mary (Beckman) Seibert; born 28 November 1890 in Bowling Green, Kentucky and died 12 Aug 1985 in Akron, Ohio.
Irene with her two daughters, Dorothy Dixie “Dots” Seibert (on the left) and Thelma Corrinne Seibert (on the right), circa 1913:
Irene sometime between 1935 and 1940:
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Irene Seibert was one of seven women to organize the Akron’s Progressive Women’s Club. The other founders were Mrs. Thomas Basick, Mrs. Mary Quist, Mrs. Tessie Beacham, Mrs. William Kuchinsky, Mrs. John Matuska, and Mrs. Jennie Nixon.
A photo of five of the seven founders of the Akron Progressive Women’s Club. Standing, from left to right: Mrs. John Matuska and Mrs. Thomas Basick; Seated, from left to right: Irene Seibert, Mrs. William Kuchinsky, and Mrs. Jennie Nixon:
The club’s mission was to study city government and help inform it’s members about the current political issues of their city as well as of the nation, in order to prepare the women when it came time to vote. They had representatives attend City Council meetings as well as other community meetings and report back to the women’s club. Near election time, candidates were invited to their meetings to speak about their stance on issues. Mrs. Thomas Basick was quoted as saying, “Now we don’t just vote as our husbands tell us to. We think for ourselves.” One specific issue that they tried to fight was the Selective Service Act of 1940. When it was initally under consideration, they protested it by picketing outside the office of their congressman. Irene Seibert said, “If all the women were organized as we are, there wouldn’t be any war.” Mrs. Basick added, “The world would be a better place to live in.” The club also had lecturors speak to members about health issues such as birth control and sexually transmitted diseases (termed “social diseases” at the time). The club also stressed the idea of buying in union stores and asking for union clerks. They were also active in helping strikers. They would volunteer on the picket lines and even walk with the men in the lines to encourage them.
[...] of her own drum,” but I also think that she got the “tune” from her father and mother. [...]
July 1st, 2008 at 10:18 pm