Transylvania Suffragettes Line Up To Cast A Ballot

Last week Picturing the Past covered local events leading up to the ratification of the 19^th Amendment giving women the right to vote in 1920.  Election Day 1920 appears to have been a typical Transylvania day—rainy. 

This photo shows the library beside the courthouse and provides a perspective
of the line for women voters.  The library was a common spot downtown for
women to gather in the early 1900s.

An article in the Friday, November 5, 1920 Brevard News begins, “Transylvania County probably polled the greatest ballot in its history in spite of a steady downpour.  At a very early hour on Tuesday morning a stream of the new voters (the fair sex) were in line stretching from the public library to the polls and on the opposite side stretching from Macfie’s corner stood the old timers.”

It continues, “Never before has Transylvania shown as much interest in any election and for hours the voters of both sexes waited patiently to cast their ballots.  It is reported on good authority that Mrs. Cos Paxton cast the first Democratic vote and that Mrs. C.B. Deaver was the very first women in Transylvania County, or at least in Brevard Township to ever cast a ballot.” 

A later correction reported that Mrs. T.H. Hampton actually cast the first vote among the women of Transylvania County.

The article goes on to state, “There was very little excitement, but much interest and the men of old Transylvania proved beyond the shadow of a doubt that the ladies would have nothing to fear because of any ungentlemanly conduct.  There was no (bug juice) in sight.”  Apparently partying and drunken behavior was common at the polls and there was a concern of women being exposed to such behavior.

The article ends by stating, “The Republican Party carried the County by an overwhelming majority and elected all their candidates with the exception of ‘Tude’ Stamey who had no opposition for the office of Constable of Brevard Township.”

Next week Picturing the Past will look at women in elected positions in Transylvania County.

Photographs and information for this column are provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina Room, Transylvania County Library. Visit the NC Room during regular library hours (Monday-Friday) to learn more about our history and see additional photographs. For more information, comments, or suggestions contact Marcy at marcy.thompson@transylvaniacounty.org or 828-884-1820.