Program

National Votes for Women Trail

Subject

Event

Location

W 10th St & Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA

Lat/Long

39.7455423, -75.5477358

Grant Recipient

National Collaborative for Women's History Sites

The first suffrage rally and parade in Delaware took place here in Wilmington on May 2, 1914. Marching from the Wilmington train station, a handful of men and a large number of women from all walks of life joined together to promote the cause of women’s suffrage. Described as a “Striking Success” the parade attracted a significant amount of attention and was well received by the community.  A May 4, 1914 edition of The Evening Journal, recalls the events as follows:

The woman’s suffrage demonstration on Saturday afternoon exceeded all expectations, and even the opponents of the movement were compelled to admit, after the suffragists had paraded through the city, that the women had made very creditable showing, and one that clearly indicated the wonderful advance they have made in their campaign for the vote in the past years. Market street was crowded with persons eager to witness the demonstration of the suffrage army. The center of the city took on a holiday attire. For some time previous to the passing of the suffrage and horsemen’s parades the spectators gathered along the streets, causing strangers to wonder if a circus was in town.

Florence Bayard Hilles, a leader of the Delaware suffrage movement who helped organized the parade, stated:

I think that it was perfectly splendid. I think that spectators who watched the parade were impressed with its dignified appearance and believe that the men and women who witnessed the parade were touched with the earnest and patriotic purposes of the marchers.

Mrs. Hilles remarked that she viewed it as patriotic for the women to march in the line and demonstrate that they possess as much courage as the men. She was greatly gratified at the large number of persons who witnessed the parade and the respectful attitude of all the spectators.

It was through the actions of people like Florence Hilles, along with many others, who made women’s suffrage a reality for future generations.