Book Reviewed: Gibson Girls and Suffragists: Perceptions of Women from 1900 to 1918, by Catherine Gourley

Style and suffrage at the dawn of 20th century

This book captures the essence of the mood of the country, especially in New York City at the turn of the century. The author discusses how women from all walks of life joined forces and transformed the society with one basic belief. Liberty and freedom for all women. The media, especially the magazine illustrators, the fashion industry, women’s activism and political collectivism played a role in the formative years of the American society.

Gibson Girl represented the feminine-ideal at the turn of the century. She was beautiful and regal, perhaps a bit arrogant, but also had an air of confidence, competence, and a sense of humor. But suffragists were also feisty and bold and unequivocally believed in women’s fundamental right to vote. There are numerous pictures, illustrations and photographs that tells the story of women’s struggle. This book is beautifully written and it is thoroughly enjoyable.

A brief summary of the book is as follows: At the turn of the century, the practice of calling grown women as “girls” was common in the work place. This signified disrespect for women since it meant to indicate women were dull and unintelligent. Gibson Girl, Christy Girl, Fisher Girl, Brinky Girl, Flapper, and girls of the follies were commonly used to refer to women. But women also rebelled in their own way. They didn’t like to be treated as “tootsie wootsies.” Some women rode bicycles, bounced basketballs, danced grizzly bear or the turkey trot. Some tramped through the woods. Some were flirtatious and feisty, and they fought against the consumption of alcohol, marched in the streets demanding the right to vote. Suffrage parades and civil disobedience were other outdoor activities that engaged women. As many as 5,000 women marched on May 6, 1912 down the New York’s Fifth Avenue. One banner read, “New York denies the votes to criminals, idiots and women.” The Suffragists focused on social justice and basic women’s rights. They demanded safer work conditions and better wages. Dorothy Dix, Elsie Clews Parsons, Margaret Sanger, Martha Carey Thomas, and many other well educated women spoke on behalf of women’s right and pointed out the injustices done by the society. Clergy condemned the actions of these women, but the marches and parades went on undeterred.

From true womanhood to Gibson Girl to Fisher Girl and the working girls of the factory, women’s role were slowly changing in the society in early 1900s. This was also reflected in the changing popular culture and public perception. Members of the polite society and women of wealth raised funds for women’s charity, and Vanderbilt Estate in Connecticut was always the place for the charity bazaar. During WWI, women volunteered to serve the country. One significant thing occurred in the last few weeks of WWI. For two years suffragists pressured President Woodrow Wilson to take a stand on women’s suffrage. On Sep 20, 1918, he finally spoke offering support for the 19th amendment that would give women the right to vote. In his speech to the U.S. Senate he pointed out, among other things, that unselfish contribution women in WWI. The Congress proposed the Nineteenth Amendment on June 4, 1919, and it ratified by all states within a year.

This book is highly readable and I recommend it to anyone interested in American history, women’s rights, feminist movement, and suffragists.