Theodora W. Youmans
Wisconsin Federation of Women's Clubs
Woman's Club of Wisconsin (1876): Club meeting of Milkwaukee women leaders [Source: Woman's Club of Wisconsin - About Us]
Group Successes
Theodora Youmans became President of the WFWC in 1900. During her time there, the group founded a training program in Milwaukee for female teachers. They also raised over $10,000 to put towards loans for female education. These accomplishments helped women have more opportunities in school and grow Domestic Science programs. The importance of the knowledge and skills gained by girls from home economics was that it would later play a crucial role in the argument for women's votes. Wisconin Suffragettes argued that since women were leaders in the home, they needed to be the ones who made sure the products they bought(food, clothes, etc.) were of quality price and condition; and the only way to do that would be securing the ballot. Youmans said, "But they [Wisconsin women] realize also that here and now in this state and nation are conditions which eloquently call for the votes of women." ("To Wisconsin Housekeepers", Theodora Youmans)
"In a word when we buy we like to get our money's worth and we want the ballot to help us get it."
~ Theodora Youmans
Background
Wisconsin women's clubs began throughout the state during the 1870's as a way to address societal needs. The clubs provided members of Wisconsin communities to come together and develop a strong networking system at a time where they had limited access and opportunities. Female activists relied on women's clubs to promote suffrage. Led by Ada James and Theodora Youmans, Wisconsin Suffragettes gave way to the WFWC (Wisconsin Federation of Women's Clubs) in 1896. Because of previous restrictions from national legislation on women's roles/votes on public schools, the first goal of the WFWC was advocating for effective school suffrage laws.
"I find the Club Women invaluable and wish its circulation in Wisconsin might be largely increased, as it is such a stimulus to those who have it here."
~ Mrs. Charles S. Morris (Former WFWC President)
