'Winning the West for Women: The Life of Suffragist Emma Smith DeVoe' June 17, 2011

The Woman's Century Club invites the public to a free talk by historian Jennifer M. Ross-Nazzal, author of the new biography "Winning the West for Women: The Life of Suffragist Emma Smith DeVoe" (University of Washington Press).

A key Washington state suffragist, Emma Smith DeVoe developed unique strategies that played an important role in winning the vote for the state's women in 1910. The book describes her organizing approach and also tells a larger story of the dissension and discord that sometimes plagued the suffrage movement.

DeVoe and her husband settled in Tacoma; their former home is now a B&B, www.devoemansion.com.

Ross-Nazzal holds a PhD in history from Washington State University and is a historian for the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Ross-Nazzal's book will be available for purchase, and she will autograph copies following her talk. The event is co-sponsored by the UW Press and the Elliott Bay Book Co. To reserve a seat, RSVP to [email protected] or 206.322.9565.

The Woman's Century Club was organized in Seattle in 1891 by suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt, a protege of Susan B. Anthony who later went on to work with Emma Smith DeVoe. Long a well-kept secret in Seattle, the club is undergoing a renaissance, offering its members monthly gatherings focusing on history, the arts, and community service; a summer outing; opportunities to learn more about women's history; and a listing in the members' handbook, published regularly for more than 100 years. The club also awards a scholarship to a young woman each year.

The club's monthly gatherings take place at the Harvard Exit theater building, which was constructed in 1925 to serve as the clubhouse of the Woman's Century Club; although the ownership has changed, the club retains the right to meet on the premises, and its emblem can still be seen above both entrances.

Dues are $50/year, and the club welcomes new members; email [email protected].

Official Website: http://www.womanscenturyclub.org