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Local LWV celebrates 100 years

Courtesy Photo Doris Feys, co-president of the League of Women Voters of Northeast Michigan, addresses the group at a recent 100th anniversary celebration.

The local League of Women Voters recently celebrated both the 100th birthday of the Michigan LWV and the upcoming 100th anniversary of the national LWV. The League of Women Voters of the United States grew out of the women’s suffrage movement after the U.S. Congress, in 1920, passed the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote.

At the recent celebration, Christina Schlitt, President of the League of Women Voters of Michigan, reviewed the 100 year history of the Michigan League — “100 Years Strong.” Jean Stewart presented information on the background of the turbulent times of passage of the 19th Amendment. One of many interesting historical facts was that, although the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution became law in 1920, Michigan women had the right to vote earlier, in 1918.

Thoughts on why they joined the League and why they continue to be active were given by Florence Stibitz, Marion Dunckel, Vernie Nethercut and Marie Fielder. Co-President Doris Feys moderated the program. A total of 100 cupcakes celebrating the 100th anniversaries were on tables decorated in patriotic red, white and blue. The program ended with the singing of “America,” the victory song of the suffragettes when the 19th Amendment, after a 72-year battle, was finally ratified. A brief meeting was held to officially change the name of the “League of Women Voters of Alpena County” to the “League of Women Voters of Northeast Michigan.”

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