The women of the NJAOWS walked a fine line between the comfort of the private sphere and the public sphere they adamantly believed was not their place.
In order to promote their position against suffrage, the NJAOWS went on an aggressive social campaign, hosting a series of events that still kept their position in society without giving the appearance of being too political.
Trenton Evening Times May 15, 1914
The social campaign started out simple, with events like card parties. Once it became known there was a vote scheduled on the question of woman suffrage in New Jersey on October 19, 1915, the antis would go on to throw more extravagant affairs to put their message across.
The social campaign started out simple, with events like card parties. Once it became known there was a vote scheduled on the question of woman suffrage in New Jersey on October 19, 1915, the antis would go on to throw more extravagant affairs to put their message across.
Trenton Evening Times August 02, 1915
Trenton Evening Times September 20, 1915
When the Trenton elite retreated to the Jersey Shore for the summer, the anti campaign went with them. While “rally” may conjure images of large groups gathering to express their views in a loud way, the coverage of the end of summer season anti rally reads more like an exclusive society event with card games, dancing, and tea – all overseen by patronesses.
Trenton Evening Times October 12, 1915
Trenton Evening Times October 13, 1915
The NJAOWS held several balls during their existence, but they went all-out for the Columbus Day Ball, held a week before the suffrage vote in New Jersey. Advertising in the newspaper, the ball was open to the general public for 25 cent admission and was to have a number of dance contests. By all accounts the event was a success, with nearly three thousand guests attending.
