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HomeHistory of the LWV and LWVPGH
Historical LWV- 1915 march
Juneteenth parade 2021

History of the LWV and
the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh

CLICK HERE to Learn About
100 Years of the
League of Women Voters

LWVPGH VIDEO
Learn the History of
Women's Suffrage

THE STRUGGLE
Begins

"Be spectacular so as to obtain brilliant vermillion headlines."

The struggle for the vote for women began well before the creation of the League of Women Voters in 1920. The Justice Bell Story (from the Justice Bell Foundation at justicebell.org)
 is an example of the kind of feisty determination of the early suffagists. 

In 1915, suffragists in Pennsylvania were looking for a way to drum up support for a referendum to approve the amendment to the state consititution that would give women the right to vote. That's when Chester County activist Katharine Wentworth Ruschenberger came up with the idea--a replica of the Liberty Bell. She offered to pay $2000 for the bronze replica. 


The words Establish Justice were engraved on the bell and its clapper was chained to its side, not to be rung until women were given a voice. All summer and up until the November election, a detail of suffragists escorted the Bell to the 67 counties in Pennsylvania on a flatbed truck to the delight of the crowds. 

 The "Justice Bell" became a galvanizing symbol not just in Pennsylvania but around the country, even though, unfortunately, the state referendum failed.  In 1920, following the passage of the 19th Amendment, the Justice Bell was finally rung in a huge celebration at Independence Square in Philadelphia.

The "Justice Bell" visits

67 Pennsylvania Counties in 1915


Accordion Widget
"The Day Women Took Over" a Pittsburgh Newspaper by Eliza Smith Brown
"The Day Women Took Over" a Pittsburgh Newspaper by Eliza Smith Brown

The Pennsylvania campaign for women's suffrage went on for more than a decade. In 1915, the Equal Franchise Federation engaged in some spectacular strategies-- from pulpits to parades, from schoolhouses to Kennywood, from exclusive clubs to factory gates and union halls, from car shows to poultry shows, from the Opera House to Forbes Field and the Ringling Brothers Circus, from bustling city street corners to dusty country roads."


On a fair morning in February, 1912, 16 formidable women staged a take-over. They were club and society women, debutantes, professional women, and housewives. It was "Ladies Privilege Day"--the day when a man could propose to a women. With a sympathetic newspaper, The Sun, the ladies performed every task. They wrote the articles, gained the advertising, printed and distributed the "Women's Suffrage Edition".


"From the first page to the last page it was a paper of, by and for women," the Pittsburgh Post reported. The women made the case that with access to voting, they could make an impact on the issues of the day: impure food and water, excessively young ages of consent, child labor, white slavery, poor working conditions for women, vice, war, unsanitary tenenment conditions, inefficient schools and more.


For the entire article by Eliza Smith Brown, click here.


Carrie Chapman Catt
Suffragist and League of
Women Voters Founder 
"To get that word, male out of the Constitution cost the women of this country 52 years of pauseless campaign; 56 state referendum campaigns; 480 legislative campaigns to get state suffrage amendments submitted; 47 state constitutional convention campaigns; 277 state party convention campaigns; 30 national party convention campaigns to get suffrage planks in the party platforms; 19 campaigns with 19 successive Congresses to get the federal amendment submitted, and the final ratification campaign."
 
"Millions of dollars were raised, mostly in small sums, and spent with economic care. Hundreds of women gave the accumulated possibilities of an entire lifetime, thousands gave years of their lives, hundreds of thousands gave constant interest and such as they could. It was a continuous and seemingly endless chain of activity. Young suffragists who helped forge the last links of that chain were not born when it began. Old suffragists who helped forge the first links were dead when it ended."

Carrie Chapman Catt

ORIGINS of the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh
The STRUGGLE
Continues

Once women got the vote, they championed causes that reached into every corner of their communities. They were anti-corruption and pro-transparency members of the public--always looking out for the common good. That spirit is still close to the hearts of League of Women Voters members today.

Photo right: Suffragists in 1920

Suffragists in 1920


ACROSS THE DECADES
The League of Women Voters 
of Greater Pittsburgh
Accordion Widget
1920 - 1950 Allegheny County LWV
1920 - 1950 Allegheny County LWV

1920 - 1950's

(From "100 Years of Changing and Evolving," by Nancy Naragon and Maureen Grosheider)


From the beginning, the League of Women Voters has existed both in Pennsylvania and in Pittsburgh--but a part of the time, multiple Leagues existed in conflict.


From 1920 to the 1950's, the local LWV called the "Allegheny County LWV"was populated by the wives of many of the influential business and industrial leaders in the area.

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1950 - 1960 Split into Two Local Leagues
1950 - 1960 Split into Two Local Leagues

By the 1950's, the national LWV decided that their voice could be amplified if the national and all of the state and local Leagues spoke with the same voice when addressing national issues. Prior to this, there was not consensus, as the individual Leagues often had views that contrasted with the national's position.


The Allegheny County LWV vigorously debated whether they should affiliate or remain independent. The problem--they actually endorsed candidates, which was directly counter to the nonpartisan position of the national League. The result-- a split into two Leagues--the Allegheny County LWV, which would not affiliate and the Pittsburgh LWV, which would.

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1960 - 1970 "Facts for Voter" First Published
1960 - 1970 "Facts for Voter" First Published

LWV, Allegheny County Council (1961-1991) 

Records from 1945-1991 of the League of Women Voters in the Pittsburgh area are housed in the Detre Library and Archives of the Heinz History Center.


Publications include a near complete run of "Facts for Voters" from 1967 to 1991. This widely popular publication for citizens provides contact and other information of local, state, and national elected and appointed officials. 


Also included are the working papers and the finished publication of "Allegheny County Government" (1971). This book was produced by the LWV, Allegheny County Council, and provides information on county organization, facilities and budget. In addition to material that supports active, informed citizens, these records also include information about the concern for the availability of housing (April 1973). 


Want to read about even more history of the LWVPGH? Click on this link to the Heinz History Center Archives here.

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(1945 - 1991 More LWV in the Pittsburgh Area)
(1945 - 1991 More LWV in the Pittsburgh Area)

Pittsburgh Area (1945-1991) 

From the Detre Library and Archives

The Pittsburgh Area records include board meeting minutes, financial materials, information about club programs, press releases, and other sundry items. Material produced by the Pittsburgh Area League provides the strongest organizational material in these records. The minutes of the board from 1967 to 1991 are not comprehensive, but provide strong documentation of the activities and organization of the Pittsburgh Area League. Since the secretaries for the League switched over time, the quality of the minutes varies greatly during the 25-year span. Other organizational material includes financial documents concerning budget, income and expenditures, as well as the planning of programs, conventions and other activities. The programs documented by these records include one on economic welfare, held in the late 1940s, and desegregation in the schools, held in the 1970s.


Publications from the Pittsburgh Area League include a nearly complete run of the newsletter, "Pittsburgh Voter", from 1959 to 1991 and annual report workbooks, from 1979 to 1991. Miscellaneous materials include general information, notices of events, election information, correspondence, general information about Pittsburgh and Fox Chapel schools, as well as information about the Pittsburgh area. Of particular note are materials about Pittsburgh schools (1968-1969), a booklet entitled "This is Pittsburgh" (1953) and other sundry items.


Want to read about even more history of the LWVPGH? Click on this link to the Heinz History Center Archives here.

Accordion Widget
1970 -1980 Funny Fundraising!
1970 -1980 Funny Fundraising!

In the 70's and 80's a number of League members staffed the office in the YWCA building, but over the years, a few really held the League together. They shared the job, an innovation at the time, learned how to use a computer and sent some very early emails. In 1985, the office moved to the old ALCOA building, which visionary Paul O'Niell had donated to the city's nonprofit organizations. In appreciation, he received the LWVGP's Good Government Award. In 2013, the building was sold, and the League office moved to the Koppers Building where it remains today. The League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh is one of the only League chapters to have a staffed office. 


"The biggest challenge in the 80's was raising money and our members did some things that had nothing to do with League. Many League members became "Secret Shoppers" working with a chain of shoe companies. Members would go buy a pair of shoes, then go back and return them, while writing a review on the experience. They were paid so much per encounter and could be seen in malls all over Western Pennsylvania and Ohio! This practice ended when new League members began real fundraising efforts with the major corporations and foundations in Pittsburgh."

         -Dorothy Wriedt, Office manager 1983-2009 and Treasurer of the Pittsburgh League


By 1985--
S
ix Affiliated Leagues 
By 1985, there were six affiliated Leagues in Allegheny County:
Pittsburgh Central, Mt. Lebanon, Bethel Park, Upper St. Clair, and North Hills, plus the County Council LWV


Two trends began to develop. The first, that the focus of study and testimony increasingly centered on city and countywide issues, along with a belief that a countywide League would be more effective. The second involved the difficulty of filling positions of six boards of directors, just as more and more members began working full time.

"There was lots of agony filling those board positions, which usually resolved by the Annual Meetings.  During the agony, the subject of becoming a county League came up again and again, but was dismissed as board positions were mostly filled."
   
                                                                                                        --Nancy Naragon, Past-President


Finally, In 1992
The League of Women Voters
of Greater Pittsburgh 
is Born!

In 1992, a committee to explore the formation of a County League, stirred up many high emotions and brought simmering opinions to the surface. Research was conducted, Leagues around the county were consulted, and discussions were held. League members wrestled with the many issues of a merger. Members wanted to maintain friendships and wanted to maintain the status quo on local issue positions, local funds, and the way local meetings were run. 

The Solution: Each of the local Leagues became a unit of the LWV of Greater Pittsburgh.  Each unit would maintain its separate identity in their community; would have a chair (also a member of the LWVGP Board), membership and program designee; and for three years (before being folded into the LWVGP), would maintain control over its funds, over it's own local positions and activism, and its own meetings.  All units would collaborate with the LWVGP for all-League meetings, like Annual Meetings, Kick-off Meetings, Fundraisers, etc.

The Vote: Finally in 1992, the merger was approved to create the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh. What became of the Allegheny County League? Over the years, membership dwindled and the group eventually disbanded.
LWVPGH_Logo_large.jpg

Do You Know the History of the LWV and Presidential Debates?
Accordion Widget
LWV and Presidential Debates
LWV and Presidential Debates

“After a 16 year period in which there were no public presidential debates, the League of Women Voters Education Fund (LWVEF) sponsored three presidential debates in 1976. These debates between Jimmy Carter (D), former governor of Georgia and Gerald Ford (R), President of the United States, were the first to be held since 1960. In 1976 the League also sponsored one vice presidential debate between Senator Walter Mondale (D-MN) and Senator Bob Dole (R-KS).


The League continued to sponsor the presidential and vice presidential debates every four years through the 1984 elections. Following that election cycle, the Democratic and Republican national parties came together in a decision to move sponsorship of the debates under the purview of the parties.


Between 1985 and 1987 the League challenged this move and sparked widespread public debate on the matter. The LWVEF argued that a change in sponsorship that put control of the debate format in the hands of the two dominant parties would deprive voters of one of the only chances they have to see the candidates outside of their controlled campaign environment.


In 1987 the parties announced the creation of the Commission on Presidential Debates. The Commission chose LWVEF to sponsor the last presidential debate of 1988, but placed so many rules and restrictions on the possible format of the debate that the LWVEF was finally unable to agree to participate. In a press release at the time, Nancy Neuman, then LWVUS President, stated that the League had “no intention of becoming an accessory to the hoodwinking of the American public.”

The nonprofit Commission on Presidential Debates sponsored all the presidential debates since 1988 (1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012)”

 

Here are 2 interesting videos on this topic:


1988 - League of Women Voters End Sponsorship of Presidential Debates - Press Briefing----from CSPAN

https://youtu.be/e6ECHHDn_TA


LWV and the Presidential Debates

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycyHSM3qD24

1984 Prsidential Forum

1984 Debate Committee celebrates following a national Presidential Debate with

Jesse Jackson, Walter Mondale, and Gary Hart.



LWVPGH Photo Gallery and League Voices

LWVPGH Member Martha Raak

and Gloria Steinem with others


"Bella was with me at a meeting of women’s groups sponsored in Greensburg. I remember in Beaver in the 60's and the National LWV ...we advocated for opening up to China. Marching for the ERA in Washington, DC was energizing. My first national LWV meeting in Colorado was terrific. My husband Ray took off work to watch our 5 children (including a 6-month old) so I could attend!

Time marches on."

--Martha Raak, 50 Year Member

Allegheny County Commissioners (L-R: Tom Forester, Jim Flaherty, and Robert Pierce) present a proclamation to the LWVGP for Voter Service work, including Facts for Citizens.

LWVGP members L-R: Phyllis Majesky, Susan Hughes, Carol Hartnett, Patricia McDonald, Barbara Seay, Kathy Potter, Roz Treger


LWVPGH Member Kathy Scheuble and New

Registered Voter

"I worried for a number of years that we had no real identity--other groups had taken on individual issues and we just weren't on the front line.  Now we are, thanks to all the people
who work on registration, Get Out the Vote,
and civic education, as well as
state participation in court cases."
                                                                                                                                                    --Phyllis Dreyfus,  50-Year Member


"I loved the debates, the Legislative interview, and the conventions were incredible.  I think we have been less successful with diversity--there was a big push in the late 90's, but here we are today.  I would like our League to reflect America as it is and
make democracy work."
                                                                                                                                                    --Carol Emerson, 50-Year Member

City Proclamation on the 90th Birthday

of the League of Women Voters

(LWVPGH Members Sue Broughton,

Arlene Levy, Eileen Olmsted, Martha Raak,

and others)


Pittsburgh Bicentennial celebrated on July 19, 2016- Began with a parade (Eileen Olmsted, Nancy and Don Naragon, and other LWVPGH members hold banner) which began on Liberty Avenue and ended at Point Park

The Pittsburgh Bell- Pittsburgh Bicentennial Parade, July 19, 2016

Pittsburgh Bicentennial- Arlene Levy and reenactiment soldiers celebrate 200th Birthday of the City of Pittsburgh- July 19, 2016-Pittsburgh as a City incorporated on March 18, 1816, the day that the first Mayor, Ebenezer Denny was sworn in.







"It was challenging to get people who were willing to do things--serve on the Board, take on jobs-- Phyllis Armstrong and I did everything, but that is not a way to grow an organization. To see the growth now is heartwarming. The biggest change during my time with the League was when women started working (outside of the home) which changed the whole composition of the membership-- and now the women who are home are retired.
I'm happy to see people I don't know steering the League.

--Dorothy Wriedt,   
Office Manager 1983-2009 and Treasurer of the Pittsburgh League

LWVPGH Members at State Convention-- June, 25, 2019

(Standing L-R, Eileen Olmsted, Maureen Mamula, Judy Clack, Don Naragon,

Terrie Griffin, Preston Shimer.

Seated- Nancy Naragon, Annette Shimer)


Slideshow
50 Year Member Quotes 3

June 2, 2018, "Wear Orange National Gun Violence Prevention Day"

at Market Square

Seated: Rosemary Prostko; Standing, left to right: Cynthia Grace Devine-Kepner, Christine Peters, Emily Ferri, Judy Clack, Marye Phillips, Francie Cech, Maria Magone


ADVOCACY of LWVPGH
1970-2025

ISSUES, ISSUES, ISSUES
Over the years, members of the League of Women Voters in the Greater Pittsburgh advocated for these issues:

Voting Age from 21- to 18-years-old; Voting Rights; Voting Access; City Council Elected by District Rather than At-large; Civil Rights; the Power of the President (following Watergate); the environment; the 1st Earth Day, the ERA; Local Housing; Local Water and Sewage; Allegheny County Three-Commissioner System changes to County Executive and Council under Home Rule; the Viet Nam War; ICBM's; School Desegregation; Mental Health; Marcellus Shale Impact; Pittsburgh Public Schools; Education; Charter Schools; Pennsylvania Court Cases; Rules for State Legislature; Election of Judges by Region; Legislative and Congressional Redistricting Act. Reproductive Rights, "Independent State Legislature Theory"

2025 Priorities:
Restore and Defend Voting Rights Protections; Provide Democracy Education & Election Administration Support; Campaign Finance/Money in Politics; Redistricting; Direct Election of President by Popular Vote (Abolish Electoral College); Protect Democracy Organizations & Institutions, Fight for Reproductive Freedoms.

(Photo on right) Original "Plank" of League of Women Voters in 1920:  Most are still important issues today!

Original "Plank" of League of Women Voters in 1920:

Child Welfare, Education, Home and High Prices, Women in Gainful Occupations, Public Health and Morals, and Independent Citizenship for Married Women



Cris_with_students_-_Juneteenth.png

Registering Students at Juneteenth Event


The League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh TODAY

The merger was a success, giving our 
League (LWVGP) a stronger voice in the community as well as in the state. We are the largest League in Pennsylvania. Our League has been active and effective in such vital areas as Voter Services, civic education, and elections, as well as advocating for issues like gun safety, education, and healthcare. 

105 Years of History--105 Years of Change
Through each year and each new challenge, we have evolved and grown. The crisis of a pandemic caused us to ramp up our digital tools and our outreach at the same time. We have come to rely on our email and web address "lwvpgh.org", as both are consistent with our social media and we have changed our acronym to LWVPGH.

As our membership looks forward to the future, we honor our rich past, but look to the next generations to continue the powerful mission which lies at the center of all our work in our communities: "Empowering Voters.  Defending Democracy." 

     To read about the lives and work of some of our trailblazing "Marvelous Members",  click here

     Learn about even more history of the LWVPGH-- Click on this link to the Heinz History Center Archives here.

"Remember the Ladies and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors...Remember that all Men would be tyrants if they could."
                                                             
--Abigail Adams, Letter to John Adams, March 31, 1776


February 2025 Voter