Suffragists “Hike” Through Garrett County, 1914

SUFFRAGISTS “HIKE” THROUGH THE COUNTY.

Great Success. Eight Hundred and Twenty New Members Enrolled.

With evidence that Old Sol accompanied them on their hike through Garrett county, the band of hiking suffragists arrived in Cumberland Sunday, where they planned a similar hike for Allegany county starting August 1. The speakers will be accompanied on their hike through that county by a dozen or more members of the Just Government League of Allegany county.

The leaders were highly elated over their victory Saturday night in a debating contest at Breedlove, W. Va., in which Misses Mary Brennan and Madge Thurlow for the affirmative convinced the judges that women should vote. The negative side was headed by a local preacher who is strongly opposed to woman suffrage and denounced their move in very emphatic terms.

They received 820 new members on their Garrett county tour, and held twenty mass meetings. Kitzmiller led for new members, giving a total of 75, while Friendsville came second with 70. With the exception of a few sore feet and their complexions greatly shaded they all look well after their trip. They are greatly pleased over the hospitality accorded them by the Garrett county people, and their trip cost them less than one hundred and thirty dollars.

The citizens of Garrett county who met the ladies, speak of the highest terms about their visit in their respective neighborhoods, and of their presence in the homes. They were a cheerful, good natured and hopeful company of ladies, and if perseverance and determination count for anything they will win out.