Likeness of Marilla M. Ricker from I Don’t Know, Do You? by Marilla M. Ricker
Back in 2014 I first wrote about Marilla Marks (Young) Ricker, the first woman in New Hampshire to attempt to cast her vote during elections (1870), and the first to run for governor (1910). She failed in both attempts [details can be found here], but she set the stage for future women leaders, both in New Hampshire and elsewhere.
In July 1890 she became the first woman lawyer in New Hampshire (she was admitted to the District of Columbia bar earlier in 1882). She was a daughter, a wife, an attorney, a protestor, an advocate of prisoner’s rights, a suffragist, a philanthropist. FINALLY she is going to be recognized, so read on.
I was recently contacted by Rep. Robert Renny Cushing, of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, informing me that this amazing woman is finally being recognized for her efforts and achievements with a formal portrait being unveiled in the New Hampshire State House. Rep. Cushing stated in his email to me that this was 19 years in the works. [Rep. Cushing was a sponsor of a bill to acquire and display a portrait of suffragist Marilla Marks Ricker].
He also sent me this invitation, that I am now sharing with you. Please make every attempt to RVSP (info below) if you plan to attend.
YOU ARE INVITED TO THE
MARILLA RICKER
PORTRAIT
UNVEILING CEREMONY
WHEN: Monday May 16, 2016
3:30 PM
WHERE: New Hampshire State House, north rear entry corridor
followed by a reception on the State House Plaza
The NH Women’s Bar Association
and the League of Women Voters NH
and the Joint Legislative Historical Committee
ask you to join us in honoring
MARILLA MARKS YOUNG RICKER, ESQ.
1840-1920
suffragist, attorney, free-thinker;
humanitarian, proud NH native
whose portrait will join those
of other distinguished NH leaders
in accordance with resolutions
passed in 1997 and 2013
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Some reserved seating for the elderly and the disabled
If you plan to attend, an RSVP is appreciated
LWV@kenliz.net
Speakers invited are:
Governor Margaret Wood Hassan
Bill sponsor Rep. Renny Cushing
NH Women’s Bar Association
League of Women Voters
NH Artist Kate Gridley
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Woot woot! That is awesome! You can tell us more about this at the blogger bash after the event!
This event is open to the public 🙂 I encourage anyone who is interested to attend.
Very cool! Enjoy!