Author: David M. Dismore

David Dismore is the archivist for the Feminist Majority Foundation. His journey from would-be weather forecaster to full-time feminist began with the powerful impression made by a photo and a few paragraphs about the suffragists in his high school history textbook; years later, he had his first encounter with NOW—in which he carefully peeked in a window before opening the door to be sure men were allowed. He was eventually active in the ERA extension campaign of 1978, embarked on a cross-country bikeathon for it in 1982 and even worked for pioneers Toni Carabillo and Judith Meuli.

Today in Feminist History: Imprisoned Suffragists are Negotiating with President Wilson

November 26, 1917: Even though there were no official announcements or outward signs of activity today at Washington, D.C.’s District Jail, where the suffragist prisoners are being held, there appears to be some serious negotiating going on behind the scenes. And while Alice Paul has refused food since November 5th, and been force-fed three times a day since the 8th, it looks like it’s the Wilson Administration that’s in a rapidly weakening condition and eager to find a compromise.

Today in Feminist History: U.S. District Court Judge Hears Testimony on Mistreatment of Silent Sentinels

November 24, 1917: Another day in court for some “Silent Sentinel” suffragists who have been imprisoned for picketing along the White House fence. However, unlike many previous occasions, they were not in a courtroom to face more charges, but to make their own accusations against Occoquan Workhouse authorities for the abuses they’ve suffered since being sent there 10 days ago.