On January 28, 1914, Nellie McClung starred as Manitoba’s suspender snapping and cigar smoking Premier, in a mock parliament at the Walker Theater in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The previous day, January 27, 1914, Nellie and many women of the Political Equality League met with Premier Roblin and the legislative body to request the vote for women.
This prompted a guerilla “mock parliament” wherein women had the vote, but not men. It was added to that night’s showing of How They Won The Vote“, a play originally produced in London. It was adapted to fit Winnipeg in 1914.
Artist: Mandy van Lueewen
Vis-a-vis this amazing mural in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Christyand I take a look at the mock parliament that changed women’s voting rights of yesterday into women’s voting rights of today, in Canada.
Artist: Mandy van Leeuwen
It featured: Nellie as a female Premier Roblin, and her daughter Florence, as a parliamentary page. As well, it showcased 2 other mother and daughter pairs.
Artist: Mandy van Leeuwen
There was Harriet Walker (Minister of Public Works) and her daughter Ruth (a parliamentary page). I am not sure which image is Mrs. Walker.Mrs. Francis Graham, below, portrayed Speaker of the House. Her daughter, Miss Alma Graham, was a Clerk.
Artist: Mandy van Leeuwen
The following text does not necessarily reflect the ensuing photographs. Dr. Mary Crawford played the Minister of Health and Education…
Artist: Mandy van Leeuwen
… Miss Kenneth Haig { Attorney General), Mrs. Lipsett-Skinner (Minister of Agriculture), Miss Francis Beynon (Leader of the Opposition) and Dorothy Milne.
Artist: Mandy van Leeuwen
Mrs. Lipsett-Skinner, pleasantly satirical, rejected a bill introducing labor-saving devices. The thought was, if men had spare time on their hands, they could start educating themselves. Next thing, they’d be petitioning for the vote.
Artist: Mandy van Leeuwen
Many men were in support of the Suffrage movement, and took part in the play. A delegation of men, headed by R.C. Skinner, came seeking suffrage privileges for the male sex. They had a slogan “We have the brains. Why not let us vote?”
Artist: Mandy van Leeuwen
The men’s case was ardently presented. The bill was effectively thwarted by Premier McClung, in the same vein (but with comedic overtone) that she and the Women’s Equality League had been dissed the day before.
The audience howled in delight.
Artist: Mandy van Leeuwen
To read the transcripts of the awesome “Winnipeg Free Press” review of that hilarious and historic night’s play about a mock parliament published on January 29, 1914 go to:
The Nellie McClung Foundation – Primary Sources Page – “Women Score in Drama and Debate” (4th article down) Apologies for the indirect link.
Although Nellie and her family had moved to Edmonton, she returned to Manitoba to campaign for Liberal leader T. C. Norris in the August 1915 election. He defeated Premier Roblin. On January 28, 1916 Norris delivered his promise, granting full suffrage to the women of Manitoba.
The third and final installment of “Nellie Week” will be posted on When Women Inspire in 2 days, on December 16.
Artist: Mandy van Leeuwen – Photo & adjustment by Resa
This is not the best shot I took of these Rainbow Beauties that grace Rainbow Stage, but I inadvertently captured their reflections in a puddle. I love it!
Artists: Michel Saint Hilaire, Mandy van Leeuwen
They are so gorgeous that I am dedicating a Post to each one. Here is “Rainbow Beauty, Too”
There’s an outdoor theater in Winnipeg called Rainbow Stage. The entire exterior is one ginormous mural. Part of the mural is two drama masked beauties that I couldn’t stop photographing.
Artists: Michel Saint Hilaire, Mandy van Leeuwen
They are so gorgeous that I am dedicating a Post to each one. Here is “Rainbow Beauty One”
Thank you Christy for writing “Wolf” for Kids’ Month. It meant a lot to me! I’ve always enjoyed your writing talent and your blog, Poetic Parfait. 
Christy is busy 
penning her first novel. In the meantime, she has 2 books of poetry on the market.
Graffiti Lux Art & More 
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