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.
This is Post two of “Nellie week” presented by Christy Birmingham of When Women Inspire & I.
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.
Premier Roblin condescended. He said, “I believe woman suffrage would break up the home and send women to mix up in political meetings.”
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.
Vis-a-vis this amazing mural in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Christy and 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.
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.
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.
The following text does not necessarily reflect the ensuing photographs. Dr. Mary Crawford played the Minister of Health and Education…
… Miss Kenneth Haig { Attorney General), Mrs. Lipsett-Skinner (Minister of Agriculture), Miss Francis Beynon (Leader of the Opposition) and Dorothy Milne.
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.
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?”
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.
In the CBC archives from 1974 , is a video narrated by Beatrice Brighton who as a young girl attended “A Woman’s Pariament” with her mother. This is definitely worth a watch!
The third and final installment of “Nellie Week” will be posted on When Women Inspire in 2 days, on December 16.
Pics taken by Resa – October 30 , 2016
The Artist: Mandy van Leeuwen
⭐ Special thanks to: Jen Mosienko, Sari Habiluk & Sharon Jonson ⭐
The Nellie McClung Foundation supports and celebrates equal rights for all human beings, regardless of sex, race or creed.
This mural at 560 Sargent Avenue is to celebrate 100 years of women voting in Manitoba
It is sponsored by: Crestview Pharmacy, Cindy Gilroy, Province of Manitoba/Sports, Culture & Heritage, Winnipeg Building and Decorating, University of Winnipeg, North American Lumber, West End BIZ, Nellie McLung Foundation, Take Pride Winnipeg, and Winnipeg Foundation
My Funny Afterthoughts
Women had bigger and better hats than men. No wonder men were threatened. (Wink!)
So many issues! It’s a wonder men ever got the vote! (Wink!)
100 years later, women still do not have pay equity to men, in Canada! (No wink)
Lastly, if you love poetry and stories visit Christy on her other blog Poetic Parfait
Graffiti Lux Art & More 
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