Willard was a prohibitionist, social reformer and foe of capitalism. But it seemed nobody cared, since the day was never observed. So this legislator, Richard Kennedy, said why not repeal the statute?
Well, that's when the dung beetles hit the fan. The Women's Christian Temper-ance Union rose up in arms, and the Legislature ran for cover.
Kennedy was not dismayed. He became an advocate for Frances E. Willard Day and, thus, the darling of the WCTU. In the next session of the Legislature (with tongue still firmly in cheek) he introduced a bill setting criminal penalties in the statute for teachers who didn't teach about Frances E. Willard. Needless to say, since teachers and jail space were then in short supply, this did not happen.
Later, though no longer a legislator, Kennedy got a friend to introduce a bill to make Frances E. Willard Day a state holiday. "It would put Oregon on the map -- a psychologically important innovation," he said. "As it is now, the only other calendar date taking notice of women is Mother's Day, which is indicative of the historical treatment of women. It would be a step in the right direction to recognize women as individuals rather than as the party chief in reproduction."
This got the Legislature's attention. Late in the session, the Oregon Legislature repealed Frances E. Willard Day and established "Women in Oregon History Week." During the second week of March, schools are required to commemorate the lives, history and achievements of Oregon Women in History -- including Frances E. Willard.
I wonder if it's too late to nominate my girlie side for a couple days' worth of instruction?*
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My favorite phrase today is fleshing it out. Adj. the talk is getting pretty salty in here. Def.: An argument between the baker and the preacher as to whether the wafers are unleavened.
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(*Are they teaching it this year? You gotta be kidding.)
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