Name/Title
sashEntry/Object ID
1941.049.418Description
Sash. Striped grosgrain sash, central white stripe flanked by olive stripes, flanked by purple stripes along edges; constructed of two pieces, seamed at center; ends are folded over and stitched on back so sash ends in a point, with purple lettering "VOTES FOR WOMEN" on one side and "JUST GOVERNMENT LEAGUE" on the other side. Marked on back in black ink "M.B.S." Mary Bostwick Shellman. Hook and eye closures at point. 4" x 24". C.1900.
Mary Bostwick Shellman was the first President of the Just Government League of Carroll County, a grassroots Maryland suffrage organization. Suffragists wore sashes in bright colors to stand out at marches and rallies. The most common colors were purple, white, and yellow. These colors were not random — they had special meanings:
Purple stood for loyalty and dignity.
White symbolized purity.
Yellow came from the sunflower, which was used in early suffrage campaigns, and it stood for hope and light.
The sashes helped send a strong, clear message. When women wore them, it showed they were united and proud to fight for the right to vote.Acquisition
Accession
1941.049Source or Donor
Reese, PaulAcquisition Method
Gift
