Community invited to celebrate Swain
FD woman was leader in women's suffrage movement
On the 101st anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote, the YWCA of Fort Dodge is inviting community members to the Vincent House to celebrate Adeline Morrison Swain and her contributions to women’s suffrage and Fort Dodge.
Swain, who lived in Fort Dodge from 1858 until her death in 1899, along with her husband, were the builders and first owners of the historic Vincent House, 824 Third Ave. S. Swain was a leader in the Iowa and Illinois state suffrage movements.
“She was a gatherer. She gathered people to start the women’s suffrage movement in the area,” said Mandi Crouse Kelly, executive director of the YWCA of Fort Dodge. The YWCA is the current owner of the Vincent House.
Due to work by Shari Fitzgerald of the Dragoon Questers, the Vincent House will be home to a plaque commemorating Swain on the National Votes for Women Trail.
The celebration will start at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday with a keynote presentation by Fitzgerald, followed by music from Jeremy Ober from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Celebrating Swain on the anniversary of the 19th Amendment ratification was intentional by event organizers.
“It was crucial for women to have rights now and the ability to vote and everything we’re able to do now,” Crouse Kelly said.
Soldier Creek Winery and a food truck will be on site and guests are invited to bring a chair to sit on the lawn. Tours of the Vincent House will be available for a free-will donation.
“It’s a family-friendly event,” Crouse Kelly said. “Bring your daughters to see what’s going on and learn about women’s suffrage and get to see this piece of history.”