Meet Saxon The Suffrage Cat At Mesquite WHCC

By CHRISTIE NORTHRUP

The Progress

What does a cat have to do with an important event in our nation’s history? You could visit the Mesquite Women’s History and Culture Center (WHCC) at 225 North Willow Street, Room 23 in Mesquite to discover the fascinating story. Instead, let’s let the cat out of the bag right now.

Last year was the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment of the United States Constitution which gave women the right to vote. The action to encourage passage of the amendment is often referred to as The Women’s Suffrage Movement. Suffrage is the right to vote in a political election.

In the spring of 1916 Nell Richardson and Alice Burke, who were campaigning for the amendment to pass, set out from New York for a cross-country trip. They found a cat along their way and named him Saxon after the manufacturer of their car—which they affectionately called The Golden Flier. Saxon was adopted and became the unofficial mascot of the movement, and ultimately the symbol of suffrage.

Due to the COVID pandemic last year, there wasn’t much celebration or commemoration of this important amendment. This month, though, the WHCC is celebrating the passage of the 19th Amendment in their own way with a Saxon the Suffrage Cat Contest. It’s both an art and an essay contest and it is open to youth and adults of all ages. Prizes and gifts will be awarded in four groups ranging in ages under six to adults.

This is a fun and educational way to entertain your family in the comfort of your cool home. Donations for the Saxons are welcomed, but not required.

To enter, go to the WHCC and pick up your own Saxon Cat to decorate at home. Writing an essay is optional.

For more details on the contest, visit www.whccMesquiteNV.org. Entries will be accepted until Saturday, July 31 at 5:00 p.m. when the contest closes. Entries will be posted on the WHCC website under the Gallery tab.

And award ceremony to recognize the winners will be held at the WHCC on Friday, August 6 beginning at 3:00 pm. Light refreshments will be served.

All completed Saxons will be returned to their artists.