WHCC Taking Entries For Saxon the Suffrage Cat Contest

A clipping from The Sunday Oregonian newspaper from July 9, 1916 showing suffragists Alice Burke and Nell Richardson with Saxon the Cat.

The Mesquite Women’s History and Culture Center (WHCC) is once again holding its annual Saxon the Suffrage Cat Contest this summer. The contest started last week on Wednesday, June 7 and the center will continue to accept entries until Friday, July 28.

“This contest offers a creative and educational summer activity for youth and adults,” said WHCC President Jean Watkins. “It is an opportunity to express artistic talents and learn more about the women’s suffrage movement.”

The WHCC is providing cardboard cutouts of Saxon the Suffrage Cat to any interested entrants. These can be decorated in whatever way the artistic fancy might dictate. The final artwork can then be submitted back to the WHCC to be considered for a variety of prizes. The prizes will be awarded in age divisions. A “Best of Show” award will also be announced.

Saxon cutouts are currently available for pick up at the WHCC at 225 N. Willow #23 during summer business hours between 11 and 2 pm.. In addition, those interested in obtaining a cat can simply contact Jean Watkins by phone at 702-345-4088, or by email at mesquitejean@gmail.com to arrange a time to pick it up.

An award ceremony where winners of the contest will be recognized will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 8 from 4-6 pm at the Mesquite Fine Arts Center.

Saxon the Suffrage Cat was adopted as a kitten by historic Women’s Suffragists Nell Richardson and Alice Burke. He rode along with them on a 10,000-mile cross-country automobile trip in 1916 to promote the Women’s Right to Vote. Saxon became a symbol of the women’s suffrage movement.

Saxon was named after the Saxon motorcar the women drove during their historic trip, which took place from April 6 – Sept. 30 in 1916. The journey took the ladies over dirt, or at best graded roads paved with gravel.

This unusual journey caught the attention of people all across the country. The story followed Saxon’s growth as the women traveled from town to town.

To learn more about the WHCC visit https://whccmesquitenv.org.