Celebrating Lakewood Suffrage Legend Josephine Saxer Irwin

On October 3rd, the 100th Anniversary of the 1914 Suffrage March in Cleveland, Gloria Cipri-Kemer and the Emerald Necklace Inn will host a gala tea in celebration of this event and in remembrance of suffragist legend Josephine Saxer Irwin who was in the parade seeking the vote for women.

Sporting flaming red hair, twenty-four year old Josephine Saxer, Lakewood resident and teacher, was one of five women escorts riding horses at the head of the parade of 7000 marchers attracting 200,000 spectators. It is for this act of courage and her continued advocacy for women's rights and world peace that she is being honored.  

The celebration being held at the Fairview Gemini Center beginning at 11:30 a.m. will be educational and entertaining.  "Suffragists" will greet luncheon guests with  songs and banners. An overview of the suffrage movement will be followed by a portrayal and a detailed pictorial of Josephine's life. In conclusion a proclamation will be issued honoring this long time Fairview Park resident.

On Saturday October 4th the celebration will continue with a "Greenhouse and Cemetery Tour" from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Both Fairview locations are significant to the life of Josephine Saxer Irwin. The greenhouse attached to the Irwin home is where Josephine and her husband John cultivated prize-winning orchids. An orchid expert will be on site to sell orchids and answer questions about growing them.

The day will also include a self-guided tour of the Fairview Park (Rockport) Cemetery which Josephine fought to preserve during her lifetime. Consequently, all money received after expenses will be donated to a cemetery fund.

The cost of these events are $30 for the luncheon only, $35 for the luncheon and the Saturday tours and $15 for the tours alone. For more information and reservations call 440-333-9100 or email stay@emeraldnecklaceinn.com.        

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Volume 10, Issue 20, Posted 2:24 PM, 09.30.2014