Lucy Smith Morris

Before women achieved the right to vote, clubs often served as women's political and cultural forums. In 1896, foreseeing the political power of a statewide alliance of women, Lucy Smith Morris organized Wisconsin's women's clubs into one coalition and, as the first president of the Wisconsin Federation of Woman's Clubs, used her influence to garner support for civic causes and social reform. Known as the little mother of the Federation, she helped found 100 community libraries in her first year in office. From a wealthy family, she was an active local club woman and a strong supporter of women's suffrage, bringing Julia Ward Howe, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Susan B. Anthony to speak in Berlin. These leaders of the women's suffrage movement were guests at the Morris home, which still stands at 209 East Park Avenue. In the 20th century, Morris helped organize Wisconsin's League of Women Voters.

Berlin, Wisconsin · United States