Marilla M. Ricker scrapbook, 1866-1911
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Summary
- Creator:
- Ricker, Marilla M. (Marilla Marks), 1840-1920, Baskin, Lisa Unger, Farmer, Sarah J., 1847-1916, Sherman, John, 1823-1900, Stanton, Elizabeth Cady, 1815-1902, Douglass, Frederick, 1818-1895, Hubbard, Elbert, 1856-1915, Logan, John Alexander, 1826-1886, and Baskin, Lisa Unger
- Abstract:
- Marilla Ricker was an influential suffragist and pioneering woman lawyer. Her scrapbook consists chiefly of newspaper clippings by and about Ricker, chronicling her long activist career and public life advocating for suffrage and equal rights for women. It also includes correspondence and ephemera.
- Extent:
- 0.5 Linear Feet (1 item)
- Language:
- Materials in English
- Collection ID:
- RL.11393
Background
- Scope and content:
-
Collection comprises a scrapbook (66 leaves, 27 x 35 cm.) bound in maroon cloth with oak leaf and acorn decoration on front cover. The first leaf is inscribed "Marilla M. Ricker, March 1, 1896, 30 Codman Place, Roxbury, Mass." It consists chiefly of U.S newspaper clippings by and about Ricker. Some clippings have mss. annotations indicating the titles and dates of the newspapers. Topics include Ricker's political writings, philanthropic activities, and extensive activism on behalf of women's suffrage. Suffrage activities detailed in the newspaper stories include Ricker's legal activities, attempts to vote, run for public office, and apply for a diplomatic post. Also pasted in are six notes addressed to Ricker from correspondents including the Arts and Crafts Movement leader Elbert Hubbard, Illinois Senator John A. Logan, and the African-American author, orator, and abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Clipped autographs from faith leader Sarah J. Farmer, suffrage leader Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Ohio Senator John Sherman are also pasted in. Black and white portraits and illustrations of Ricker are interspersed throughout. The scrapbook also contains an 1881 certification admitting Ricker to the bar of the District of Columbia, an 1899 brief from a case Ricker tried before the Supreme Court of New Hampshire, printed ephemera including the seal of the American Secular Union and Freethought Federation, and 25 U.S. postage stamps.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Marilla Ricker was a New Hampshire native nationally known as a lawyer, suffragist, writer, freethinker and prison reformer. She was the first woman admitted to the bar in the state of New Hampshire and was the first woman to attempt to run for governor and congressional office in that state. She was also the first woman to attempt to vote and the first woman to seek a diplomatic post. Although none of these attempts were successful, she succeeded in bringing national public attention to the cause of women's suffrage and equal rights.
- Acquisition information:
- The Marilla M. Ricker scrapbook was received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as a purchase in 2015.
- Processing information:
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Processed by Megan E. Lewis, February, 2017
Accessions described in this collection guide: 2015-0050-LUBMSS415
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Subjects
Click on terms below to find related finding aids on this site. For other related materials in the Duke University Libraries, search for these terms in the Catalog.
- Subjects:
- Suffragists -- United States -- History
Women -- Political activity -- New Hampshire -- History
Women -- Political activity -- United States -- History
Women -- Suffrage -- United States -- History
Women freethinkers
Women lawyers -- New Hampshire -- History
Women lawyers -- United States -- History
Women's rights -- United States -- History - Format:
- Scrapbooks
- Names:
- Lisa Unger Baskin Collection (David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library)
Sallie Bingham Center for Women's History and Culture
American Secular Union
Lisa Unger Baskin Collection (David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library)
Sallie Bingham Center for Women's History and Culture
Douglass, Frederick, 1818-1895
Hubbard, Elbert, 1856-1915
Logan, John Alexander, 1826-1886 - Places:
- New Hampshire -- Politics and government -- 1865-1950
United States -- Politics and government -- 1865-1950
Contents
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Collection is open for research.
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- Preferred citation:
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[Identification of item], Marilla M. Ricker scrapbook, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.