This post is by Amanda Campbell, an undergraduate student at University of Memphis and a 2019 Library of Congress Junior Fellow.
In February 1911, the New York State Woman Suffrage Association hosted the Susan B. Anthony Fair and Reception, a gathering of eight American suffrage organizations. The Fair and Reception coincided with the birthday of early suffrage activists Susan B. Anthony and the Rev. Anna Howard Shaw and was a fundraiser for suffrage activities. The participating organizations raised money by serving tea and selling crafted goods. The suffragists also raised money by selling advertisements in the program.
Among these advertisements is a marketing campaign from the Monarch vacuum cleaner in which all were invited to “vote” for their favorite suffrage leader by sending a check to the New York State Woman Suffrage Association in her name. The ad promises that whoever acquires the most votes would win a Monarch Vacuum Cleaner. Another warns that “The demand for suffrage and for ice cream may be resisted but it cannot be subdued.”