In the pages of American political history, a seemingly lighthearted prank in 1887 led to an unintended yet groundbreaking milestone — the election of Susanna M. Salter as the first female mayor in the U.S.
The social context: Women’s rights and suffrage movement
The late 19th Century was a period of burgeoning social change. The women’s suffrage movement was gaining momentum, advocating for women’s right to vote and participate fully in civic life. The push for equality faced significant opposition, but it also inspired many women to challenge societal norms.
In this context, women were beginning to organise and demand their place in the political sphere. Organisations like the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) were pivotal in mobilising women to advocate for social reforms, including prohibition and women’s suffrage. It was within this climate of activism and change that the story of America’s first woman mayor unfolded.
The prank that backfired
The small town of Argonia, Kansas, became the unlikely stage for this historic event. In 1887, a group of men, opposed to the idea of women in politics, decided to play a prank during the upcoming municipal elections. They surreptitiously placed the name of Susanna M. Salter on the ballot for mayor, confident that the idea of a female mayor would be so preposterous that it would highlight their point of view.
Susanna Salter was a well-known and respected member of the community and an active member of the WCTU. However, she had no intention of running for office. The pranksters believed that nominating her without her knowledge would not only humiliate her but also dissuade other women from aspiring to political roles and representation.
A portrait of Susanna Madora Salter | Photo Credit: wikimedia commons
Candidates didn’t need to file ahead of election day at the time, so voters were surprised to see Salter’s name on the ballot. Salter herself was unaware of this until representatives from the Republican party visited her at home while she was doing the family laundry. They explained the prank and asked if she would serve if elected. She agreed, and they replied, “All right, we will elect you and just show those fellows who framed up this deal a thing or two.”
Turning the tables
What the pranksters did not anticipate was the strong sense of community and solidarity among the women of Argonia. When the news of Salter’s nomination spread, local WCTU members and other supportive citizens quickly organised to turn the prank into a serious campaign. They rallied behind Salter, recognising the opportunity to make a significant statement about women’s capabilities and rights.
On election day, the unexpected happened. Susanna Salter won by a landslide, securing over 60 % of the vote. Her victory was not just a defeat for the pranksters but also a resounding affirmation of women’s potential in leadership roles.
Initially, her husband was shocked to see her name on the ballot, but he soon came around after she won the election. He even humorously embraced his new role as the “mayor’s husband,” a title that was unprecedented at the time.
Impact and legacy: A step forward for women’s rights
Susanna Salter’s tenure as mayor was marked by her competent and effective leadership. Her election garnered national and international attention, inspiring other women to pursue public office and demonstrating that women could excel in political roles.
Salter’s victory also helped to shift public opinion and catalyse further advancements in the women’s suffrage movement. By turning a prank into a pivotal moment for women’s rights, the citizens of Argonia showed that humour and underestimation could be powerful catalysts for change.
