
Alan LeQuire's women's suffrage monument in Centennial Park
Readers who moved to Nashville since the centennial celebration of women’s suffrage back in 2020 might not know that Tennessee played a vital role in the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which finally extended voting rights to women. More specifically, the venerable Hermitage Hotel played host to both pro- and anti-suffragists, along with legislators and lobbyists during the battle to become the 36th state to ratify the amendment, pushing it over the top for inclusion in the Constitution.
Thanks to its proximity to the Capitol, The Hermitage was the spot to decamp between debating and voting, and the two factions wore differently colored roses to indicate their preference and prevent eavesdropping from the other side. A yellow rose signified that you were in favor of women gaining the vote, and a red rose meant that, well, you were some sort of misogynist neanderthal. The proceedings became known as “The War of the Roses.”
Now that the newbies have been caught up: All are invited to join at The Hermitage for a special Yellow Rose Tea celebration at 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16, Saturday, Aug. 17, and Sunday, Aug. 18, for an afternoon of celebratory Champagne, light bites, live music from the 1920s from the lobby piano and a traditional afternoon tea service followed by a gift of a yellow rose before departing.
We remember the Tennessee women who fought for the right to vote — and consider those who continue the battle today
After a glass of bubbles (for 21-and-up guests), a wide variety of traditional tea accompaniments will be served. To wit:
Tea Sandwiches
Chicken Salad Croissant
Hummus | Curry | Tarragon
Cucumber | Herbs | Creme Fraiche
Egg Salad Tartine | Black Truffle | Smoked Salmon
Tea Pastries
Cream Puff | Tiramisu Mousse
Macaron | Vanilla Rose
Cheesecake | Passionfruit
Salted Caramel Tart | Ganache
Scones
Vanilla Orange Buttermilk
Rosemary Cheddar
served With
Devonshire Cream
Seasonal Jam
The Yellow Rose Tea is $95 for adults and $45 for children, so make your reservations now before they sell out, dress up in your afternoon finery and celebrate this important milestone in (her)story.