Walk a Mile: In the Footsteps of the Suffrage Movement

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.

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.

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