Popular Culture

Merle De Vore Johnson cartoon shows woman peering over a fence labeled "Woman's Sphere" while her toys "Fashion" and "gossip" lay abandoned; another cartoon shows women voting while pushing a baby carriage. - LOC

During a time of dynamic changes on a national, state, and local level with the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment, popular culture in Danbury reflected the variations through various media both before and after the Election of 1920. Charles Ives, a popular Danburian composer, wrote a song titled, “Nov. 2, 1920.” This piece was written as a man’s reflection on the goings on of the early twentieth century including the end of World War I and the change the Nineteenth Amendment introduced to American society.

Nov. 2, 1920: Soliloquy of an old man whose son lies in 'Flanders Fields.' It is the day after election; he is sitting by the roadside, looking down the valley toward the station.

[NOTE from the composer: "The assumption, in the text, that the result of our national election in 1920, was a definite indication, that the country, (at least, the majority-mind) turned its back on a high purpose is not conclusive. Unfortunately election returns coming through the present party system prove nothing conclusively. The voice of the people sounding through the mouth of the parties, becomes somewhat emasculated. It is not inconceivable that practical ways may be found for more accurately registering and expressing popular thought - at least, in relation to the larger primary problems, which concern us all. A suggestion to this end (if we may be forgiven a further digression) in the form of a constitutional amendment together with an article discussing the plan in some detail and from various aspects, will be gladly sent, by the writer, to any one who is interested enough to write for it."]

I’ve joined the National Labor party, I’ll tell you the reason why,

My daddy was a Democrat, My mother a G.O.P

And when the war broke out, My daddy said to me,

“If you vote for Woodrow Wilson

You will never have to fight nor cross the deep blue sea,

And you will always be at home near the fireside,

With your darling mother and me

[chorus]

I am through with Woodrow Wilson and his party

I am through with Lowden and the G.O.P.

I’ve joined the National Labor Party,

It’s the only party for you and me.

I am me.

Well, I voted for Woodrow Wilson, Who was to keep me free,

But it never kept me home or from going across the sea.

When the called me to the colors,

‘Twas to fight for Old Glory and the freedom of the Seas

But it was Morgan and his money you’ll agree

Now the National Labor Party is for Women and for Men,