United States House of Representatives: History, Art, & Archives
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Cecil Murray Harden Thimble

Cecil Murray Harden Thimble/tiles/collection/2/29814.xml
Cecil Murray Harden Thimble/tiles/collection/1/11957.xml
Cecil Murray Harden Thimble/tiles/collection/1/11958.xml
Cecil Murray Harden Thimble/tiles/collection/1/11959.xml
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Date

ca. 1953

Dimensions

3/4 x 5/8 in. (1.9 x 1.6 cm)

Accession Number

2008.035.000

Credit Line

Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives

Object Details

This thimble served as a promotional campaign item for Cecil Harden. The functional object, used to protect fingers while sewing, was boldly printed with the slogan "Mrs. Cecil M. Harden for Congress." Like many women running for political office in the 20th century, Harden was an early advocate for women's suffrage, which was finally achieved in 1920. This date also marked the advent of political thimbles, used to appeal to newly enfranchised women voters. This was not simple pandering, but created a bit of a twist on an element of the suffrage movement. Prior to the passage of the 19th Amendment, women often donated thimbles—and wedding rings—to raise money for the cause.

Rights and Reproduction Information

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Office of the Historian: history@mail.house.gov
Office of Art & Archives, Office of the Clerk: art@mail.house.gov, archives@mail.house.gov