Historical Society of East Rockaway and Lynbrook celebrates 100 years of women’s right to vote

The Historical Society of East Rockaway and Lynbrook held its 12th annual Celebration Tea Party fundraiser at the Lynbrook Public Library on Jan. 29.

“It is a lot of work, but we enjoy doing it,” said Madeline Pearson, the executive director for the historical society. “We try and make it very festive and try to get decorations and everything.”

Every year, the group picks a different theme for its celebration. With 2017 marking 100 years since women earned the right to vote in New York State, the committee decided to center this year’s theme on that accomplishment.

Pearson said that the historical society found a woman’s suffrage cookbook from the 1800s and selected some items out of there. She added that they also hung a purple and yellow banner as an ode to the colors of the women’s suffrage movement.

According to Pearson, 86 people came to the event, including Assemblyman Brian Curran, which she called “a pleasant surprise.”

Guests at the event were seated in groups of four and had a three-course meal, which included a scone to start, sandwiches and dessert. Among the dessert items, Pearson said, was an election pound cake that was found in the cookbook.

Those in attendance also donned hats resembling the era of the movement and sashes commemorating 100 years of women having the right to vote in the state. Many guests also participated in raffles, Pearson said.

“It was a nice day, which always makes it good.” Pearson said. “Other places have rain dates, we usually have a snow cancellation date and luckily we didn’t have to do that.”