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With fresh landscaping, specially created gardens and alcoves, newly installed outdoor lighting, stone walkways and terraces, and an overall polishing from top to bottom, the Upton House was resplendent--even Mother Nature cooperated with mild temperatures throughout the evening. To complement the house and the grounds, the committee created an elegant atmosphere with gourmet dining, a classical music trio, and candles ensconced in glass hung from trees.
"We were overwhelmed by the generosity of our corporate sponsors, local businesses, and our own members and friends," says Mr. Conklin. "A few days before the event, our volunteers were down on their knees clipping the grass at the curb by hand. That's how manicured the house and the grounds were."
Major corporations and local businesses supported the event with contributions or by donating services or labor. The event helped establish a formal educational series for the Association, which is dedicated to the legacy of Harriet Taylor Upton and educating the community on women's history.
In her speech, Mrs. Bush acknowledged the spirit of Ms. Taylor Upton, as well as the dedication of the Upton Association members. She also talked about family literacy, one of her primary charitable causes, and her life in retirement with former President George Bush. At the end of her talk, she answered questions prepared by local school children.
Earlier in the day, Mrs. Bush visited the Warren-Trumbull Public Library, where she conducted a children's reading hour. Following a reading of "My Aunt Arizona", she asked every one of the 50 participating children what they wanted to be when they grew up, reminding the entire group that they could do anything they set their minds to.
While she was here, the former First Lady also took extra time for a tour of the Upton home and to walk through the newly restored gardens.
"Mrs. Bush was very interested in the gardens and about the mission of the Upton Association," says Mr. Conklin. "She felt we were doing the right thing."
About Harriet Taylor Upton
Harriet Taylor Upton was a major force in the women's suffrage movement and Warren's national celebrity at the turn of the century. Ms. Upton joined the women's suffrage movement in 1890 after befriending Susan B. Anthony. For 30 years, she fought for the passage of the 19th amendment giving women the right to vote. Under her direction, the National Women's Suffrage Association grew from a crusading movement to a well integrated system under which victory was achieved. The daughter of a US congressman and the husband of lawyer George Upton, her intense political involvement brought her friendships with U.S. Presidents Hayes, Garfield, McKinley, Harding, and Hoover.
Ms. Upton's achievements included being the first woman elected to the Warren Board of Education, the first women elected to the vestry of Christ Episcopal Church, the founder and first president of Warren's Red Cross Chapter, a founder of the local DAR Chapter, a founder of the National League of Women's Voters, the first woman vice chair of the National Republication Executive Committee, and President of the Ohio Women's Suffrage Association. She was also instrumental in the passage of the first child labor law, the law to open the diplomatic corp to women, and the women's Federal Prison Reform Law.
The Upton House
Built in 1837, the Upton House is located on Mahoning Avenue in downtown Warren. The home was sold to Harriet's father, Judge Ezra Taylor, in 1871 and she lived in the home for 60 years until 1931. In 1903, the national headquarters for the Women's Suffrage Association was moved to the Upton home. In 1990, the Upton House was saved from demolition by a group of concerned individuals now called the Upton Association. The group raised $60,000 to purchase the home and spent another $240,000 and years of sweat equity to restore it. Today, the home is decorated with period furniture and memorabilia honoring Ms. Upton. Organizations and individuals rent the Upton House for community functions and the Upton Association hosts its own educational and fund raising events at the historic home. The Upton House, the third oldest house on Mahoning Avenue, is part of as "Millionaires' Row", a collection of historic homes built and inhabited by some of Warren's most prominent citizens at the turn of the century.
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