Oskaloosa's "Petticoat Government"

by Betty Jane Wilson, society president, Valley Falls Historial Society

From the files of the Valley Falls Historical Society Museum, a souvenir booklet in honor of the Jefferson County Centennial, 1855 to 1955, held at our neighbor town and county seat, Oskaloosa, Aug. 14, 17, 18, 19, and 20, 1955.

Among the treasure of photos and stories of the towns and cities of Jefferson County is a story, the "Petticoat Government in Oskaloosa," a frequently repeated fact, familiar to some generations and new to younger groups.

The following is quoted from the booklet —
"PETTICOAT GOVERNMENT
The election of a woman mayor and five councilwomen by the city of Oskaloosa in April of 1888 was news both in the United States and in foreign countries. Eastern newspapers made considerable note of it. It was also written up in British and continental newspapers. Congratulatory messages came from far away New Zealand.

"Local citizens who were more or less ashamed of the shortcomings of previous administrations thought up the idea of a woman-governing body. Election result: 3 to 1 for the ladies. They were Mrs. Mary D. Lowman, Mayor, 49; Councilwomen: Mrs. Hannah Morse, 45; Mrs. Emma Hamilton, 39; Mrs. Sadie Balsley, 36; Mrs. Mittie Golden, 31; and Mrs. Carrie Johnson, 23.

"State and national press had to have their fun: 'First business was to show under a motion to limit debate to five minutes on any motion . . .' 'An Oskaloosa man is offering a premium for six live mice.'

"Here are some of the reforms accomplished by the women governing body: A Sunday closing act. A curfew law. Anti-expectorating on sidewalk. New sidewalks ordered to be installed. (Town's richest citizen demurred, so the council ordered his walk laid and charged his taxes. The women withstood two lawsuits successfully.) The council purchased a street grader. Streets were widened, straightened, cleaned. Gasoline street lights replaced old coal oil lamps. A pound was built to keep up stray livestock. Moral suasion and shame was used to accomplish better keeping up of cows, pigs, and chickens. Prohibition law was enforced for the first time since its passage in 1880.

"All but two of the group stood for re-election and easily won out. A local Farmers Alliance worked up this tune in compliment of the Oskaloosa council:
"We have a lady council and a lady mayor, too—
We are pleased with our officials and we trust 'tis so with you.
We think they all are handsome and know they are true blue,
As they go marching on!"