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The Rich History Behind Febb’s Boutique

The Rich History Behind Febb’s Boutique
In August of 1920, 35 states had ratified the 19th Amendment - granting women the right to vote. Tennessee was preparing to decide on the issue with a deeply divided legislature. One woman would change that divide and ensure the ratification of the 19th amendment.

Febb Burn was the mother of the young Tennessee Rep. Harry T. Burn. Harry T. Burn had openly opposed the 19th amendment and planned to vote against it when the day came. Febb Burn wrote a letter to her son urging him to vote in favor of suffrage. Her persuasive letter convinced him to change his heart and his vote.

The yellow rose was a highly significant symbol during the fight for women’s suffrage. State legislators would wear a yellow rose if they supported the 19th Amendment, and a red one if they opposed it. Harry T. Burn walked into a room of his peers sporting a yellow rose and voted in favor of the 19th amendment.

This resulted in Tennessee becoming the 36th and final state needed for the amendment to pass. The amendment was ratified on August 18, 1920.

Without Febb,Tennessee may have never become the 36th state to pass the amendment! That strong woman shaped the course of American history, as well as that of our company. The Burn family co-founded Crescent Sock Co. in 1902. Today, Febb's great-granddaughters are proud to bring you Febb's Boutique to celebrate the crucial roles Febb Burn and Harry T. Burn played in the ratification of the 19th Amendment.