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Frederick suffragists Florence and Bertha Trail had their day on May 22, 2022

Announcement for Suffrage Marker ceremony in Historic Mount Olivet Cemetery. It shows a historic photo of suffragists and a current view of the cemetery where the Trail Family rests

Read more about each sister . . .

By Dr. Amy Rosenkrans, MWHC board member

“Never have I been prouder of my sex and seldom have I heard oratory of greater power . . . I felt that my cup of happiness was full and almost wept with joy as I realized that I was taking part in a mighty revolution, the dawning of a new and better day for all.”  The News (Frederick, Maryland), January 31, 1914

These words were written by Florence Trail after she participated in a rally during a 1914 Annapolis lobbying trip, sponsored by the Just Government League, Maryland’s largest woman suffrage  organization. This was lofty praise from a highly educated woman who had travelled the world as an educator, author, and musician. 

The Trail Sisters worked diligently to win the vote for Maryland’s women. Their writing, speeches and activism did not end when the battle was won. Both continued to be active in the community and in voting rights issues. Their home still stands in Frederick at 24 E. Church Street. Civic leaders, family descendents, and local nonprofit leaders joined the MWHC to celebrate the suffrage marker devoted to them. 

historic photo of florence trail. hair in bun, lace collar dress
Diana Bailey at lectern in Mt. Olivet Cemetery
vertical gravestone with an angel at top
photo of the suffrage marker covered in a yellow and purple cloth
suffrage marker that reads: from 1911 sisters florence and bertha trail promoted women's suffrage through the just government league of frederick. both buried here.
a seated couple outdoors on a folding chair. they are Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor and his wife, Tammy.
a senior citizen in that, blue blouse and white slacks. seated under a canopy
Chris Haugh, Executive Director, Friends of Mount Olivet, emceed today’s program. dressed in suit and at lectern in cemetery
maria darby at lectern
mayor at lectern, wearing grey sports jacket and blue shirt
barbara wagner at lectern, wearing white dress
Tee Michel at lectern, wearing blue print long sleeve dress.
close side view of mrs. t. michel, with her daughter and mayor in background
Mrs. Theresa Mathias Michel wearing beige hat, pearls and blue dress. side view while she looks into distance
a group unveils the marker.
Chris Haugh and Mrs. Theresa Mathias Michel.
Chris Haugh and Trail family descendants.
Trail family descendants.
MD Women’s Heritage Center Left to Right: Diana Bailey, Executive Director and board members Amy Rosenkrans, Maria Darby and Bea Dane
Front Row: Sharon Kemper Suarez, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Mrs. Theresa Mathias Michel, Trail family descendent. Back Row: MWHC Bea Dane, Diana Bailey, Maria Darby, Amy Rosenkrans
MD Women’s Heritage Center Left to Right: Diana Bailey, Executive Director and board members Amy Rosenkrans, Maria Darby and Bea Dane. Back Row: Chris Haugh and Mrs. Theresa Mathias Michel
brick mansion, three stories high, each with three windows and a center door. trail mansion in frederick
gravestone for bertha trail 1864-1940