Women’s suffrage spotlighted in Painesville

Lake Erie College in Painesville has put a focus on the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment and the women’s suffrage movement in 2020.

With women’s suffragist Frances Jennings Casement’s home still serving as a historical landmark in Painesville, LEC’s new course study has proven to be in good company. Not only is the home a local attraction, Casement was an LEC alumna as well.

In additional to several presentations and public events, a new course, “Rhetorics of Women’s Rights,” has been added to complement the 2020 suffrage focus. Among the trips were several local stops key to the suffrage movement throughout Northeast Ohio, and a visit to the still-standing Casement House, 436 Casement Ave.

Far from just a historical marker, the Casement House is now the site of the construction-related company R.W. Sidley, named after their owner of the same name.

Sidley purchased the Casement home and his company continues to use it as its corporate headquarters. They also moonlight as tour guides to those interested in learning more about Frances Jennings Casement and her husband, Union soldier Jack Casement.

An Ohio historical marker stands before the house offering details to guests. It was originally built by Frances Jennings Casement’s father in 1870. It remained in the Casement family until 1953, and it was later added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Now a touchstone in the history of American progress, the home hosts occasional scheduled tours like the one LEC students embarked on. The Sidley staff is more than accommodating with their space, allowing the LEC students free rein to explore the bulk of the building.

Remaining to this day are the stunning ceiling frescos and original woodwork and even the library of Frances Jennings’ husband Civil War general Jack Casement.

PHOTOS BY ADAM DODD — THE NEWS-HERALD Lake Erie College students visit the former home of suffragist Frances Jennings Casement.

The painting of R.W. Sidley hangs over an office fireplace in the Casement House, now owned by the R.W. Sidley company.

The ceiling of the Casement house still maintains the original frescos.