Although woman was the greatest sufferer, she had not yet learned that she had even the poor right of protest.

Oppressed by the weight of the injustice and tyranny of ages, she knew nothing except to suffer in silence; and so degraded was she by generations of slavish submission, that she possessed not even the moral courage to stand by those of her own sex who dared rebel and demand a new dispensation.
The old Washingtonian Society of the first half of the nineteenth century, composed entirely of men, because reformed drunkards only could belong to it, was succeeded by the Sons of Temperance, and these had permitted the organization of subordinate lodges called Daughters of Temperance, which, as subsequent events will show, were entitled to no official recognition.

It was in one of these, the only organized bodies of women known at this time,[12] that Miss Anthony first displayed that executive ability which was destined to make her famous.
During 1851 she was very active in temperance work and organized a number of societies in surrounding towns.

She instituted in Rochester a series of suppers and festivals to raise the funds which she at once saw were necessary before any efficient work could be done.

An old invitation to one of these, dated February 21, 1851, and signed by Susan B.Anthony, chairman, reads: "The entertainment is intended to be of such a character as will meet the approbation of the wise and good; Supper, Songs, Toasts, Sentiments and short speeches will be the order of-the evening; $1 will admit a gentleman and a lady" A newpaper account says: The five long tables were loaded with a rich variety of provisions, tastefully decorated and arranged.