Suffragist Music
1916
“When Helen Casts her Ballot”
Helen Willis
Size: 45” h x 35” d
Construction: Hand and machine appliqued. Machine quilted
Material: Cotton fabrics, cotton batting
Contact: [email protected] Price: $500
Artist Notes: One of the popular songs of 1916 was When Helen Casts her Ballot with words by John Kirk and music by Peter J. Bast. This was published by Bast Kirk Music Publishing Co, San Francisco/Oakland, CA, with cover art by “Morgan.” One of the lyrics promises
When Sister Helen casts her ballot
Good night war and welcome peace!
* * * * *
When Helen Casts Her Ballot
By John Kirk and Peter Bast, 1916
When sister Helen casts her ballot,
Style in war will quickly wane.
And instead of great big cannons,
With Cupid’s arrows we’ll be slain.
When Helen casts her ballot.
There will be troops of cupids gayly marching
General Mischief in the lead
Maysie’s eyes bright
Arrows flashing graceful Margaret we must heed
When Helen casts her ballot.
When Sister Helen casts her ballot
From fighting cruisers we will shift.
To gallant, loving courtship,
Down the rivers we will drift.
When Helen casts her ballot.
When sister Helen casts her ballot
Style no more will be the same.
For instead of digging trenches,
“Digging up” will be the game.
When Helen casts her ballot.
When sister Helen casts her ballot
Good night war and welcome peace.
Bid farewell to your big airship
Graceful stork our home will size.
When Helen casts her ballot.