In 1919, women got the right to vote. A pivotal moment. “Revolution” overlooking the confluence of the Fox and Illinois Rivers, is a tribute to Ottawa’s, and America’s tenacious women exploding into independence. Our ladies oversee the heart of Ottawa, remembering bustling speakeasies, hotels, and trolleys. With John Pugh’s Trompe L’ Oeil mural, we witness a revolution in time and culture. Two flappers perched on the ledge of our infamous Zeller Inn toast passersby. Luminous green radium gas oozes and swirls behind. “Poppy”, by ‘The Mother of American Modernism’, Georgia O’Keefe, epitomizes the feminine revolution. Rotating downward, peering at us through misty revolving windows are two heroic Radium Dial women. The first from New Jersey, then Ottawan Charlotte Purcell, both poisoned by radon. Charlotte with a handful of unswerving Ottawa Radium Dial women laid the foundation for today’s worker protection laws. Look closely and you will find hidden images within.
