04/22/2026
Leading Lady Ruza Wenclawska, a Silent Sentinel, also known as Ruza Wenclaw, Rose Winslow, and Rose Lyons, was a Polish-American Labor Activist, Socialist, Popular Speaker, Trade Union Organizer, a member of the National Woman’s Party, and a Suffragist in what was considered to be a "militant group" known as the “Silent Sentinels”, who protested silently outside of the White House in Support of Women’s Rights. She served a seven month prison sentence at the Occoquan Workhouse in Quantico, Virginia, during which she and others led a hunger strike that became known nation-wide. She was a published Poet and Actress.
Ruza rose from a childhood working as a young immigrant factory worker in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to become a strong advocate for unions and safer working environments, equitable pay, women’s rights, and more. After her time spent In Occoquan, Rose focused on her passion for theatre, and even performed in Broadway theaters. Many details of Ruza’s life were unknown for decades. Learn the incredible details of Ruza’s dedication to suffrage.
Her pattern and biography are available now. All Leading Lady patterns are available on WildRootCreations.com!