Ellen Wilson helped the Women’s Civic Federation get women’s restrooms installed in the Post Office and Treasury Building. She succeeded in this effort by approaching Colonel House, her husband’s principle advisor, and convincing him to make the change. She also worked with the Women’s Civic Federation in touring the slums of the capital and fighting for passage of the “Alley Bill”. This bill would remove the unsightly buildings and improve the living conditions of the African-Americans living in the poorer sections of town. It was the first piece of legislation that a First Lady would influence.
