USA > North Carolina > History of the North Carolina State Division American Association of University Women, 1927-1947 [1948] > Part 6
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During the war years and the resulting gas rationing the num- ber of yearly meetings was reduced and our speakers were drawn largely from home.
The main project for 1945-46 was a juvenile delinquency
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survey made at the request of the Charlotte Community Council. As a result of this and previous studies the old city jail was aban- doned as a juvenile detention home and a new, progressive sys- tem was set up for the handling of delinquent children.
Complying with the request of branch members three interest- ing and enterprising study groups were held during this year. A literature group under the direction of Mrs. Edgar Lee Masters, an art class taught by Mrs. Harold Steadman, and an astronomy group directed by Mrs. Luther Kelly were all enthusiastically received.
It was in 1945-46 that the policy of mailing monthly bul- letins to the membership was initiated. So successful was this means of direct contact that the plan will be continued through the coming year.
December, 1946
By Mrs. Luther Kelly, Historian.
Additional information reported by Mrs. M. W. Peterson.
SPECIAL PROJECTS 1946-47
1. Four lectures by Dr. Frontis Johnston of Davidson Col- lege on international questions-open to the public as a com- munity contribution.
2. Used book sale was instituted.
3. Equipped nursery playroom for Welfare Department.
4. Through the Education Committee 10 radio programs in- volving 30 people, were presented to the public.
The following list of past presidents furnished by Mrs. Peter- son was also sent in by Dr. Delano who gave the dates of service.
PAST PRESIDENTS
The following list of past presidents sent in by Mrs. Peterson was also sent in to Dr. Delano who gave the dates of service: 1921-22-Mrs. B. T. Groome; 1922-24-Mrs. John Tillett. 1924-26-Mrs. James Wilcox; 1926-28-Mrs. F. O. Clarkson. 1928-29-Mrs. Louis H. Spencer; 1929-31-Mrs. Andrew Blair.
1931-33-Mrs. Frank Kennedy; 1933-35-Mrs. C. T. Wanzer. 1935-37-Alma Edwards; 1937-38-Mrs. E. G. Gammon. 1938-39-Dr. Lucille Delano; 1939-41-Mrs. R. M. McKey. 1941-43-Dr. Dorisse Howe; 1943-45-Mrs. Roy Palmer. 1945-47-Mrs. M. D. Peterson; 1947-49-Mrs. James B.
Ficklen.
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HISTORY OF THE DURHAM BRANCH
On Monday, October 27, 1913, twenty-two graduates of standard colleges organized the Durham Branch of the Southern Association of College Women with Elizabeth Avery Colton, General Secretary of the Association, as a guest. The officers elected were: President, Miss Lila B. Markham; Vice-President, Miss Evelyn Jones; Secretary-Treasurer, Miss Annie Tillet. The executive committee was composed of these officers and Mrs. C. C. Smith and Mrs. W. H. Glasson.
The program for the first year's work was based on a study of local conditions with special reference to the social betterment agencies: Salvation Army, Florence Crittenden League, Associated Charities, Girls' Friendly Society, Civic League, Travelers' Aid, and Public Library.
The second year the Branch was fortunate in having Miss Laura Drake Gill, former dean of Barnard College, to work with them. Under the auspices of the Branch a mass meeting was held in the City High School, November 18, 1914, at which time Miss Gill outlined plans and showed preliminary sketches of buildings for the new College for Women at Trinity.
This same year the first community Christmas tree for Durham was planned by a committee consisting of Miss Annie Tillet, Miss Nell Umstead, Miss Katie Johnson, and Mrs. Fannie Carr Bivens. In January about fifty members of the North Carolina Branches were entertained at a luncheon meeting. Dr. C. T. Raper, then of the faculty of the University of North Carolina, discussed "The North Carolina School Tax Situation and Its Solution." There were delegates from Greensboro, Raleigh, Win- ston-Salem, and Guilford College.
In the fall of 1916 an intensive study of Y. W. C. A. work was undertaken and meetings were held every two weeks for several months. Many people outside of the Branch attended these study groups. All the members of the Branch promised as a body to become charter members of the local Y. W. C. A.
In the fall of 1917 when war clouds began to appear, the Branch worked with the local exemption board and began knit- ting sweaters for soldiers. The regular meetings were held in the Red Cross rooms, the time being spent in hemming bandages. After that there was a period when the Branch made a study of various legislative problems with special reference to schools.
In April, 1921, the Southern Association of College Women and the Association of Collegiate Alumnae held a joint conven-
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tion in Washington at which time the American Association of University Women was formed. The Durham Branch was rep- resented at this convention by its president, Mrs. Paul M. Gross. Following the organization of the American Association of Uni- versity Women came the raising of funds for the National Club House. This Branch raised its quota but was somewhat strained by the effort.
Since so many of the group were interested in the idea of helping college girls, a fund for aiding the women of Trinity College was started about this time. Realizing that it would take years to raise a fund large enough to be effective, the group voted to turn the amount on hand into the national building fund.
For many years the Branch entertained the High School seniors presenting a speaker who discussed the value of a college educa- tion. A special program has been planned each year for the women of the graduating class of Trinity College (later Duke University) explaining to them the work of the AAUW and urging that they become affiliated with the organization.
The programs for the regular monthly meetings have been based on some definite topic; some of which have been: achieve- ments of college women, fundamentals of interior decoration, the pre-school child; adolescence, social legislation in North Car- olina, the Australian ballot, international relations, school legis- lation in North Carolina. Sometimes these programs have been presented by the group members, at others by outside speakers. One special topic was a study of standard colleges in North Car- olina. The information collected in this study was put in mim- eograph form for distribution to state branches.
This Branch has kept in touch with National Headquarters through the visits of the General Director and other officers, through representation at conventions, and through the use of program material supplied. Study groups were organized when the plan was first introduced and have continued to function with reasonable regularity.
The Durham Branch has taken an active part in civic and state improvement either through projects which it has under- taken or through representation in other organizations working for similar goals. In 1934 the AAUW representative on the Citizens' Council, Mrs. F. A. G. Cowper, was largely responsible for the movement which resulted in the founding of a Juvenile Court in the city.
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In 1937 the first Social Studies Group was organized with Mrs. Cowper as chairman, and made a survey which showed the need of a nursery school for the children of working mothers. With the backing of the Branch such a school was started, has continued to operate most successfully, and is now assisted by funds from the Community Chest. This is considered by Head- , quarters to be the first definite project of any Social Studies Group in the entire Association. In the same year the Fine Arts Group, of which Mrs. W. H. Delaplane was chairman, sponsored a Play Reading Group composed of members and friends. This group continued to meet regularly.
Under the leadership of Dean Alice M. Baldwin the Durham Branch was largely instrumental in organizing the North Caro- lina Division of the AAUW. Miss Elizabeth Anderson served as president of the State Division and other members served as state officers and on state and national committees.
Like so many organizations the Durham Branch has suffered the misfortune of losing some of its early records and a complete list of officers prior to 1925 is not available. The records show the following presidents with membership for their terms of
office for 1925-1947:
Years President
Membership
1925-26
Maude Rogers
not reported
1926-27
Marguerite Herr
not reported
1927-29
Mrs. R. O. Everett
not reported
1929-31 Frances Woolworth
not reported
1931-33
Elizabeth Anderson
62-1931,
52-1932
1933-35
Ruth M. Addoms
82-1933,
75-1934
1935-37
Julia R. Grout
96-1935, 95-1936
1937-39
Olive Faucette
104-1937, 105-1938
1939-41
Lyda Bishop
108-1939, 112-1940
1941-43
Mary Kestler
94-1941, 53-1942
1943-45 Mrs. R. E. Kepler
68 -- 1943, 83-1944
1945-47 Katharine Jeffers
79-1945, 106-1946
1947-49 Mrs. Hazen Smith
115-1947
Note: (The material for the history of the early years of the Branch was compiled by Mrs. W. H. Glasson in 1933 and addi- tional information was supplied by Mrs. F. A. G. Cowper, Dr. Katharine Jeffers, and Mrs. Hazen Smith in 1947).
Signed-Katharine Jeffers.
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REVITALIZED AAUW PLANS PROGRAM
Betty Ann Ragland
(Copied from Winston-Salem Journal, Sept. 14, 1947)
Last April a small group of Twin City women met to reor- ganize a woman's association which had been disbanded here since 1939.
Their effort was duly recorded in the daily newspaper. Win- ston-Salem was informed that the American Association of Uni- versity Women had staged a comeback, elected officers and drafted a constitution, and what's more that it had every intention of becoming an action group.
Five months later AAUW is launching its Fall Activities with a vengeance-with specific purposes and programs that have grown out of its determination to take group action where necessary and possible in the city.
Even during the Summer vacation association groups worked to prepare for these activities. The education committee, headed by Mrs. Frank Blackmore, prepared a list of four women who have been recommended to Mayor Lentz as qualified to fill the current vacancy on the City School Board. These names will be announced at the Thursday night association meeting at the Y. W. C. A.
In a Summer effort to increase membership, Mrs. R. A. Mc- Cuiston and her membership committee contacted alumnae groups; prepared lists of eligible women and sent cards to some 500 wom- en in Winston-Salem. Many of these persons are expected to be present at the opening Fall meeting to hear the address by Dr. Douglas Kelley, Bowman Gray neuro-psychiatrist.
In addition to meetings held the third Thursday of each month, four study groups have been set up which will meet frequently for informal discussions.
The first of these, headed by Mrs. Overton Butler, will deal with that much-maligned phenomenon of our times, radio. This Radio Listening Post was set up some time ago in conjunction with the Community Radio Council to provide a guide to better listening. Members will listen objectively to local and State pro- grams, discuss their good points and shortcomings, and prepare a guide for the public each month of superior programs.
For the mothers of preschool age children, a study group has been set up, headed by Mrs. R. L. Masland. Her group will meet monthly for discussions of problems that beset the mothers
57
of small children, and will be concerned with the physical, emo- tional, and social needs of the very young.
With Miss Annie Lee Singletary as leader, the study group on current literature has tentative plans to invite authors-par- ticularly North Carolina authors-for talks here. Group partici- pation in reviews and discussions of contemporary books will also be featured.
A fourth group, which will be concerned with international relations, is now in the organizational stage. Its chairman and objectives will be announced Thursday.
Association members may belong to one or more of the study groups. Group reports will be made back to the entire body at the monthly meetings, which are expected to feature talks by outstanding guest speakers. This month the general topic is psy- chiatry. Subsequent programs include a showing of the local Community Chest film and an address by Chester Davis on "What Can We Do About Communism in America." Books, drama, and music will also be considered during the year.
The resurgence of enthusiasm and determination that has marked the rebirth of Winston-Salem's AAUW has been at- tributed in large measure to the great number of newcomers here. Among the membership of the local organization are repre- sentatives of Western, Eastern and Midwestern universities- women who had previously belonged to one of the 927 branches of the AAUW and who were anxious to continue the type of activities it affords and to learn to know local women with sim- ilar interests.
During the twenties and early thirties the earlier chapter pro- vided a similar stimulus for college women. It took speakers to county schools, provided a scholarship for local girls, established a drama group that became the nucleus for the present Little Theatre group, offered vigorous support to school supplement bills, sponsored lectures by Miss Harriet Elliott, former dean at Woman's College, Greensboro.
With the approach of the war in 1939, various factors led to its disbanding. But today, the 15th AAUW chapter in North Carolina, with a present membership of 67 and a potential mem- bership of hundreds, the Winston-Salem branch seems well on the way to achieving distinction in the community.
Branch officers are: Mrs. William H. Neal, President; Mrs. Hiram S. Cody, Jr., Vice-President; Margaret Simpson, Cor- respondnig Secretary; Bonnie Angelo, Recording Secretary; Joyce Cain, Treasurer; Laura Sumner, Historian.
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THE ASHEVILLE BRANCH AAUW
The Asheville Branch goes back to March 27, 1915, when the college graduates of the community met and organized The Western Carolina Branch, Southern Association of College Wom- en. Miss May Carbritt presided. Sixteen members made up the original roll. Membership included active, associate, and life members. First officers were Miss May Carbritt, President; Mrs. Macauley, Vice-President; Miss Alice Carroll, Treasurer; Miss L. E. Fletcher, Secretary. There were only four standing com- mittees-membership, Mrs. Curtis Bynum; Program, Miss Alice Meserve; Standards, Mrs. Zeb Zance, and College Clubs, Miss Annie Gash.
First topic for discussion was "Ranking of Schools and Col- leges in Our Own State." Covered in the early programs were the resources and special characteristics of various southern col- leges, encouragement of girls to attend college, and available scholarships offered by various groups. These were posted in the high schools.
Early meetings included programs by high school students, and an effort toward a Woman's Club Building in Asheville.
Mrs. Curtis Bynum was the second president of the group; Miss Annie Westall, vice president; Miss Virginia Williamson, secretary, and Miss Alice Carroll, treasurer. Miss Alice Thomp- son was the next president; then Miss Maude Upchurch who was followed by Mrs. Ernest N. Billard. The latter presided when the group was changed to the Western Carolina Branch of the AAUW on September 24, 1921.
It was voted to emphasize in the new group the matter of raising standards in colleges for women. Four standing com- mittees were named, these being membership, program, press, and service. The first civic work was Community Extension School work. First permanent officers of the AAUW were Mrs. Billard, president; Miss Martha Tracy, secretary, and Miss Kath- leen Cosgrove, treasurer.
The first official activities were the assistance in night school work, the Good Samaritan Mission and schools for the moun- taineers. The first program featured Miss Goodrich of Allan- stand Industries-who had started that project among the moun- tain people 25 years before.
The following year the Branch supported literary contests in the schools and among the members, took up the matter of hous- ing conditions in colleges, and petitioned that the local stores be
59
closed at 7 p.m. on Saturdays. Support was given to the scholar- ships of the Federated Clubs.
In March, 1922 Miss Martha E. Tracy was elected president; Mrs. J. P. Kitchin, vice president; Miss Mary Weaver, secretary, and Miss Alice Thompson, treasurer. National was asked to rec- ognize degrees in music from accredited colleges.
In 1923, Mrs. J. P. Kitchin was elected president. Activities included discussion of the Teapot Dome Controversy, exhibits of college annuals, and work toward a juvenile court and an adequate probationary system.
In November, 1924 Miss Sue Robbins was elected president. "Woman's Place In Industry" was the topic for the first luncheon meeting held by the Branch February 24, 1925. Weekly talks about colleges were arranged to be given at the high schools.
In 1926 there were 70 members enrolled, and meetings were held at the Woman's Clubhouse. Mary Reede Smith was presi- dent in 1926.
When radio was coming into its own, the Branch kept up to date by giving a "broadcast" program at its meeting on "Art as Ex- pressed in the Dance" from "Radio Station AAUW."
In 1928 the first work was begun for a scholarship. A schol- arship fund of $120.00 was established. Mrs. R. A. White was president. In March, 1928, the Branch began its aid toward the National Million Dollar Fellowship Fund with a contribution of $150.00. Mrs. Clarence Blackstock was the chairman of the first Fellowship Committee. That year $50.00 was given to the national clubhouse.
In March, 1930, Mrs. C. H. Pettus was elected president. That year the branch conducted a project to collect toys and clothing for needy families. First mention of study groups was in May, 1931. Committees were added for education, international rela- tions, and legislation.
Support was given to Biltmore Junior College, which had been in operation in Asheville for five years. Mrs. J. H. Buell was elected president in 1932, when the branch had 74 members. Miss Maurine Bledsoe was elected treasurer. Tree planting and night schools were the projects.
The state meeting of the AAUW was held in Asheville in 1934.
The first year book was published in 1934. Library work was taken up-children's story hours and exhibits of children's books were arranged at the Pack Memorial Library. The Carolina Play-
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makers were sponsored for a Fellowship. Mrs. Luigi Zande was elected president this year. The branch aided a fund to provide supper for girls working late during the Christmas holidays; asked for a permanent room in the City Hall for Art exhibits, and entertained the Rhodendron Festival Queens at a tea, at the request of the Chamber of Commerce. A Christmas Party for the night schools was given support. The branch petitioned that the city charter be kept non-partisan. A shelf for AAUW ma- terial was established at the Pack Library.
In 1935 the branch signed the People's Mandate to the govern- ment to prevent war. Book groups were operating. A book sale was conducted for Fellowship. Books were bought for the high schools. The Sondley Library opening was aided.
In 1936 Mrs. Clarence Blackstock was elected president, and all of the regulation activities of National were carried on.
In 1938 the branch won the National trophy for the largest per capita contribution to Fellowship.
In 1939 the name was changed to The Asheville Branch, AAUW.
In 1940 Mrs. M. A. James was elected president. This was the year the Refugee Shop for war relief was started and proved to be a major community project, raising more than $30,000 from the sale of used clothing, furniture, etc. for the years 1940- 1947.
The State AAUW meeting was held in Asheville in 1941.
In 1942 Mrs. Richard McArdle was elected president; in 1944, Mrs. Curtis Crump was the president, followed in 1946 by Mrs. Carl Plonk.
The branch during these last years has carried on all national activities. Its special, and most successful activities being the sponsoring of Friends of the Library, now a community group with several hundred members who help all library activities in the community, and the current effort toward establishing a De- tention Home for dependent and delinquent boys and girls. The Refugee Shop has undertaken to give $800.00 a year toward the salary of a case worker for juvenile delinquents and dependents.
The branch in 1947 has 140 members.
Signed-Alene Foster (Mrs. S. D.)
Post Script-October 8, 1948.
1. The Asheville Branch is now helping to bring the library of Biltmore College up to required standards for official accredi- tation. This means the securing of 2500 specific reference books
61
at an approximate cost of $7500.00. This project, under the Education Committee, is to be completed by the end of the school year. So far 800 books and $350.00 in cash have been secured.
2. The Social Studies Committee is working on a plan to pro- vide a boarding home for delinquent children now being housed in the county jail until the courts settle their particular cases.
3. The South Atlantic Regional meeting will be held at the Grove Park Inn, Asheville, July 1-3, 1948.
Signed-Alene Foster.
THE CHAPEL HILL BRANCH
After a preliminary meeting, called by Mrs. Harry W. Chase, wife of the president of the University of North Carolina, the Chapel Hill branch of AAUW was organized on March 15, 1923, with Miss Louise Venable (Mrs. W. C. Coker) as the first presi- dent. Meetings were at the homes of members, combining a pro- gram with a social hour.
From the beginning all members seemed to be agreed that the first object of the Chapel Hill Branch should be to do something for the women students of the University. Early in its organiza- tion the Branch decided to put its major effort into the establish- ing of a local loan fund for graduate women who were coming to the University in increasing numbers. A tentative goal of a hundred dollars a year was set and measures taken to raise that amount, with hopes that as the years passed an endowment fund would be created. Two functions were developed and carried through successfully for a number of years. These were a bridge supper at the President's house in the fall and a "May Morning Breakfast" on the lawn of one of the churches in the spring. These affairs were well planned and executed by the relatively small membership. They were well supported by the village. The gala atmosphere achieved brought prestige to the organization as well as money for the loan fund and other commitments.
Soon after the local branch had been organized, the National Association of University Women appealed for financial aid in the establishing of a Club House in Washington. This under- taking interested the local group which made extra effort to con- tribute funds for the several years they were needed. A number of Chapel Hill members availed themselves of their membership cards in the new house when in Washington.
When the National Association started its campaign for the endowment of regional fellowships, the Chapel Hill Branch made regular contributions, putting the local loan fund first in its
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budget. Other projects aided by contributions from the Associa- tion were the Mary Bayley Pratt Memorial Library in the gram- mar school and the Summer Institute for Southern Workers at Asheville.
Other efforts of the Branch have been more in the usual chan- nels. We have had annual meetings stressing the Fellowship fund. We have made an effort to keep up with the legislative trends, State and National, and to throw the weight of our influence where it would help most in getting intelligent legislation. We have endeavored in our programs to highlight the better modern trends in education, to inform ourselves as to international affairs and the creative arts.
The Branch has adapted itself to the depression, the war, and the changes in Chapel Hill as the years have passed. Funds are now raised by contribution and most meetings are conducted in an accessible public hall. The student loan fund has grown to ap- proximately $1800 and is administered by the Graduate School. In the 24 years of its existence the Branch has grown from the 16 members who were present at the first meeting to 84 members.
The group is indebted to the unfailing good will of the com- munity, to the many fine speakers who have made the programs timely and interesting and to the many members who have en- tertained the Branch. The Branch continues to grow, and we find ourselves each year in a rich field for service to our community.
Signed-Mrs. Howard W. Odum. PAST PRESIDENTS OF THE BRANCH
1923-24-Louise Venable (Mrs. W. C. Coker) .
1924-25-Mrs. Thorndike Saville.
1925-26-Mrs. T. L. Kibler and Mrs. Edmund Brown.
1926-28-Mrs. R. W. Wettach and Mrs. W. E. Caldwell.
1928-30-Mrs. U. T. Holmes; 1930-32-Katherine Yocher. 1932-33-Mrs. Clarence Heer; 1933-35-Cornelia Love.
1935-37-Mrs. R. B. Downs; 1937-39-Mrs. Clarence Heer.
1939-41-Mrs. R. B. Sharpe; 1941-43-Mrs. George Lane. 1943-45-Mrs. J. B. McLeod; 1945-47-Mrs. B. F. Kingsbury. 1947-49-Miss Mary L. Cobb.
HISTORY OF THE HIGH POINT BRANCH
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