USA > North Carolina > History of the North Carolina State Division American Association of University Women, 1927-1947 [1948] > Part 7
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High Point had a branch of the American Association of Uni- versity Women prior to 1938 but that group disbanded. In 1938 an interested group of University Women met together upon the invitation of Mrs. Henry White in the Library of High Point
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College and once again became affiliated with the National or- ganization, American Association of University Women. Mrs. White was elected as the first president, and Mrs. Blake Thompson was elected as treasurer. We feel fortunate that both of these women are still quite active members of our branch. The mem- bership this year was 27, the majority of the members being teachers and principals.
By 1940 membership in the High Point Branch had reached a total of 35 which we thought was a very nice increase for a two- year old organization in our city. Mrs. R. A. Herring was elected to the presidency in 1940, and she is such a splendid AAUW "enthusiast" that much of the credit must go to her for our growth. Many program achievements were accomplished during this year for this marked our entrance into war activities.
It was in 1942 with Mrs. Herring still as our President that we "spearheaded" the movement to get a woman on the High Point School Board. We were successful. Our members sold and bought War Bonds and Stamps; our members made surgical dressings and cooperated with Camp and Hospital committees. In our small way we were doing our part in war work.
In 1944 Mrs. Blake Thompson became our president, and our past president, Mrs. Herring, became State President. Our mem- bership at this time was 52. Steadily we were growing. A survey was made at this time on educational and recreational facilities in High Point and their relation to juvenile delinquency.
In 1945 we reached an all-time high in membership for our Branch with a total of 61 members. Our keen and alert member- ship chairman, Mrs. Floyd Mehan (originally of New York State) did a remarkable job in bringing in many new and in- teresting members during the years 1944-1945.
It was during Mrs. Thompson's term of office that a great deal of interest was shown in the Arts. An exhibit of Pasadena Chil- dren's Art was shown. Our organization in cooperation with the Woman's Club sponsored an art contest throughout the city. This project has been carried on each year since 1945.
In 1946 Mrs. James H. Hogg became President of the Branch. One of the most interesting and beneficial things that we did this year was to send two very large boxes of educational sup- plies to China.
We do have a changing membership to a certain extent for High Point is a city where it seems that population is a changing
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one. Our membership at the present time is 57, and we are striving to keep it in the fifties at all times.
During the year at our various meetings we stress all of the different fields of AAUW work, and keep our members well in- formed on the things that are happening nationally. Our organi- zation, with its purposes and its goals, is a challenge to all of us, and as we, a Branch, are growing, we are striving to fit in with the National pattern.
Mrs. James H. Hogg, Historian.
SOME NOTES ON THE HISTORY OF THE GREENVILLE BRANCH
Date of Organization: May 10, 1929. (Official date-July 15, 1929).
Name of Organizer and First President : Mrs. E. L. Hillman.
Number of Charter Members: Thirty-one, of whom six have been in continuous membership since the date of organization.
First Officers: President, Mrs. E. L. Hillman; Vice-President, Mrs. S. J. Everett; Treasurer, Mrs. J. E. Winslow, and Secretary, Miss Katherine Holtzclaw.
SOME MAJOR ACTIVITIES
Sponsoring good plays and entertainments for children has probably been the most outstanding project. The large number of children who have attended the performances and their enthusi- asms, appreciation, and clamor for more have proved the success of presenting such plays and entertainments as Tony Sarg's Mari- onettes, Sue Hastings' Marionettes, Clare Tree Major's "Alice in Wonderland," and two plays produced by the Chi Pi Players of East Carolina Teachers College, -- Little Black Sambo, directed by Mr. Clifton Britton, and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," directed by Dr. Louise Charles.
Drama study groups, with readings of well selected plays by capable readers, have long been a needed source of culture and in- spiration for members and others interested in drama.
International relations for study and projects have been per- haps the most emphasized interest throughout the history of the Branch. Conducting study groups for members and non-mem- bers, sponsoring good meetings open to the public as well as to Branch groups with good speakers from both this country and foreign countries, contacting congressmen and legislators, sup- porting a plan for World Federation, conducting a peace survey,- these are among the many efforts of the Branch in working con-
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sistently, constantly, and earnestly toward peace in the world.
Fellowship fund has long been a major interest. Each year a contribution has been made. Sketches of those fortunate women who receive the benefits and the plans of the Fellowship Fund committees for future benefits are studied with interest.
International Study Grants have also been a major interest since this method of service for international welfare was inaugurated; and each year, both by appropriation from the treasury and by voluntary donations, contributions have been made for this pur- pose. Publicity used with this project has sometimes brought do- nations from non-members.
"War Work" of the Branch included service with the Red Cross, financial contributions to a number of war projects, and, as a very important service of wide significance, many hours of personal services by all members to the voluntary U.S.O. of Greenville. Money and clothing were contributed for refugees; and clothes and other needs were sent to University Women in Europe.
Educational supplies were donated last fall to be sent to the devastated countries in Europe. One carton weighing more than a hundred pounds was shipped for schools in Greece.
Advancement of education in its many phases has as a major interest, led to study groups, community forums, school surveys, support of legislative and congressional measures for the welfare of schools and teachers, and many other educational activities.
Observance of "College Day" and "Education Day" for high school seniors and college seniors, with teas, receptions, and parties as part of the programs, has been one form of these educational activities, for the purpose of inspiring the high school girls to at- tend colleges of good standing and college girls to pursue their education to higher degrees.
Social studies activities have been directed toward betterment of the community in some way, with the realization that the "community" is both local and world-wide. The branch has done much to try to get a mental hygiene clinic for Pitt County. Now the State of North Carolina is furnishing needed assistance. The ground work for this assistance in Pitt County was laid through Branch cooperation with the Welfare Department, and through programs and open study forums sponsored for the public. Child guidance has also been an outstanding study.
Monthly meetings, arranged usually by the committees to be in keeping with the respective committee interests and aims, have been frequently open to the public.
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Publicity through nwspapers, radio talks, and announcements, and posters for children's plays and for Book week displays and programs have kept the Branch and the public informed of what AAUW is doing.
Radio programs have given information on the work of the Association on matters of local, State, and national interest. Sev- eral prominent speakers have been among those given radio time, among these being Dr. Margaret Shore Morriss, former national president. Children's plays have been advertised over the radio.
Records of the Branch include well kept minutes for each meet- ing from the beginning of the organization to the present time, lists of members for each year, treasurer's records, and newspaper clippings for most meetings and other activities.
Study, cooperation with other local organizations in worth- while activities, contributions to worthy causes, such as the Cancer Control Drive, sponsoring of children's plays, and programs, de- signed especially to help develop the realization of each person's part in world peace, these have been the regular policies of the Greenville Branch in its work as a local organization and as a unity in the State and the National American Association of Uni- versity Women.
April 27, 1947.
By Mrs. J. E. Winslow, historian, and Emma L. Hooper, president.
ADDITIONAL HISTORY OCTOBER, 1947
The Greenville branch has contributed to the State Organization its president, Mrs. Robert L. Humber, the secretary, Mrs. D. S. Spain, Jr. and radio chairman, Miss Mamie Jenkins.
Through the art department cash prizes are offered to both junior and senior high school students for their best work in crea- tive writing.
In cooperation with the Chi Pi players of Eastern Carolina Teachers' College the branch is assisting in the presentation of several plays for school children, college students and the public. Performances have been arranged for each play to accommodate groups of both races. These plays are given under the direction of Dr. Lucile Charles, a branch member.
During the week of the inauguration of the college president next March, the plays: Darby and Joan, Weatherclerk, Cabbages and Kings, and an original pantomime arranged by Dr. Lucille Charles, from the Coppellia Ballet, will be presented.
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PRESIDENTS-1929-1948
1929-32-Mrs. E. L. Hillman; 1932-34-Dr. Lucille Turner. 1934-36-Mamie E. Jenkins; 1936-38-Mrs. Ficklen Arthur. 1938-39-Dr. Dorothy Schnyder; 1939-40-Mrs. Luther Her- ring.
1940-42-Louise Williams; 1942-44-Mrs. J. E. Winslow. 1944-45-Mrs. Ethel R. Watters; 1945-48-Emma L. Hooper. Signed-Mrs. J. E. Winslow, Historian.
THE ALAMANCE BRANCH
Organized at Elon College, present Alamance Branch was first known as the Elon Branch and functioned as an independent organization several years prior to its official affiliation in May, 1932.
Records for the early years are incomplete, but it is known that Mrs. Arthur Ramoser, Mrs. Ivy Deal and Mrs. Henry Snuggs served as presidents before the branch received official status.
Mrs. W. A. Honeycutt is recorded as the first president after the branch became a state and national member of AAUW.
The membership for 1947-48 includes a total of 48 paid mem- bers to January first, the largest ever recorded. From a small group which never reached a total of 20 during the first few years there has been a steady growth during the past ten years with a wider spread of membership throughout the county and a larger program of work.
The branch has ever been alert to the social and educational needs of the community and has sponsored many worthwhile projects, chief of which has been the effort to provide greater cultural advantages particularly in the arts field.
For several years the branch sponsored The Clare Tree Major Children's Theater plays for the school children of Burlington with most gratifying results, and with the profits sent under- privileged girls to camp for two summers, and is now zealously guarding The Art Fund (kept separate from the regular treasury) to serve as a nestegg in equipping an art room and a children's museum in the soon-to-be-erected community building. Not until the city and county become more art conscious, and a children's museum and art centre become a reality, will the Alamance branch relax its efforts in this direction.
The Alamance branch assumed its war work obligations by getting a registration of the women who might assist in various activities, giving a great deal of time to USO and Red Cross work,
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selling bonds and buying bonds, making and selling hundreds of war stamp corsages and collecting garments for European relief.
Much emphasis has been given to International Relations par- ticularly since 1941, and outstanding programs have been ar- ranged, prominent guest speakers, several of whom came from the Headquarters Office in Washington. Perhaps the most outstand- ing program was the one of November 28, 1945 when an audience of approximately 500 of the best informed citizens of the city representing all the civic clubs shared with the Alamance branch in enjoying a wonderful speech by Dr. Robert Lee Humber of Greenville who outlined his ideas of the Declaration for a Fed- eration of the World.
Continued interest is evidenced in the plight of our neighbors in Europe. This is reflected in the sending of boxes of clothing at different times to AFUW groups and others abroad.
The annual education program provides an opportunity of hearing some outstanding speakers discuss the problems facing education and the need for developing wider and better under- standing of how a broad cultural program of education can bene- fit the world.
While the Alamance branch has not furnished the State Divi- sion with officers, it usually has some member serving as a State Committee chairman. At present Mrs. J. Allen Hunter is state chairman of International Relations and as such is directing the state projects to make International Federation contacts by means of correspondence and gifts, and Carrie B. Wilson is being retained as State Historian for another two years.
Stimulating fellowship programs each year have resulted in lib- eral contributions for the Fellowship Fund.
Plans are now underway in the Recent Graduates group for a study course and two worthwhile projects.
The branch has been hostess three times to the fall meeting of the Board of Directors.
The loyalty of the members is largely responsible for the con- tinued growth of the branch.
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Past presidents of the branch include the following: Mrs. W. A. Honeycutt 1932-36, Mrs. H. C. Greene 1936-38, Mrs. Walter A. Maynard 1938-39, Carrie B. Wilson 1939-41, Mrs. J. Allen Hunter 1941-43, Margaret Pickens 1943-44, Mrs. Edward F. Iseley 1944-45, Mrs. Walter A. Maynard 1945-46, Mildred Kichline 1946-47, with Mrs. John H. Alley serving the 1947-49 term.
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The branch had its origin several years prior to affiliation with AAUW. Records are not available to substantiate dates but is known that Mrs. Arthur Ramoser, Mrs. Ivy Deal and Mrs. Henry Snuggs served as presidents of the organization before Mrs. Hon- eycutt's term of office.
Mrs. J. Allen Hunter of Elon College is the only charter mem- ber who has held continuous membership.
By Mary Womble, Branch Historian and the State Historian.
HISTORY OF THE SHELBY BRANCH
The Shelby Branch of AAUW was organized at a meeting held in the library of the High School in May, 1938. The branch began its activities in the fall of 1938, and the highlight of the first season was a study course on Child Psychology conducted by Dr. James Goddard of Queens Chicora College and Mrs. Butler Pruette of the local branch. Thirty-seven charter members con- stituted the first year's roll with the addition of three new mem- bers and six who came in from an adjoining branch at Boiling Springs.
During the years the branch has been active in all forms of community activities, particularly in cooperation with the wom- en's organizations in bringing outstanding speakers such as Dr. Frederick Koch, Robert Bellair, Ruth Bryan Owen, Emil Ludwig, and Dr. Jerome Davis.
Our branch sponsored the organization of Gray Ladies in 1944 to work under the direction of the Shelby Hospital staff. The course was given by Miss Lucille Hall and certificates were given to around ten members.
During the war years our group made kits for the Red Cross, and under the direction of Mrs. Hugh Noell these kits were packed and sent off. We also had certain days to work at the Surgical Dressing Room. In 1943-1944 the group donated blood to the Plasma Blood Bank, and cooperated in all war fund drives.
In 1946 our group undertook as its main project the collection of clothing and food to be sent to the people of the war torn areas. We sent nine boxes of food and clothing to the people on the list sent out by the National Headquarters. We also enter- tained at a dinner for the senior girls of the City High School . and decided to make it an annual affair.
During the 1946-1947 season the branch has sponsored and directed a Dance Club for the high school students which special-
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izes in "dateless dances." Each member of the Club pays a $5.00 fee which covers the cost of the dances. Mrs. Oliver Anthony and Mrs. Hugh Noell were in charge using the plan outlined in the Spring 1946 issue of the AAUW Journal. In addition, our group has sponsored a World Peace speaking contest in all of the high schools of the county and secured funds for a medal for the winner. Instead of a dinner for the high school seniors of Shelby, we invited the Senior girls from each of the county high schools to an informal tea, and this we plan to make an annual affair.
Signed-Mrs. Dan Paul, Mrs. Paul Kennedy, and Selma Webb, Historians.
In addition to the preceding, Mrs. Lyle Thompson sent in the names of past presidents as follows: Mrs. Walter Abernathy 1938-39, Mrs. Cecil Gilliatt 1939-41, Mrs. Dwight Bridges 1941-42, Mrs. Lyle Thompson 1942-44, Mrs. Don Paul 1944- 46, Selma Webb 1946-48.
HISTORY OF THE BRYSON CITY BRANCH
The Bryson City Branch of the AAUW had its beginning in 1941 on October 6, with seventeen charter members. It was unique in the respect that membership consisted of women within a thirty- odd mile radius of Bryson City and from four different counties. The Branch began its history with a complete organization of committee chairmen.
Mrs. B. C. Thomasson was the first president of the Associa- tion and held office for two years. At the second meeting of the year, Mrs. Clarence E. Blackstock, State President of AAUW was the guest speaker. At each meeting during the year, the Interna- tional Relations Chairman gave a five-minute talk on current events, and a book review was given by members of the Branch on outstanding books of the year. In this connection a book club was formed, each member buying an outstanding book and cir- culating to other members during the year.
The following year-1942-43, the Bryson City Branch had 22 members. The book club continued with a new set of books being circulated. In connection with the members' interest in books, Miss Marjorie Beal, State Supervisor of Libraries spoke at one meeting.
During this war year the Branch gave prizes to school children in Bryson City buying the most bonds and stamps. Also during the year, books and games were collected and sent to Moore Gen- eral Hospital.
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Mrs. Mack Bennett was president of the Branch for 1943-1944. There were 23 national members and two associate members. The president, with two other members attended the State Convention of AAUW held in Raleigh that year. The theme for the pro- grams of the year was "Let's Take a Look at Our World." The programs consisted of talks on Canada, China, A Cruise Through the Mediterranean, Mexico, and our own Southwest. These talks were made by local speakers who had travelled to those places. The current event talks during the year were based on "News and Views of a World at War." At the Christmas season the Branch held a party, at which each member brought gifts for needy chil- dren.
Mrs. C. M. Blair was the next president-1944-45. The mem- bership was 26, the theme of the programs for the year being "Better Communtiy Living." These programs consisted of "The Importance of a Library in Our Community," "Woman's Re- sponsibility in War and Peace," "Food Trends in a Post War World," and "Juvenile Delinquency." In connection with the theme for the year, prizes were given to high school pupils for the three best essays on suggestions for recreation of the youth of the community. In the spring, an Art Exhibit of American Prints was held at the Public Library, at the public school in Bryson City, and at the school on the Cherokee Indian Reservation.
Miss Gertrude Flanagan was elected president for the next year -1945-46. The Branch had 24 national members and three associate members. The theme for the year was "Know Western North Carolina." The programs consisted of "The Early History of Swain County," and programs on the life and writings of Thomas Wolfe, Rebecca Cushman, and Horace Kephart. At a dinner meeting in November, the Branch had as its guest speaker, Caroline Miller, author of Lamb In His Bosom.
During this year, the Bryson City Branch of AAUW and the Music Club of Bryson City were co-sponsors of a concert given by the North Carolina Little Symphony Orchestra. Also during this year members contributed packages of food to University Women's families in Holland, Norway, and Denmark.
Miss Flanagan served as president for 1946-1947. The Branch had 22 national members and three associate members. The Branch lost one of its charter members, Miss Jesse Shank, who passed away February 1, 1947. The first meeting of the year was a membership tea. The programs for the year were sponsored by the chairman of each committee. Outstanding programs for
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the year included an open forum at which a special agent of the F. B. I. discussed the problem of Juvenile Delinquency. Mrs. H. L. Reed, formerly with the U. S. Treasury Department in Germany, spoke on "Our Occupation Policy in Germany." Re- becca Cushman was guest speaker at a luncheon meeting and read from her own "Swing Your Mountain Gal."
During this year $160.00 was sent for food by the Branch to European relief, as well as boxes of education supplies for school children. Eight dollars was donated to buy milk for local needy school children.
The Bryson City Branch has each year met the quota of the Fellowship Fund sponsored by AAUW.
Signed-Mrs. Jack Lyday, Historian.
HISTORY OF THE LOUISBURG BRANCH
In 1936 a few members of the Louisburg College faculty who had previously belonged to AAUW branches in other parts of the country began to make plans to form a chapter at'Louisburg. Correspondence with national headquarters was begun but it was not until January, 1942 that ten members were found who were eligible for national membership. At that time the national fees and the list of members were sent to headquarters. Upon the re- ceipt of the list, it was found that two of the members were not eligible for national membership, and the branch could not be formed since the national quota could not be met.
It was not until December 16, 1942, that the branch was formed and officially recognized and the ten required members could be secured. Since that time the branch has been in continu- ous existence with between ten and fourteen national members each year.
Louisburg is a small community and the college is a small junior college. Therefore, there are very few national members available.
During the four years the branch has held an art exhibit for the public school children, has sponsored the organization and direction of the Girl Scouts, and has taken an active part in the recreational program of the town.
Our presidents have been : Mrs. Margaret B. Kilby, Mrs. Muriel M. Bagby, Mrs. Walter Patten, Mrs. Hamilton Hobgood. April 14, 1947.
Signed-Mrs. Margaret B. Kilby, Historian.
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HISTORY OF THOMASVILLE BRANCH
On October 12, 1945 a group of Thomasville college women met at the home of Mrs. C. L. White, Jr. for the purpose of organizing a branch of the American Association of University Women. Mrs. R. A. Herring, President of the N. C. Division of AAUW with Mrs. Henry White and Mrs. Blake Thompson, all of High Point had come to assist in the process of organizing. By unanimous vote of the twelve ladies present, it was decided to form such an organization.
Temporary officers were elected to serve until such time as a constitution could be worked out and adopted. Permanent officers were elected as follows: President, Mrs. Mary G. Matthews; Vice- President, Mrs. Carl C. Wilson; Secretary, Mrs. Jesse L. Finch ; Treasurer, Miss Vera Dixon.
At the second meeting held in November with Mrs. Carl Wil- son as hostess a tentative constitution was discussed which in view of certain revisions to be made was not adopted at that time. The evening's program was an "Information Please," on the work of the national organization.
Our January meeting adopted the revised constitution which provided for all officers to be elected for two-year terms in the future, with the present president and secretary to continue for a second year, while the new vice-president and treasurer would be elected in 1947 so as to prevent an entire change of officers at one time. The program on International Relations was vivified by informational talks by Wayne Harrison, Rufus Herring and Billy Green, war veterans, recently returned from the European theater of operations.
The March meeting which met with Mrs. Joe Bales was high- lighted by the presentation of membership certificates to the 24 charter members, and our first contribution ($5.00) to the Fel- lowship Fund. The program was based on juvenile delinquency and what might be done to lessen it in Thomasville.
The May meeting held with Mrs. John R. Meyers centered on education, with Miss Lois Edinger giving a report on the Federal Aid to Education bill pending in Congress. Nominated and elected were Mrs. Carl Pennington for vice-president and Maurine Perry- man for treasurer.
Mrs. Stringfield reported for the project committee that books and recordings be purchased for the library from lists to be fur- nished by Miss Simpson, school librarian.
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Mrs. W. E. Tomlinson discussed fellowships and Mrs. Mat- thews reported on the recent State Convention which she had attended.
All meetings were held in homes with the hostess serving re- freshments. Good attendance was the rule with guests and new members at each meeting.
During the second year we began with 26 present. Our first meeting was with Mrs. I. C. Greer with other meetings in the homes of Mrs. R. K. Farrington, Mrs. Alvah Boyles and Mrs. Carl Wilson. At the fall meeting Mr. George H. Arnold, Superintend- ent of the City Schools, explained the expanded school program, and Miss Ida Hensley, director of public school music, explained her work, and demonstrated a wire recorder then in use. The branch voted to give $50.00 for the purchase of films and records for the schools.
Programs during the year included discussions of the Co-ordi- nating Community Council, and responsibility to the community, by the Rev. Charles F. Leek, and The North Carolina Better Health Association plans by Dr. I. C. Greer. The branch became a charter member of the Community Council. Our second con- tribution to Fellowship Fund amounted to $12.50 with every member contributing.
In the March meeting Mrs. Carl Wilson for president, and Mrs. Charles F. Leek for secretary were nominated and unani- mously elected. Mrs. Matthews reported on the State Convention meeting she had attended recently in Charlotte. Miss Hensley gave some excellent recordings of her music program thus re- warding the branch for its financial assistance during the year.
Our branch has 31 members. Although only two years old, we are well established on our way to greater progress.
Signed-Mary G. Matthews.
April 15, 1947.
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AND IN CONCLUSION
Through the years the AAUW in North Carolina has been active in fostering and supporting not only a broad cultural pro- gram of education and in providing wider advantages for women, but also in championing the cause of the needy and under-priv- ileged through legislation designed for their relief.
Among the projects sponsored are such significant ones as edu- cational and social surveys, war work projects for the common good at home and abroad, campaigning for better laws in regard to public schools, child labor, women in industry, adequate and sanitary detention centers for delinquent women, increased health and library facilities, and for provision for nursery schools and the general welfare of children.
Much credit is due the chairman of the various committees who have labored faithfully with their state presidents to promote the work.
With the Board of Directors meeting in Greenville, October 25, 1947, the curtain rings down on the History of the North Carolina Division of the AAUW as attempted in this publication.
Through the records of 21 years we have been able to trace a program of work worth much to the state. As the years go by, the work of the AAUW in North Carolina will become more and more significant.
With the celebration of our twenty-first birthday in Greens- boro, April, 1948, we may feel justly proud of our attainment. As a legitimate part of the SACW and as local branches of the national organization of the AAUW we made progress, but- it was not until we became a State Division that we began to grow and show our strength.
Now in reaching our majority, 15 branches high and 1000 members wide, we are girding ourselves for greater things. With our faces to the future, we shall
Aspire and Attain in Unified Work
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