USA > Ohio > The Western Reserve of Ohio and some of its pioneers, places and women's clubs, Vol. II > Part 15
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS.
Paper read before Sorosis by Mrs. H. B. Roosa, Feb. 1, 1894.
My experience in business has, of course, been limited, but I can reasonably say that I have made a fairly good beginning. I have brought the one line that I have engaged in to a proper basis and systematized it.
The business embraced all the departments usual to real estate and insurance. I handled both for a time, but was soon convinced that the former was not in my line. A sensitiveness that perhaps those whose property I had charge of were not satisfied, the many unpleasant features of renting, collecting and repairing, were sore trials to me, so I gladly disposed of that branch. The relief was great. I felt an avalanche of re- sponsibility fall from my shoulders. Then came insurance. That was the "plum," and many were the offers I had concern- ing it. "A" made me an offer. "B" said, "don't trust 'A,' he
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will beat you out of everything. I will look after your busi- ness." Then came "C." "I hear that 'B' has been to see you and wants to form a partnership. Take my advice, he is a sharper. His notes are flying about everywhere, not worth the paper they're written on, but I know a man that would be valuable, etc., etc." And so it went, until my mind was a per- fect chaos. My first contact with stern reality was not pleas- ant. Traits of character came to the surface that a whole life- time of acquaintanceship would not disclose. I felt with all my years I had never known the world, environed, as many of us are, with pleasant homes, kind friends and the loving and watchful protection of those whose greatest pleasure is in our happiness. How little can we, from that sheltering love, judge life as it actually is? I was dazed; but out of the chaos came a single bright rift. Somehow the faces of the women of the clubs that it has been my proud privilege to be a member of, floated before my vision. I seemed to hear the words of en- couragement and of inspiration that have so often been spoken from this platform. The earnest perseverance of the bright women who have addressed Sorosis, their indomitable courage in overcoming all obstacles, their success, have lifted me out of the depths. The influence of these gifted women seemed to reach out to me, and I felt strength and courage to give the little idea an opportunity to unfold.
This is woman's era. Never were women kinder or more in sympathy with each other. I thought, Why not keep the busi- ness in my own hands? The general agents, for whom Mr. Roosa wrote, said, "Try it, by all means. If you find you cannot conduct it, then sell. We will give you all the aid in our power." I thanked them and, after some consideration, said, "Gentle- men, I will try, and leave you to be the judges, if, after two
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months' trial, you will kindly tell me if you think me capable." They agreed, and I began the study of insurance, not without fear and trembling, for the books looked so big, and the printed forms, daily reports, etc., so formidable. Here was a business of twenty years. Some of our best and most influential business men were enrolled as patrons. Would they continue with me, or would they feel a prejudice against continuing their business with a woman? I issued circulars and sent them to all whose names appeared on the books, and to many others.
The kindness that was extended to me, the hearty co-opera- tion and support I received, were very gratifying. All seemed ready to extend a helping hand. I received every courtesy, and the thought came, I must be worthy of this confidence. I worked hard to overcome the difficulties, for it was all new to me, and my heart was so torn by the severe trials so lately endured, that it seemed impossible for me to learn to write understand- ingly the policies and work pertaining to the business. "But if at first you don't succeed, try again," and I did try. Let me say here, it is one thing to start in business, but it is another to meet recognition from a business standpoint. Unless you are recognized, it will be more than difficult to create a place in the business field, but I think I may safely say such has been accorded to me. I have a membership in the Cleveland Board of Underwriters, and they send me reports daily of what- ever business comes before them. I keep a commercial bank account, and do all my business by check. I find that is the safest plan, for every check is a receipt, which, after it is cashed is returned to me and filed. I will relate a little incident that happened, which will show the old-time prejudice against woman.
I renewed an expiring policy for a man living in a suburb
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of this city, whose name had been for several years on the books. I sent the policy by mail. Several days elapsed before I heard from him, then he called. I noticed he seemed ill at ease. I instantly imagined the cause-lack of confidence. He was from the country, a Scotchman, and evidently his opinion of woman as regarded business, was not a flattering one. He sat down after passing the time of day. I, to help him out, referred to the policy, asking him if he had received it. "Yes, I got it"- silence. I invited him into my office, excused myself and said business was pressing, etc., opened my big book, took from the desk reports, and began writing. He looked rather startled. I wrote and busied myself, left him to himself, and finally he burst out with, "Say, if my house had burned, that policy wouldn't have been any good." "Why not," said I. "Well, I hadn't paid for it." I told him it would have been all right as he was an old patron. "Well, what do you know about insur- ance? A woman can't insure, anyway." "Look at these names," said I, "these people think I can insure. They represent some of our best business men," and I pointed out a list. I also dis- played my commission from Columbus, authorizing me to act as an agent. "Well, you do seem to know what you are about, anyhow. Say Mrs. Roosa, do you know that when I came in I was going to ask you a lot of questions about insuring, for I thought I could puzzle you. You know your business. Say, what would you do if you have a fire?" "Adjust the loss, if you do not set it afire yourself." "But you are a woman." "Yes, I am a woman, and must live, eat and breathe. I have ad- justed losses by fire since I have been in the business." "Did the company pay?" "Yes, certainly." "You have? That set- tles it. As long as I insure, it's yours. Here's your money. I
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see you understand it as well as a man," and he left perfectly satisfied.
I stepped into one of our largest mercantile houses one day last fall, and asked to see the business manager. I stated my business, that I had noticed by the paper that they were about to increase their business, therefore thought they might need more insurance. I presented my card. "Yes, certainly, we should be happy to place some of our insurance with you. It is a very nice business for a lady to engage in-think you might make it a success," and they gave me $3,000.00 to cover. I already realize that the increase of new business more than covers the losses sustained from lost policies. Considering the close times, I feel that the experiment is at least successful. I have also proved, to my intense satisfaction, that becoming a woman of business is a great development. It broadens, but it also dispels the rosy cloud in which a woman is wont to envelop the world and its people. One gets down to the real value, and learns to know people for what they are.
HOUSE AND HOME DECORATION.
Paper read before Sorosis, by Mrs. J. M. P. Phelps, January 19, 1893.
I might well hesitate to write upon this subject, which per- mits of such wide scope of ideas and taste. I can only give you some simple rules in harmony and relations of color in decora- tion.
When my thoughts were turned upon this subject, I began to look upon my own household goods with a severely criticising eye, and I will say I have not felt as happy since. There were some articles of bric-a-brac that had hitherto led a happy con- tented existence in secluded nooks, kept partly for old associa-
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tions, that fairly seemed to shrink under my cold and withering gaze; also some fancywork which had gone hopelessly out of fashion, and in this era of rapid artistic development, as applied to household belongings, looks ugly in shape and color, and un- der my criticism, scarcely appeared respectable. Perhaps all of us have such old friends in house-furnishings, that we have kept more from a sense of duty than from any pleasure they may give the eye, and because we scarcely know what to do with them. I say let us use the "surgeon's knife," and do it quickly, relegate them to the attic, or rather to the ash pile, lest in a mo- ment of weakness we may be tempted by their allurements to bring them forth again.
In taking a retrospective glance over the past thirty or forty years, we cannot but conclude that the advance in Ameri- can homes is as wonderful as her growth in other respects. The American, in his restless wanderings, has gathered and gar- nered from every nation of the earth to adorn and beautify his home. It comes within our recollection when our furnishings were of glaring reds, green or blue, distributed in a heter. ogeneous confusion in our rooms, with little to lead the eye away from the naked regularity of sofas and chairs. Our car- pets displayed the most natural effects of roses and tulips, which led the eye away from other more quiet and refined furnish- ings.
The stiff and elaborately worked wax flowers, so jealously guarded under glass shades, had their admirers, too. Even the straight-backed haircloth sofas and chairs are not a long agc tradition, as some of our younger people might imagine. These recollections give rise to the very characteristic distinction which may be observed in the furnishings of the present day. We have undoubtedly a finer sense of color, a delicate, subtle
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feeling for harmonious blending of brilliant and sober hues, gained largely from our intercourse with the eastern races, and with none more, perhaps, than the truly artistic Japanese, who, as a rule, prefer quiet and refined styles, using full but low- toned colors. Their rich treasure of art work has come to us in later years as a new revelation in decorative art, and has continued to exercise an abiding influence upon all art, more especially their pottery and "Faience," of which there is a be- wildering variety. Only one opinion prevails as to their ex- cellency and beauty in artistic effects. The great variety of pottery and ceramic wares produced by the Japanese show them to be great masters in their art. Their lacquer ware has never been matched in any other country, not even in China where it first originated. Their textile fabrics and embroideries, which form such an important part in our furnishings, are peculiarly their own.
There are those who contend that in the present day noth- ing new can be said upon the subject of decoration; that the limitation of taste, the combinations of things known and imagined that will please the eye, has practically reached its limit. I shall not undertake to tell you much that is new, or to advance ideas that are all my own. You must not expect the advent of new genius in this respect, for I shall do nothing more than to fall back upon a more or less clever rearrange- ment of old patterns and devices that are susceptible of various combinations.
The tendency at the present time is toward light furnish- ings. This is more or less the style of the first empire. The first step toward furnishing a room is to prepare the walls and ceilings, as other decorations must is a measure be subservient and in harmony with them. If the draperies and furnishings
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are to be brocaded, or covered with vines or patterns, it is to be recommended that the walls are of a plain color. If the walls are of cool tones, such as blue-grey, or of the greenish tints, warm colors in the draperies, producing contrast as well as harmony, is suggested. The many and delicate shades of terra-cotta, also yellow, which has the effect of both light and warmth, are recommended. The frieze should partake of the color of the furnishings, also the carpet. The same spirit which regulates the hangings and furnishings should pervade all the surroundings. Like a lady's costume, it should be harmonious, yet distinctive, as overcrowding colors in furnishing is detri- mental to clearness and perspicuity. Avoid millinery effects of too many bows and ribbons of a diversity of colors. A little of this kind of decoration which is of a decorative color, such as goblin-blue, old rose, or many of the so-called Pompeian shades, will answer. The crude shades of pink, red, green or blue do well for Lady's boudoir, but are detrimental to parlor furnishings. The passion of the so-called fads should to a greater extent be avoided. A few of them that are truly ar- tistic in themselves might be admissible, but an epidemic in that line, without rhyme or reason, is to be condemned. For instance, the kitchen utensils, such as gilded flour scoops or rolling pins used as bangle boards and labeled "A snatcher up of unconsid- ered trifles." The innocent, much abused painting of wild roses cannot redeem these things, or give them a hold upon us as works of art; nor should they take a part in any of our fur- nishing, but be relegated to the culinary department to be put to their legitimate uses. Fortunately this craze did not last long, and we hope has departed forever.
We may hear it said that the "throw" or fancy scarf is now on the wane, or going out of use. This ought not to be, as it is
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not a so-called "fad," but a style that has come to us from the "Orient," and has always been used by Orientals, as showing a certain amount of luxury. This may have originated with them by the careless throwing off of their rich, brilliant-hued scarfs, which gives to their apartments a picturesque abandon- ment that is peculiarly fascinating, and relieves our rooms of a stiff regularity that they may easily acquire. Like these people, we should endow these scarfs with a certain richness of texture and design, nor have them of so perishable a nature as to rob them of their apparent usefulness. Another pretty effect may be gained by a partial screening off of a corner of the room, and furnishing it by itself. This is especially Japanese in its origin, as their homes are frequently made in one large room, and their apartments divided only by screens.
In preparing this little niche or corner, one may employ many little delights, such as vases, urns placed upon handsome pedestals, small tables with the hospitable little tea sets which must be fine and exquisite in their quality, for this little corner curtained off or screened off by itself will get more than its full share of attention and admiration. In making this little place, there is a wide scope for imagination and taste, and it gives ample chance for the snatching up of lovely trifles in themselves, but when regarded financially, not so trifling to the possessor. I would like to have given much time to the subject of pictures for our homes, as they are the key-note to the good taste and refinement of the household. I will say that in the purchase of luxurious and costly furnishings, there should not be an instant's hesitation about securing fine pictures in pref- erence to useless ornaments, for one good picture is a "joy for- ever."
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THE AMERICAN FLAG AND SEAL.
Paper read before Sorosis, by Mrs. C. H. Seymour, Mar. 2, 1892.
This paper was prepared for the Poet's Club, from Lowell's Fable for Critics.
On Saturday, June 14, 1777, the American Congress re- solved that the flag of the thirteen United States be of thirteen stripes, alternating in red and white, and that the Union be thirteen stars, white in a field of blue, a new constellation. The Librarian of Congress shows this to be the first legislative ac- tion of which there is any record.
Some discussion had arisen as to why the red and white stripes, or white stars in a field of blue were used, but sugges- tion weaves in fancy's realm the tribute to Washington's coat of arms, which contained the colors red, white and blue. In the home of one of the lineal descendants of Washington, residing in this city are found these colors, the stars on his crest denot- ing his ancestors' victories in tournaments during the age of chivalry. The stripes are of Roman origin, denoting a scourge to our enemies. They also signify daring, and the white, purity and peace.
A correspondent of the New York Enquirer beautifully said: "Every nation has its symbolic ensign. Our fathers chose the stars and stripes-the red telling of the blood shed by them for their country; the blue of the heavens and their protection, and the stars of the separate states embodied in one nationality."
A committee of congress accompanied by General Wash- ington in June, 1776, called upon Mrs. Ross, an upholsterer, and engaged her to make a flag from a rough drawing, which at her
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suggestion was re-drawn by General Washington in pencil in her back parlor. The flag thus designated was adopted by Congress. Three daughters of Mrs. Ross substantiated this by saying that when General Washington asked their mother if she could make the flag, she replied, "I will try," and suggested that the stars were wrong in the design, they being six-cornered instead of five as they should be.
In the heraldic language of England, the star has six points, while in Holland, France and Germany the star has only five points. The flag thus designed was to contain thirteen stripes and thirteen stars in a field of blue. In 1792, on admis- sion of Vermont and Kentucky into the Union, two more stars and stripes were added, making fifteen. This flag was borne before Tripoli and through the war of 1812. In 1816, upon the admission of Tennessee, Louisiana and Indiana, some change in the flag was thought desirable. A committee, at the instigation of Hon. P. Wendover, of New York, conferred with Captain S. C. Reid, then in Washington, and asked him to make a de- sign for our flag, which would represent the increase of states and not destroy its distinctive character. Captain Reid recom- mended the reducing of the stripes to the original thirteen and the stars to be increased to the number of all the states formed. On the fourth of April, 1818, Congress passed the act establish- ing the flag of the United States, to take effect July 4 of that year. The field of the union must be one-third of the length of the flag, and seven-thirteenths of its depth, so that from the top to the bottom of the union there will be seven stripes, and six stripes from the bottom of the union to the bottom of the flag. The stars were to be arranged in lines and the upper and lower stripes to be of red.
The designer of this amended flag died in 1861, a master of
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the United States Navy, aged 77 years. The first state to add a star to this constellation was Illinois, Dec. 3, 1818. On the field of blue are now forty-four stars.
On July 4, 1776, Dr. Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were appointed a committee by Congress to prepare a device for a great seal for the United States of America. DeSimitiere, a French West Indian silhouette cutter and painter, was called to their assistance. He proposed a shield, with the arms of the nation from whence America was peopled, the device to have a figure of Liberty on one side. Dr. Frank- lin suggested the device of Moses lifting up his wand, dividing the Red Sea with Pharaoh and his hosts overwhelmed by the waters, with the motto "Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God." Adams proposed the choice of Hercules as engraven by Gricodin, the hero resting on a club, Virtue pointing to her rugged mountains on one hand, and persuading him to ascend, and Sloth glancing at her flowery paths of pleasure. Jefferson thought of the children of Israel in the wilderness, led by a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, for one side, and on the other Hengist and Horsa, the Saxon chiefs, from whom we claim the honor of descent. These and others were offered as designs, but for our seal the American eagle, was accepted.
The eagle typifies our union; the young eaglets in the home nest, and in their flight and establishment of new ones, our territories and new states, extending north and south; while the king bird rests at Washington, in the east. We, the children of Columbia, have extended to all nations of the globe an invitation, in our proud Columbia year, to come and see us in our holiday attire. On the eagle's breast, the shield unsup- ported typifies the United States taught to rely upon her own virtue. This shield has thirteen stripes and thirteen stars. In
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the eagle's beak is the olive branch of peace. In his talons thirteen arrows, with the points down, signifies peace. The shield on the eagle's breast represents the several states all joined in one solid body-one general government. The motto alludes to the union, the colors of which are red, white and blue; white, purity; red, hardiness and valor; blue, the ground of the American soldier's uniform. The color signifies vigi- lance, perseverance and justice. The escutcheon being placed on the breast of the eagle is a very ancient mode and is truly imperial. The eagle with outstretched wings ready for flight, signifies that the American States need no supporters, but their own virtue and the preservation of their union through Con- gress.
On the reverse side of the seal: A pyramid unfinished, Above it, an eye in a triangle surrounded with a glory. Over the eye, the Latin words, "Annuit Coeptas." At the base of the pyramid the numeral letters MDCCLXXVI, and below this a Latin motto, "Novu Oedo." This pyramid signifies strength and duration, the eye over it the many and signal interpositions of Providence in favor of the American cause. The date, that of the Declaration of Independence, and the words under it signify the beginning of the new American era, the motto, "Annuit Coeptas," God has favored this undertaking.
WOMAN'S CLUBS.
Paper read before Sorosis, by Mrs. C. S. Selover, Sept. 15, 1892.
One writer tells us, of all the wares and commodities in exchange and barter, wherein so mainly consists the civiliza- tion of our modern world, there is not one which is so carefully weighed, so accurately measured, so plumbed and gauged, so doled and scraped, as that necessity of social commerce-an
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apology. But I will not inflict upon you, though in justice to myself one is due.
These subjects-woman's work, woman's clubs, etc., etc .- open a broad field of thought and mental activity, for "while the heart loves repose, the soul contemplation, the mind needs action."
In all ages were evidences of that innate something in woman which reaches out beyond the circle of social, domestic or religious life-which is capable of study, comprehension, and ability to impart that knowledge to others, as did Hy- patia; or ruling her people in masterly manner, as did the warrior queen Zenobia; or holding the destinies of nations in the hollow of her hand, by her policy and diplomacy, as did De Maintenon-not forgetting our Isabella, who never lost one whit of her womanhood, though standing at the head of one of the most corrupt and licentious courts of Europe. Then there were our De Staels, George Eliots, Mrs. Brownings, Harriet Beecher Stowes, and innumerable others, who we were proud to know were women. Of course, these were the few who led the many. They talk of the revolution being wrought by women. It seems to me that it is rather a war of rebellion against the unwritten law of public sentiment and prejudice, which would keep woman within such narrow bounds. We have many bright, sparkling, intelligent women who needed only the opportunity which is afforded by our women's clubs to encourage and mentally develop them, for the natural mod- esty possessed by woman prevents her being bold and assertive. And so we have gone year after year to meetings and ban- quets, and listened to the eloquence of our so-called lords of creation, little dreaming many of us possessed even greater powers.
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When you speak of a woman's club to one opposed to it, you are immediately met with the argument that it interferes with her home life; that her first duty is to her family. Granted; but of what does this duty consist? True, the daugh- ter of the club woman may be obliged to wear the same gown to two consecutive parties, and to dance in black shoes when tan are preferred, because her mother has gone to her club, or has not had time while preparing a paper to attend to all these little matters. But is not that mother better prepared to give her daughter that which is of greater importance and more real value, than had she devoted her entire time to the decking out of her body instead of sharing it with decking out her mind?
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