Library of Congress Subject Headings, 21st edition, 1998

Languages Used:

• English

LC Subject Headings:

• North Carolina Federation of Women's Clubs -- History.
  
• Women -- Societies and clubs -- History.
  
• Women -- North Carolina -- Societies and clubs -- History.
  
• Women -- North Carolina -- History.
  
• Women social reformers -- North Carolina.
  

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HISTORY
OF THE
NORTH CAROLINA FEDERATION
OF WOMEN'S CLUBS
1901-1925

BY

SALLIE SOUTHALL COTTEN

RALEIGH
EDWARDS & BROUGHTON PRINTING COMPANY
1925

COPYRIGHT, 1925 BY THE NORTH CAROLINA FEDERATION OF WOMEN'S CLUBS

THE NORTH CAROLINA
FEDERATION

                         The Federation we have formed, no selfish aim shall blight,
                         Together we will ever stand for Progress and for Right,
                         May Wisdom guide us as we strive to make the earth less sad,
                         While high ideals shall lead us on, and Love shall make life glad.

SALLIE SOUTHALL COTTEN.

CONTENTS

• I. The Awakening of Womanhood . . . 1
• II. State Organization . . . . . . 8
• III. First Convention . . . 10
• IV. Second Convention . . . 13
• V. Third Convention . . . 15
• VI. Fourth Convention . . . 19
• VII. Fifth Convention . . . 21
• VIII. Sixth Convention . . . 25
• IX. Seventh Convention . . . 29
• X. Eighth Convention . . . 34
• XI. Ninth Convention . . . 39
• XII. Tenth Convention . . . 47
• XIII. Eleventh Convention . . . 55
• XIV. Twelfth Convention . . . 68
• XV. Thirteenth Convention . . . 77
• XVI. Fourteenth Convention . . . 87
• XVII. Fifteenth Convention . . . 100
• XVIII. Sixteenth Convention . . . 117
• XIX. State and General Councils . . . 129
• XX. Seventeenth Convention . . . 135
• XXI. Eighteenth Convention . . . 139
• XXII. Nineteenth Convention . . . 148
• XXIII. Twentieth Convention . . . 158
• XXIV. Double Council Meeting . . . 170
• XXV. Twenty-first Convention . . . 172
• XXVI. Twenty-second Convention . . . 186
• XXVII. Twenty-third Convention . . . 200

CHAPTER I

THE AWAKENING OF WOMANHOOD

        What has been known as the Woman's Movement, was a revolution--bloodless but not purposeless. A new era in world history was imminent but not yet visible. A psychic Call from the Infinite stirred the soul of womanhood, and unconsciously woman responded to the call without analyzing or understanding it. It was a call for emergence from selfish individuality into broader service to the world. It was not confined to any one country or people. While Susan B. Anthony in the United States was struggling with prejudice in her demands for justice to women, Olive Schreiner in South Africa was writing and clamoring for the emancipation of women from the trammels of the past.

        Everywhere woman while absorbed by the duties of motherhood and home-making, felt, without understanding, the inner stirrings of undeveloped powers, but was afraid of the uncharted seas of effort which began to be visible to her. The psychic call had come to earth in ages past but woman could not respond because she was not educated, nor prepared for new duties, but this time a more educated womanhood felt the call and answered as best it could. In the past, education had not been considered essential to feminine virtues and very slowly has woman attained to a higher education. It is an interesting fact that woman's activities beyond her own home began with an effort

for more knowledge, more culture, and a demand for universal education. From the Garden of Eden to the present day the Tree of Knowledge has allured her, and her persistent application of her knowledge to the betterment of human life has contributed much to the onward march of civilization.

        When the Woman's Movement began to express itself, Knowledge and wider experience were her greatest needs, and intuitively she sought more education. Fortunately it was the least offensive to old ideals and she was not hindered in her pursuit of Knowledge until now almost all barriers to her advance have been removed.

        Educated womanhood is absolutely essential to develop "the female of the species" into proper mates for educated manhood, and for the fulfillment through them of God's law of evolution which forever calls for higher types. Reproduction is not evolution, for evolution means gradual and permanent improvement of the race, which can only come through higher spiritual types of both men and women. Only together are they one. The restrictive conventions of her isolated individuality gave to the women of the past what would now be called an "inferiority complex," which was simply the habit of sex-submission, from which she will ultimately be emancipated. Many sex discriminations continue to exist, in the law, and in the social life but they will ultimately be removed, as many have already been removed by man's voluntary action. Individual security has yielded to the call for race progress, and in that progress woman is a large factor.

        Without knowing why, woman has started on the adventure of self-development, facing with courage past race habits and traditions, masculine ridicule--once so hard to bear--and all the handicaps incidental to the attainment of an acknowledged equality with man. Man, while leading and dominating the animal kingdom yet continues to belong to it, yet nowhere else in the animal kingdom is the female subservient to the male, and the inconsistency is beginning to dawn upon him. So when the Divine Discontent, like a spirituous ferment, stirred the souls of many women and urged to action, the result became organized womanhood. The great need for strength and coöperation led to the forming of many organizations among women, all of them being for the benefit of humanity. The demand for suffrage, long ridiculed into obscurity, finally began to receive respect until Justice prevailed.

        The Suffrage Association and the Woman's Christian Temperance Union were the leading pioneers. The Club Movement followed. First derided, then tolerated as a passing fad, then acknowledged as good for women and for the world, the club movement moved onward, gaining influence and respect, though it has required years of faithful striving to bring it to its present status of respectability and usefulness. Man has been hard to convince of the difference between men's clubs and women's clubs--one being for pleasure and self indulgence--the other for culture and reform. Man dislikes the word Reform. It intimates a lack of perfection which he is slow to acknowledge. Now the leaven has acted and new clubs formed for men's

activities all have altruistic objects and follow lines of public benefit and patriotic stimulus. That women should develop initiative of their own and have courage to follow that initiative once seemed absurd, but results have removed the fear that clubs would demoralize women and few are left who ridicule the work of organized womanhood. Organizations of women for church work and for literary culture had existed in many places, but the Woman's Club sprang from the need for wider fields of activity felt by the more highly educated womanhood developed by the nineteenth century. Perhaps no one will ever know why so many organizations calling themselves "clubs," widely scattered should have been formed in a limited number of years, each following its own individual line of action, and all with a view to the altruistic solution of local problems, yet with no intention of concert of action and no consciousness of the power to be found in united effort.

        Sorosis of New York City was the first woman's club to become the focus of the limelight of publicity and that club was the first public protest against sex discrimination which had no sensible foundation. In 1868, Charles Dickens, the famous author, made a tour of the United States. On the eve of his departure for England the New York Press Club gave him a complimentary dinner. Some brave and brainy women, themselves doing press work and other literary work, asked permission to hear the toasts and after dinner speeches. Such a natural desire! Such a simple request! Not to sit at the banquet table but in the gallery

or ante-room and listen to the wisdom of the Lords of Creation. The managers of the banquet were horrified at the effrontery of the women and denied their request. Having prepared the tables and seen that all was ready the proper thing for them to do was to go home. Rebellion was inevitable. "We will form a club of our own" said brilliant Jenny June Croly, herself a reporter and writer of note. "We will give a banquet to ourselves, make all the speeches ourselves, and not invite a single man." So they did, and that explains why women's organizations are called clubs. Sorosis (from Soror a sister) was duly organized, and when the banquet was given the hearts of the women relented, and all resentment dead, they invited the men, who came, and learned that women could speak well and sensibly.

        The turn of the tide was marked.

        Twenty-one years later (1889) Sorosis decided to celebrate its birthday by inviting all Women's Clubs in the United States to a banquet, which should be made the occasion of uniting them all in a national body. The response was a surprise even to Sorosis itself. The invitation to the banquet in New York was sent to ninety-seven widely scattered clubs. Delegates from sixty-one of those clubs appeared for the meeting and letters of regret were received from six others.

        The meeting was a revelation to every woman present. To become united in effort, to feel the strength which comes from union of purpose and activity, gave to each delegate courage and enthusiasm for their declared purpose of working for all women.

        At that New York meeting the General Federation of Women's Clubs was formed, composed entirely of individual clubs, which continued to be organized in many states, though the work was sporadic rather than concentrated, and no one had even dreamed of such a thing as a State Federation of Clubs.

        The first clubs were literary, but all eventually evoluted into broader lines of service. Women felt the need of higher culture and broader experience. Club life taught them discretion, self-control, self-reliance, forbearance toward others, eliminated the tendency to gossip by supplying something better to do, and laid the foundation for a sisterhood of women in the future.

        Maine has the honor of having first had a vision of greater strength from local union, and in September, 1892, formed the first State Federation of Women's Clubs, which immediately joined the General Federation. Utah was next to follow and then Iowa with 45 clubs in membership. Like an epidemic the State Federation idea spread from state to state. In six years, thirty State Federations were formed and all joined the General Federation. Naturally some confusion resulted as the Constitution only provided for individual clubs, and the respective representation from single clubs and State Federations necessitated thought and changes in the Constitution of the National body. Problems were solved as they developed and finally every state was represented in the General Federation by its own State Federation and the individual clubs.

        Possibly the most outstanding recognition of the value of Women's Clubs, in those early days, was when the

U. S. Government sent Miss Helen Varick Boswell of New York to organize clubs in the Canal Zone. The construction of the great waterway, the Panama Canal, had become a combination of industrial and social problems. The skilled men in charge of the work were not contented without their families and the unhealthy climate and the absence of social life made their families reluctant to stay there. Between the Panama Canal and Women's Clubs there seems no connection, yet by this means the problem was solved. A representative of the National Civic Federation (whose wife no doubt was a club woman) suggested that the need of social life in the Canal Zone might be obviated by organizing Women's Clubs there, thus bringing the women together with mutual aims, and get them interested in their husbands' work. So Miss Boswell was sent by the Government to organize Women's Clubs in all the larger towns throughout the Canal Zone. The result was entirely satisfactory both from an industrial and a social viewpoint, and the Canal was built and no doubt many women disseminated ideas as well as happiness to their struggling husbands.

        Today there is a Canal Zone Federation affiliated with the General Federation and its delegates attend the Biennial Conventions, all of which proves that woman's presence and woman's influence is needed everywhere.

CHAPTER II

STATE ORGANIZATION

WINSTON-SALEM--1902

        The North Carolina Federation of Women's Clubs was organized in 1902 and joined the General Federation in 1903. The organization was made during the Centennial Celebration at Salem Academy (now Salem College) in Winston-Salem in May, 1902. Miss Louisa Poppenheim, then President of the South Carolina Federation, and Corresponding Secretary of the General Federation, suggested that it was an opportune time for such action, and Mrs. Lindsay Patterson, ever alert and progressive, promised coöperation in the effort. As an officer in the General Federation Miss Poppenheim sent a call to the clubs in North Carolina, asking that delegates, duly authorized to join the proposed State Federation, be sent to a meeting in Winston-Salem. Various clubs responded to the call, and the first meeting was held at the residence of Mrs. H. R. Starbuck, on May 26, 1902. Miss Poppenheim was made temporary Chairman, and Mrs. A. J. Howell, representing the North Carolina Sorosis, the oldest Woman's Club in North Carolina, became temporary secretary. The object of the meeting was fully discussed, an organization made, a constitution adopted, and the North Carolina Federation of Women's Clubs became an entity, small, but healthy and ambitious.

        The next day, May 27, the organization met for final action in the Chapel of the Moravian Church in Salem. More delegates had arrived, who duly enrolled their

clubs, and plans for work were adopted. The clubs enrolled at that meeting were Sorosis, Round Table, and Embroidery, of Winston-Salem, the North Carolina Sorosis of Wilmington, a department club already affiliated with the General Federation, the Goldsboro Woman's Club, a department club with 68 members, the Circulating Book Club of Salisbury, and the Alpha Club of Statesville.

        Visiting club women were present from Asheville, Lexington, and Waynesville but deferred action until reporting to their respective clubs. Other prominent women, not representing clubs, were present, many of whom subsequently joined the work. The officers elected were: President, Mrs. Lindsay Patterson; First Vice President, Mrs. R. R. Cotten; Second Vice President, Mrs. W. R. Hollowell; Recording Secretary, Miss M. L. Gibson; Corresponding Secretary, Miss Claytor Candler; Treasurer, Mrs. Charles Price.

        The Departments of work were assigned on the lines of Education, Library Extension, Village Improvement and State Charities.

        In those early efforts Village Improvement Societies and Betterment Associations were very popular and inoffensive to the masculine critic, while training women for further activity. From the beginning Library Extension was recognized as a factor in the education of all women.

        An invitation to hold the first annual meeting in the following October at Winston-Salem was accepted, and the club women dispersed thrilling with enthusiasm at the consciousness of having launched a new factor for good in the Old North State.

CHAPTER III

FIRST CONVENTION

WINSTON-SALEM--1902

        All history is divided into periods and the annual Conventions naturally punctuate the work of the North Carolina Federation of Women's Clubs.

        The pioneer work was arduous and discouraging but the new officers met the emergencies with zeal and fidelity and the movement grew gradually.

        The first Convention was held in the Chapel of Salem Academy in October, 1902. The 25 delegates were welcomed by Dr. Clewell in appropriate words. The number of federated clubs had increased from 7 to 17, each vying with the other in activity and zeal. The chairmen of Departments had aroused interest in their lines of work, and new vigor stirred the energies of the women. A Department of Art and Music was added. Mrs. Martha Orr Patterson, President of the South Carolina Federation, made an address, explaining the work done in that state and giving words of encouragement. Greetings from other states, and one from Mrs. Denison, President of the General Federation, were read. Miss Poppenheim was present and explained the work of the General Federation.

        The General Federation at that time was a Federation of individual clubs and the rapid growth of State Federations caused some confusion and necessitated many changes. Before the development of State Federations, a woman in each State, named by the General

Federation was given the duty of bringing clubs into the National body. She was called The State Chairman of Correspondence, because the work was done by correspondence. The North Carolina Sorosis of Wilmington had joined the General Federation and its President, Mrs. Andrew J. Howell, was appointed the first State Chairman of Correspondence but soon relinquished it because she was too busy to perform the duties. There was no money for traveling expenses and the progress by correspondence was slow. Then the committee to represent the General Federation in each State was increased to three. In North Carolina that committee of three was composed of Mrs. Andrew Howell, Miss Margaret Gibson with Mrs. R. R. Cotten as chairman. In the year 1900, Mrs. Cotten attended her first Biennial Convention which was held in Milwaukee, where she was the special guest of the Chairman of Correspondence for Wisconsin, and you may be sure they exchanged confidences as to the woes and handicaps of Correspondence Chairmen. At that Convention she served on the Credential Committee because of her official position as Chairman of Correspondence for North Carolina. It was because of that service in 1900 that Mrs. Cotten was admitted to the Society of Pioneers, no service later than 1900 being recognized as Pioneer service. The Committee of Three finally yielded to a General Federation State Secretary appointed by the General Federation Board, then later elected by each State Federation but with the same duties. Now the General Federation State Secretary

has been replaced by a Director from each State on the National Board, which is genuinely democratic and seems entirely satisfactory.

        The Keystone, published at Charleston, S. C., was adopted at Winston-Salem as the official organ of the North Carolina Federation and for many years remained our official organ.

        The election of officers resulted as follows: President, Mrs. Lindsay Patterson; First Vice President, Mrs. W. R. Hollowell; Second Vice President, Mrs. T. M. Pittman; Recording Secretary, Miss Mary Petty; Corresponding Secretary, Miss Claytor Candler; Treasurer, Mrs. H. R. Starbuck; Auditor, Mrs. J. P. Cook.

        Thus organized and equipped with efficient officers, the North Carolina Federation of Women's Clubs began its career of usefulness.

        A musicale and reception by Dr. and Mrs. Clewell, and a trolley ride, tendered by the electric car company added to the pleasures of the occasion.

CHAPTER IV

SECOND CONVENTION

CONCORD--1903

        The second Convention of the North Carolina Federation of Women's Clubs was called to order by the President, Mrs. Patterson, in the Pythian Hall of Concord, on October 14, 1903. Mrs. Robert Gibson welcomed the club women and Mrs. Hugh Murrill responded for the Federation. The President's address was so fine that it was printed in the Sunday papers, which was then quite an honor for a woman.

        Three new clubs had been added, among them the now famous Charlotte Woman's Club, which made the number of federated clubs 20, with a membership of 440, and a voting strength of 24 present. It was voted to join the General Federation, and four delegates, Mesdames Patterson, Alderman, Murrill, and Candler were elected to represent North Carolina at the St. Louis Biennial.

        The Departments made fine reports. The Chairman of Music and Art declared the combination too much for one department and at her suggestion the Department was divided into two: one of Art, the other of Music. New departments were created, one of Publication with Mrs. T. M. Pittman, chairman, and one of Reciprocity with Mrs. G. W. Whitsett, chairman. Through the Department of Reciprocity the club women exchanged papers on various subjects, wise and otherwise, and secured information for papers they were writing. The subjects of papers thus written and

exchanged would astonish, and perhaps puzzle many a college professor, but those women were in earnest, and the papers were instructive, interesting, and mutually beneficial. Moreover a small fee of ten cents was charged for every paper loaned so there was a small revenue for the department and in those days the question of finance was a serious one to a young Federation.

        The Chairman of Library Extension reported 28 new traveling libraries, making a total of 39 traveling libraries in operation in 1903. It should be recorded and remembered that the North Carolina Women's Clubs started traveling libraries in the State at their own expense. Later the clubs were largely instrumental in getting a bill passed by the Legislature, authorizing the appointment of a Library Commission for the State. In recognition of that activity, when the Commission was appointed, an active club woman, former chairman of Library Extension, Mrs. Sol Weil of Goldsboro, was made Vice Chairman of that Commission.

        A reception by the New South Club, one by the Concord Woman's Club at the home of Mrs. J. C. Wadsworth, a drive to Sunderland Hall, where another reception was given by Miss Montgomery, were all delightful social features of the meeting. An interesting incident was the presentation to Mrs. Patterson, from Captain Charles McDonald, through the Julia Magruder Club, of a beautiful pin, made from a nugget of pure gold taken from a mine in Cabarrus County.

        The same officers were unanimously reëlected and great interest and enthusiasm prevailed, while the second annual convention passed into history.

CHAPTER V

THIRD CONVENTION

GOLDSBORO--1905

        The third convention was necessarily postponed until May, 1905, which caused the change of date for the Convention from October to May, which has since become permanent.

        The Goldsboro Woman's Club had already established itself in well equipped Club Rooms, and when the President, Mrs. Patterson, called the delegates to order in those rooms and declared the Third Convention assembled, all felt that North Carolina womanhood was coming into its own.

        Twenty-nine clubs were reported with a membership of 550 and a voting strength present of 35. The broadening of view and the inevitable broadening of effort were apparent and great harmony prevailed.

        Words of welcome from Colonel Joseph Robinson of the Argus, which left no pleasant adjective unused, and from Mrs. Hollowell, President of the hostess club, were responded to by Miss Gibson of the Wilmington Sorosis.

        Then followed an address by Dr. Benj. Sledd on North Carolina Literature, and one on Club Work for Women by Mrs. R. R. Cotten. Later an address was given by Dr. A. J. McKelway on Child Labor. Those

addresses proved the serious trend of thought which attracted the activities of the federated women.

        A graphic report of the St. Louis Biennial was made by Mrs. Hugh Murrill who had attended that meeting as a delegate from the North Carolina Federation. It was heard with great interest--seemed almost like a fairy tale to the inexperienced club women who had never seen a "Biennial" but who were in good training for the big work and have since participated in it until now a Biennial is only one of many pleasant events in life. The Departments made satisfactory reports and a new Department was added, called Child Study with Mrs. R. R. Cotten as Chairman.

        At Goldsboro the first shadow fell on the Federation. Miss Candler, the beloved and efficient Corresponding Secretary, was too ill to be present. Telegrams of sympathy and letters of love were sent to her, but a premonition of the coming shadow was felt. She fell asleep soon after, lamented by all who knew her.

        Mrs. Patterson after three years of arduous, loving service asked to be permitted to rest, so Mrs. J. T. Alderman of Henderson was unanimously elected President with Mrs. W. R. Hollowell, First Vice President; Mrs. Hugh Murrill, Second Vice President; Miss Margaret Gibson, Recording Secretary; Mrs. Hill Parham, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. D. L. Bost, Treasurer; Mrs. J. L. Gilmer, Auditor.

        Many social functions added charm to the meeting, among them a beautiful reception at the home of Mrs.

Sol Weil, and a drive followed by a buffet luncheon in the pavilion at Herman Park. A play, entitled "Petticoat Perfidy" was given by local talent in the rooms of the Woman's Club followed by a reception. Another reception, the following evening, was given at Hotel Kennon, followed by an elaborate banquet where the menu was interspersed with toasts and brilliant responses, all by the club women. That famous banquet was distinctive in being marked by the entire absence of men. Yet one of the special toasts was "Man," and the woman who responded to the toast did the subject justice and established the fact that the work of the sixth day of creation was very good, and the world would have been incomplete without him. While no man was visible the club women rather suspected that some masculine eavesdroppers were concealed somewhere among the full draperies. Some enthusiastic reporter even grew poetical and thus reported it the next day:

                         There was a sound of revelry by night
                         And Wayne's capital had gathered then
                         The State's beauty, her wit, her intellect, and bright
                         The lights shone o'er fair women--but no men.
                         Near a hundred hearts beat happily, and when
                         Into view came the banquet table with its lights and flowers,
                         Bright eyes looked admiration, red lips were wreathed in smiles,
                         And all went merry, the clubs had met again.

        The toast mistress of the occasion was Mrs. M. O. Humphrey. The toasts were as follows:

• Our Guests--Miss Etta Spier.
• Our Federation--Mrs. Lindsay Patterson.
• Our Sister Women in Foreign Lands--Mrs. Geo. W. Butler.
• The Professional Woman--Mrs. M. L. Stover.
• The Domestic Woman--Mrs. J. T. Alderman.
• Man--Mrs. Harry Skinner.

        While Mrs. Stover was lauding the possibilities of the Professional Woman, suddenly, the lights went out. The club women never really knew whether it was an accident or a joke by the men, thus insinuating that the future of the Professional Woman was dark. However, the lights returned, the revelry continued to a successful close, and the first Woman's Banquet in North Carolina became a pleasant memory.

        As a mark of their esteem the Goldsboro Woman's Club presented Mrs. Patterson with a Goldsboro souvenir spoon, which must inevitably recall to her a pleasant occasion. It was at all times evident that interest in the work and in each other was increasing among the women, and when the Convention adjourned every delegate carried away pleasant memories and a stimulus to increased activity.

CHAPTER VI

FOURTH CONVENTION

CHARLOTTE--1906

        The first Charlotte Convention, destined to be followed by many more, was called to order by the President, Mrs. Alderman, in the auditorium of the Colonial Club. A luncheon given to the Executive Board by Mrs. Hugh Murrill, inaugurated a custom so fraught with pleasure and benefit that it has become a permanent feature of the annual meetings, always preceding the opening of the Convention, and following the official meeting of the Executive Board.

        Mrs. Eugene Reilley, President of the hostess club, made the address of welcome, and Miss Gertrude Weil expressed the pleasure of the delegates in being permitted to breathe the Independence-laden air of Mecklenburg County.

        The new President, Mrs. Alderman, made a fine address and the ease with which she presided proved the wisdom of her election to the high office.

        Thirty-three clubs were reported enrolled, among them the Raleigh Woman's Club, then and now, the largest club in the state. The voting strength present in Charlotte was 52, showing increased strength since the Convention in Goldsboro, and so long as growth continued the women were encouraged to continue the work.

        Eighty valuable papers were reported in the Reciprocity Department and many of them used by the clubs.

        The important Department of Domestic Science was added, with Dr. Delia Dixon Carroll as Chairman. This Department has since undergone several changes of name without changing its nature. From Domestic Science to Household Economics, then to Home Economics and now again to the American Home--each change being an improved name and a higher ideal.

        A department of Forestry was recommended at Charlotte but not added until the following year.

        Federation colors were adopted, blue and white, to be in harmony with the General Federation colors. A pine cone as a design for a Federation pin, and a sprig of green pine for an emblem were also adopted.

        A tribute to the lamented Miss Candler was read by Mrs. Hugh Murrill and a memorial page in the Year Book was ordered to be inserted in her memory.

        A reception to Mrs. Alderman, the Federation President was given by the Charlotte Woman's Club, another at the home of Mrs. R. O. Alexander, a trolley ride followed by an al-fresco party, and a musicale and play at night were much enjoyed diversions. An elaborate reception by the Manufacturers Club on the last evening brought a most successful meeting to a close.

CHAPTER VII

FIFTH CONVENTION

WILMINGTON--1907

        When the North Carolina Federation of Women's Clubs met at Wilmington in April, 1907, the extreme illness of the President, Mrs. J. T. Alderman, prevented her attendance. The work and responsibility of the meeting devolved upon the Vice President, Mrs. Eugene Reilley, who met the emergency with courage and ability. A warm welcome was extended by Sorosis, through Miss Margaret Gibson, which was responded to by Miss Adelaide Fries of Winston-Salem.

        A luncheon to the Executive Board was given by Miss Gibson at her home.

        Flowers and a telegram of regret and sympathy were sent to Mrs. Alderman. The clubs numbered 33, with a membership about 800 and the Credentials Committee reported a voting strength of 44 present.

        This evidence of continued growth was most gratifying. Meeting together was no longer an exciting novelty but an anticipated pleasure. The strength of union was felt, as was the fact that many things in the State needed woman's coöperation, and that they could help each other bring such things to pass. Greater seriousness began to mark the meetings and the spirit of altruism was predominating over the love of pleasure and the selfish desire for personal literary culture. Women were gaining the courage of their convictions,

and could second a motion without feeling as if they had committed a crime against womanly modesty. They no longer trembled at the sound of their own voices but discussed issues in a sane and sensible way. Reports, discussions, motions, and resolutions, filled each session. A resolution was passed that in future one entire day, including the evening session, should be given to business. At a later Convention this was changed to two whole days, and now more is needed. Clubwomen can readily see why Fine Arts Evening, combining the Reports of Several Chairmen of Departments, the announcing awards in contests, etc., was instituted, which combines business with pleasure and demonstrates the progress made in those departments.

        An incident of the Wilmington Convention was the presentation of a gavel to the Federation from the Charlotte Woman's Club. It was made of wood from Mount Vernon and presented by Mrs. John W. Miller. Mrs. D. Y. Cooper accepted it for the Federation and Mrs. Reilley used it faithfully during the Convention. It remains one of the treasured possessions of the Federation. An address on "Woman in Civics and the Home" was made by Dr. Delia Dixon Carroll.

        The new Federation pins, a pine cone, with the letters N. C. F. C. on a background of light blue and white enamel were on sale, and eagerly bought by the delegates. Miss Adelaide Fries presented a plan for a Scholarship at Salem Academy, in honor of Mrs. Stonewall Jackson, an alumna of that Institution. The Convention endorsed the plan, and later the clubs responded in donations of money for the scholarship.

        At the suggestion of the acting President, Mrs. Reilley, a Department of Literature was added to the work, and Miss Fries was made Chairman. Being herself a woman of rare literary attainments, this department, under her management proved of great value as a stimulus to activities along literary lines.

        It was at the Wilmington Convention that the first official action was taken in regard to the Stonewall Jackson Training School at Concord. The North Carolina Legislature had authorized the establishment at Concord of an Industrial Training School for Boys, as a needed reform for the good of the State and as a memorial to Stonewall Jackson of Confederate fame.

        The clubs had been invited to join with the King's Daughters in erecting a cottage at that school. At Wilmington the name of the Department of State Charities was changed to Industrial and Child Labor and the Chairman, Mrs. D. Y. Cooper, was instructed to take up the special work of a cottage at the Stonewall Jackson School.

        The spirit of coöperation was further emphasized by the appointment of Mrs. R. R. Cotten as a Fraternal Delegate to the Convention of King's Daughters, soon to convene in Henderson. This was probably the first example in North Carolina of coöperation between two organizations of women, and marked the beginning of that true spirit of unity which should underlie all action, and which has become almost universal and which means Progress.

        The General Federation had changed its method of management and now permitted each State to elect its

own General Federation Secretary, who was to do the duty formerly done by a committee. Miss Gertrude Weil was elected to fill the new office. The other officers elected were President, Miss Margaret Gibson; First Vice President, Mrs. Eugene Reilley; Second Vice President, Miss Mary Petty; Recording Secretary, Miss Sallie Kirby; Corresponding Secretary, Miss Rebecca Watkins; Treasurer, Mrs. Thomas Maslin; Auditor, Mrs. E. F. Reid.

        The meetings were all held in the Masonic Temple where each day delightful luncheons were served, thus promoting fellowship among the delegates through social intercourse, and economizing time for business.

        A reception by Sorosis at the residence of Mrs. R. W. Hicks, a trolley ride to Wrightsville Beach, a trip down the historic Cape Fear on the steamer Wilmington where delightful social functions were enjoyed by all.

CHAPTER VIII

SIXTH CONVENTION

GREENSBORO--1908

        The progress of the North Carolina Federation, while not phenomenal, was continuous and encouraging. Some few clubs disbanded, a few withdrew, but each year more new clubs affiliated and more were being organized all over the State. In 1908, the Convention met in Greensboro where five federated clubs welcomed us, four of which had been faithful members since the beginning of the organization. It was before the day of the Greensboro Woman's Club, whose glory, however great, cannot overshadow those four faithful clubs in the early years.

        Luncheon to the Executive Board was given by Mrs. G. W. Whitsett at her home. The opening session was held in Elks' Temple, the President, Miss Gibson, presiding. Mrs. B. C. Sharpe welcomed the delegates and Mrs. Reilley responded for the Federation. The clubs numbered 36 with a membership of more than 1,000, and a voting strength of 63 present, which was nearly double what it was three years before in Goldsboro. Mrs. Emma Fox, Corresponding Secretary of the General Federation, was the guest of honor, and a guest of honor was a sure sign of progress then. Mrs. Fox spoke on the work of the national organization and urged the affiliation of individual clubs therewith. She also made an interesting talk on Parliamentary Law and urged all clubs to study and practice it.

        A brilliant address on Southern Literature was made by the gifted Dr. Alphonso Smith, then at the North Carolina University. Mrs. Annie Smith Ross, President of the North Carolina Library Association, spoke on State Aid to Libraries and the ensuing discussion resulted in the appointment of a committee to act with the Library Association in the effort to secure a Library Commission for the State.

        A new field of usefulness was found at the Greensboro Convention. It was the securing and filling of scholarships. Nine scholarships at various State institutions had been placed at the disposal of the clubs, through the Education Department. True, those scholarships had to be filled with boys, but the living spirit of education was filling the souls of the women and idle scholarships appeared an abomination in their eyes. So a committee was appointed to fill those scholarships, which it did. That committee was also instructed to agitate the matter of coöperation with other State Federations in raising a fund for a scholarship at Oxford, England, which should give to American women the same opportunity given to men by the Cecil Rhodes scholarships.

        The growth of the work made new departments necessary. At Greensboro a Department of Forestry was added and the name of Village Improvement was changed to Civics. The Stonewall Jackson Training School was discussed and $320 was pledged for the cottage there. Delegates and alternates to the Boston Biennial were duly elected.

        Previous to the Greensboro meeting the Federation Year Book had been simply a directory of clubs, and reports from the departments, but at that time the address of the President, the minutes of the Convention and a few other items were included, adding interest to the Year Book.

        A session was held in Cornelian Hall at the State Normal and Industrial College--Miss Gibson in the chair.

        Reports were heard from the Executive Board, the General Federation State Secretary, and the officers of the Federation. Four new clubs were reported making a total of 36 clubs with an aggregate membership of 1186, as against the record of the preceding year of 32 clubs with 1,000 members.

        The Credentials committee reported a voting strength of 63. The Treasurer reported an increase in revenue and a balance on hand of $75. When one remembers that the per capita dues were at that time ten cents, one has to recognize the officers of the Federation as financiers.

        At the invitation of President Foust of the State Normal College the clubwomen met the students of that college and several addresses, brief, but appropriate were made.

        Mrs. W. S. Primrose, President of the Raleigh Woman's Club, presented greetings from her club and an invitation to the Federation to hold its seventh Convention in Raleigh, which invitation was accepted.

        The Committee on Courtesies expressed grateful acknowledgment of all attentions shown the Federation while in Greensboro.

        A beautiful reception by the Greensboro clubs at the home of Mrs. E. P. Wharton was specially mentioned and enjoyed. All business having been disposed of the Federation adjourned to accept an invitation to luncheon at Greensboro Female College--now Greensboro College for Women. After luncheon, carriages were provided by the local chapter Daughters of the Revolution for a drive to Guilford Battle Ground where Major Joseph M. Morehead, President of the Battle Ground Association, became the invaluable cicerone of the party.

        A reception given in their club rooms by the Merchants and Manufacturers Club of Greensboro brought to a close in pleasurable social intercourse the Sixth Convention of the North Carolina Federation of Women's Clubs.

        NORTH CAROLINA FEDERATION OF WOMEN'S CLUBS On Steps of Capitol, 1909

CHAPTER IX

SEVENTH CONVENTION

RALEIGH--1909

        Clubs were increasing and flourishing; women were finding themselves and each other; prejudice against clubs was weakening as time proved no harmful results therefrom. Village Improvement Societies were becoming Civic Leagues; Book Clubs were changing their names but not their nature, often extending their activities beyond the pursuit of knowledge. It is interesting to record that the work of the clubs extended from the care of County Homes to the Study of Shakespeare; from the civic conditions of their communities to the real problems of Public Welfare. Their ideals were expanding and they began to realize that the betterment of the world was their concern as well as the betterment of their homes, and that working together brought better and quicker results.

        At the invitation of the Raleigh Woman's Club the Federation met in the Capital City in May, 1909. The opening session was held in the Executive Mansion, where words of welcome and encouragement greeted the club women by His Excellency, Governor W. W. Kitchin. Mrs. R. B. John spoke for the hostess club and Mrs. R. R. Cotten responded for the Federation. The President, Miss Gibson, delivered her address in the Mansion, which was followed by a reception given by the Raleigh Woman's Club but served in the Mansion.

        All the business sessions of that Convention were held in the Hall of the House of Representatives, President Miss Gibson, occupying the Speaker's Chair. That Convention was probably the first occasion on which a woman presided officially over an organized body of human beings in that venerable and historic Hall of Legislation where now women may sit and help legislate. Such is progress and thus we go forward to the future.

        Bereavement had deprived the hostess club of the services and presence of its President, Mrs. W. S. Primrose, and the luncheon to the Executive Board was given by the Vice President, Mrs. E. C. Duncan. The number of clubs had increased to 43 with a membership of 1350, an increase of 10 clubs with 350 members over the enrollment of the preceding year. The Credentials Committee reported a voting strength of 68 present.

        Mrs. Kyle, President of the Virginia Federation, brought greetings from the Virginia women. Mrs. Eugene Reilley made a report of the Boston Biennial, and Mrs. J. L. Washburn, Past President of the Minnesota Federation, gave some pleasant reminiscences of the Boston meeting.

        The celebrated Dr. Styles made a profound impression by an address on the dangerous but invisible hookworm.

        The Recording Secretary, Mrs. W. C. A. Hammel, recommended the appointment of a Custodian of Records to have the care of the rapidly accumulating documents pertaining to the life of the Federation. Miss Daisy Denson was elected to this place.

        A letter was read from the North Carolina Library Association expressing appreciation of the efforts of the clubwomen in the work for a Library Commission. Mr. Louis Wilson, a member of the newly established Commission, spoke of its formation, scope, and plans. The effort to secure the creation of this Commission was the initiation of the Federation into the unexplored fields of legislation, and the members were pleased with the success of the effort. It was voted to transfer all the traveling libraries belonging to the Federation to the Library Commission. The gift included 92 traveling libraries in cases, and several hundred volumes not in traveling cases.

        The General Federation had requested all the State Federations to contribute to a fund designed to secure for American girls the same privileges at Oxford, England, as those accorded the Cecil Rhodes scholarships for boys. Mrs. F. L. Stevens, Chairman of Education, announced the completion of the assessment for North Carolina and she was authorized to send the money ($100) to the General Federation. Many clubwomen would like to know the success or failure of that scholarship.

        Miss Laura Drake Gill, a well known clubwoman, made an inspiring address on "A Woman's Equipment," which left in the minds of the audience much food for thought. The courtesy of the floor was extended to Miss I. J. Austin, of New Jersey, who made a plea in behalf of crippled children. Sixteen years later North

Carolina boasts of a splendidly equipped Orthopedic Hospital at Gastonia where many crippled children are literally made over.

        Miss Fries, of the Literature Department, reported an offer from the State Literary and Historical Association to coöperate in arranging programs for use in Study Clubs. The offer was accepted and Miss Fries and the Chairman of Education were named as the Committee to execute the plan.

        The election of officers presented some unique features, inasmuch as it was the first time in the history of the State when women were elected to high offices in the Hall of the House of Representatives and women's votes recognized as legal, at least by their club constituents. Mrs. R. R. Cotten was Chairman of the Nominating Committee and had no doubt of the legality of the slate she presented. The officers unanimously elected were, President, Mrs. Eugene Reilley; First Vice President, Mrs. Sol Weil; Second Vice President, Mrs. James Briggs; Recording Secretary, Mrs. W. C. A. Hammel; Corresponding Secretary, Miss Camille Hunt; Treasurer, Mrs. Alice Fields; Auditor, Mrs. F. R. Harris; General Federation State Secretary, Miss Margaret Gibson.

        The first picture ever taken of the North Carolina Federation was taken on the steps of the Capitol during that Convention. The picture has already assumed the appearance of an antique, and the group of earnest women present no appearance of insignificance, even

with that venerable and classic background. Yet, if one wishes to meditate on the changing styles of hats; or wishes to originate new models, one has only to study that picture to be convinced of the folly of fashion, at least in hats.

        A complimentary tea, tendered by the Capital Club in their new Club House was much enjoyed, and the meeting closed with a delightful musicale in the hall of the Olivia Raney Library--a memorial to a woman.

CHAPTER X

EIGHTH CONVENTION

HENDERSON--1910

        The impetus which the club work was gaining was very evident when the Eighth Convention was called to order at Henderson, in May, 1910, with Mrs. Eugene Reilley presiding. The meetings were held in the Vance County Court House, which seemed a fitting background for the official rulings of the only woman ever elected to high office in the Capitol of the State of North Carolina.

        The Board luncheon was given by Mrs. Sidney P. Cooper, in conjunction with the meeting of the Executive Board, as continues to be customary.

        The first session was called to order in the Court Room of the Vance County Court House by the President, Mrs. Reilley. An invocation by Rev. R. C. Craven and the singing of "Carolina" were followed by an address of welcome by Mayor H. T. Powell. Then came words of welcome from the four Henderson clubs, and the response by Mrs. C. C. Hook. Then came greetings from several women's organizations followed by a forceful address by the President. The Convention then adjourned to attend a reception tendered by the federated clubs of the city at the home of Mrs. R. J. Corbett.

        The second session of the Convention was called to order on Wednesday morning, Mrs. Reilley in the chair

        An invocation by Rev. I. W. Hughes followed, after which reports from officers, Department Chairmen and Standing Committees were all given.

        The clubs numbered 59, with a membership of 1800, an increase of 540 members in one year, which was due to the activity of the new President who had personally taken up the work of extension and enrolled 20 new clubs. The number of delegates present was 75.

        A Midwinter meeting of the Board had been inaugurated by Mrs. Reilley, and the first one had been held in February, at Goldsboro. The benefits were so evident that it was decided to make it a permanent feature of the work. The Midwinter meeting was designed as a conference of officers and workers to discuss and plan the work for the clubs and for the Federation itself. It was a happy thought and as the Federation grew in numbers and strength the Midwinter meeting grew in importance and benefit.

        The evening session was opened by the singing of the Federation Song. By request of Mrs. Reilley, Mrs. W. R. Hollowell took the chair and introduced the speaker of the evening, Dr. W. S. Rankin, Secretary of the State Board of Health. After an entertaining and enlightening discourse by Dr. Rankin, Mrs. Hollowell moved that a Department of Health be added to the work of the Federation. The motion was enthusiastically passed, and later Mrs. W. N. Hutt was made Chairman of the new department.

        Another forward step taken in Henderson!

        At the Thursday afternoon session Mrs. R. R. Cotten was asked to preside and she introduced another

well known speaker on civic and sanitary matters, Mr. C. Routzahn, who represented the Anti-Tuberculosis Association. He made an illustrated address on the subject of Tuberculosis, congratulated the Federation on the establishment of a Health Department, which he hoped would vigorously attack the ravages of the White Plague. The Henderson Convention might well be called the Health Convention, because so much time was given to that subject and such wise action taken.

        Henderson is a progressive place and it behooved the Federation to "keep step" with Henderson, so many new things came to pass. The Rules and Regulations Committee among other rules, recommended "that all hats be removed on entering the convention hall," and it was adopted, though no one referred to the picture taken in Raleigh. So the exile of the Federation hat began at Henderson.

        At the Midwinter meeting Mrs. Duncan, Chairman of Music, had suggested to the Board that she be permitted to ask the clubs for an original song for the Federation, which suggestion was approved. Mrs. Duncan made it known to the clubs. The song written by Mrs. Cotten was selected and music for it written by Mrs. Duncan. This song was first sung at the Henderson Convention by an improvised choir, organized and trained after the Convention met, and so prompt and energetic was that Chairman of Music that it was sung at the opening of the afternoon session. A motion was carried that it should be sung at all succeeding conventions of the clubs.

        So the Federation Song was first sung at Henderson.

        The reports of Chairmen showed a wonderful amount of work accomplished. After discussion and at the suggestion of the Chairman of Child Study, Mrs. R. R. Cotten, that department was discontinued with the understanding that a Department of Health would be substituted therefor.

        On Fine Arts Evening the Convention was entertained by the Contemporary Club at Henderson in a most unique way, which was a combination Shakespearean lecture and musicale rendered by Mr. and Mrs. Wade Brown, of Meredith College. This was followed by the reading of the successful papers in the literary contest inaugurated by Miss Fries, of the Literature Department. The subjects of these papers were; "The Viking Age," by Mrs. W. L. Nicholson, of Charlotte, and the "Development of the Drama," by Mrs. W. C. A. Hammel of Greensboro. At this meeting it was voted that Fine Arts Evening should become a permanent feature of the annual meeting. The literary exercises were interspersed with original music, selected from the scores submitted to the Music Department. These original selections were the Federation Song, words by Mrs. Robert R. Cotten, music by Mrs. E. C. Duncan; "United," words and music by Mrs. Mary Speed Mercer, and a Lullaby, words by Mrs. W. H. Speight, and music by Mrs. E. C. Duncan. The three songs were all beautifully rendered by local musicians.

        Friday morning's session was called to order promptly by the President. The Lord's Prayer was repeated in concert and the Federation song again sung.

        A resolution to revise the Constitution was read and adopted. A Revision Committee composed of Mrs. R. R. Cotten, Mrs. Sol Weil, and Mrs. James Briggs was appointed and instructed to report at the next Convention.

        Waterways was added to the Forestry Department. The Literature Department reported, as a result of co-operation with the State Literary and Historical Association, two study outlines for the use of clubs, one on the Romantic Movement in English Literature, and one on North Carolina History, the latter being specially recommended to the clubs.

        A Department of Club Extension was added and placed in charge of Mrs. R. R. Cotten.

        After the Report of the Resolutions Committee followed by the Report of the Courtesies Committee and the acceptance of an invitation to hold the next meeting in Asheville, the Convention adjourned.

CHAPTER XI

NINTH CONVENTION

ASHEVILLE--1911

        The activities of the clubs were almost innumerable and clubs were being organized over the whole State. Clean-up Day, screening food from flies and dust, getting garbage ordinances passed, the installation of trash cans on the streets, the writing of county histories, the securing and awarding of scholarships, improving conditions in railroad stations, medical inspection in schools, drinking fountains, and other health measures carried to success, play grounds equipped, and so many things done that the retrospect is wonderful and inspiring. Clean-up Day has become now an official function of every self-respecting town. The dust of bygone ages has been removed, sanitation has succeeded where carelessness with food once prospered. Man who thought housekeeping belonged solely to a "Woman's sphere" is becoming himself a good public housekeeper and generally admits he learned it from the women.

        In the days when the Federation first met in Asheville each club gave a report of work done. It was interesting and stimulating, and naturally the clubs vied with each other in achievements. It was good for all, but clubs were becoming so numerous that it was difficult to get all reports read in the limited time of a convention. Only two minutes were allowed each

President in which to tell of a year's work. It became a problem which was discussed and resulted in organizing Districts. It required several years to bring the arrangement of the Districts into working order but it was finally done and now rests on a satisfactory basis, but may grow into even greater order and success.

        The Ninth Convention of the Federation was called to order by the President, Mrs. Eugene Reilley, in the Assembly Hall of Battery Park Hotel, at Asheville in May, 1911. The Board meeting was held at the residence of Mrs. W. J. Cocke, followed by the usual luncheon. A picture was taken of the Board on the steps of Mrs. Cocke's home, and another of the entire delegation on the verandah at Battery Park, which are pleasant reminders of a fine meeting--in spite of the predominant Hat.

        The Midwinter Meeting had been held in Oxford, a town which abounded in clubs and in hospitality. The programs for the occasion were decorated with a hand-painted, life sized yellow jonquil, apropos of the month, and that blossom seemed like a bit of real sunshine and was greatly admired. Midwinter Meetings had become club reunions and though much larger now, continue to be reunions of friends as well as caretakers for the Federation.

        The evening session of the Convention opened with greetings from the clubs of Asheville, expressed by Mrs. Z. B. Vance, while other organizations spoke through Mrs. Eugene Glenn, and Miss Grace Jones--both of Asheville. Mrs. Visanska brought greetings from the South Carolina Federation and Mrs. R. R. Williams

spoke for the City of Asheville. Mrs. Palmer Jerman responded for the North Carolina Federation. Then came the address of the President, Mrs. Reilley, and an address by Mrs. Philip N. Moore, of St. Louis, President of the General Federation. A reception followed to the officers, delegates, and visitors by Mr. and Mrs. J. I. Alexander, of the Battery Park Hotel.

        The first business session on Wednesday morning was opened with the singing of "Carolina." Then followed reports from officers, committees and departments. Mrs. R. R. Cotten, Chairman of Club Extension, reported 21 new clubs, which brought the number of clubs to 79 and the membership to more than 2300. The Credentials Committee reported a voting strength of 100. Again the membership and voting strength had doubled in two years, and all the reports indicated a state of healthy activity and much interest. The Literature Department reported 52 clubs, with 1550 members doing literary work, and two new outlines for study ready for use, one on American Literature and one on North Carolina History and Literature. The Education Department reported 14 scholarships in use, and one given by Salem College, the first woman's college to place a scholarship at the disposal of the clubs. In Civics a great awakening was reported. Many Civic Leagues were being formed and 34 federated clubs were doing civic work.

        The Department of Industrial and Child Labor was again given a new name, that of Constructive Philanthropy. The Chairman, Mrs. D. Y. Cooper, reported

$1,000 in hand for the cottage at the Stonewall Jackson Training School, and she was instructed to present check for the full amount to the King's Daughters at their approaching Convention. Illness in the family of Mrs. Cooper prevented her attendance at that Convention, and at her request, Mrs. Cotten, who in the meantime had been elected President of the Federation, presented the check and expressed the good wishes of the clubwomen for the work of the King's Daughters and for the School at Concord.

        In June, 1912, the King's Daughters held another meeting--that time in their cottage at the School, at which time a tablet placed on the Cottage, commemorating the donation from the Federation was unveiled by Mrs. Cooper for the King's Daughters, and acknowledged by Mrs. Cotten, then serving as President of the Federation. The spirit of unity and love which pervaded that occasion marked an epoch in coöperative philanthropy in this State.

        The subject of an endowment for the General Federation was eloquently presented by Mrs. W. G. Rogers, and the North Carolina Federation was asked to double its dues to the General Federation for one year, for the endowment. The clubs were asked to contribute individually to that fund. It was voted to double the dues of the North Carolina Federation for one year, as requested, but the clubs were left to use their own discretion as to individual contributions.

        The endowment idea seemed contagious, and it was suggested by Mrs. R. R. Cotten to start one for the North Carolina Federation, and to incorporate the organization,

thus giving it a business basis and a legal status. Mrs. Cotten was authorized to choose a committee to help her start such an endowment.

        Moved by Mrs. C. C. Hook that the Nominating Committee be composed of five members, elected by ballot from those previously nominated from the floor, the five receiving the highest vote to be declared elected. This was amended by Dr. Carroll by adding that no two nominees should be from the same town. The amendment was accepted by Mrs. Hook and the motion passed. The ballot for the Nominating Committee showed the following names elected: Mrs. S. P. Cooper, Mrs. Whiteford Smith, Miss Adelaide Fries, Mrs. W. R. Hollowell, and Dr. Dixon-Carroll.

        The evening session was Fine Arts Evening with Mrs. James Briggs, Second Vice President, presiding. The music rendered and papers read were the prize winners in the contests conducted by the Departments of Literature and Music.

        Miss Fries reported for Literature and the successful paper was on "The History of our Country," by Mrs. J. P. Lucas, of Charlotte. Another paper on "What Study Clubs are worth to North Carolina" read by Mrs. Frank Martin was heard with deep interest.

        Mrs. E. C. Duncan reported for the Music Department. The prize winner for original music was Miss Janie Alexander Patterson. It was a piano solo--"The Flight." Other original music by Miss Louise Bahnson, "Alma Mater" and "The Sweetest Flower that

Blows" were rendered and enjoyed. It was before the days of silver cups, but the writing of original music was being stimulated.

        The Thursday morning session was promptly convened, and after prayer by Rev. Clarence Reynolds, business progressed rapidly consisting principally of reports.

        The report of the Nominating Committee was called for, and the following submitted, after the appointment of tellers. President, Mrs. R. R. Cotten; First Vice President, Mrs. Palmer Jerman; Second Vice President, Miss Grace Jones; Recording Secretary, Mrs. G. W. Whitsett; Corresponding Secretary, Miss Mary Irvin Bridgers; Treasurer, Mrs. B. K. Hays; Auditor, Mrs. W. J. Conrad; General Federation State Secretary, Mrs. M. L. Stover. The report was accepted and nominations from the floor called for. Miss Gertrude Weil was nominated for General Federation State Secretary by Mrs. E. C. Duncan. Mrs. C. C. Hook was nominated by Mrs. F. L. Stevens for the same office. Miss Weil declined to allow her name to be used, which left two candidates for this office, Mrs. M. L. Stover and Mrs. C. C. Hook. The ballot showed Mrs. Hook elected. No other nominations being made, the report of the Nominating Committee was accepted and the names presented, with Mrs. Hook as General Federation Secretary were declared elected, and the meeting adjourned for luncheon. A drive to Biltmore filled the afternoon.

        The Friday morning session was filled with reports from 53 clubs and a few chairmen.

        The report of Committee on the Revision of Constitution and By-Laws was called for. Mrs. Cotten read the new Constitution and the By-Laws, article by article, section by section, and after much discussion and some amendments, the new Constitution and By-Laws were accepted as a whole and Mrs. Cotten moved it be substituted for the old. This was carried, and a vote of thanks given the Revision Committee.

        The afternoon session brought the report of the Resolutions Committee, and those resolutions which were adopted were ordered printed in the Year Book. It had never been done before but it was a wise step and continues until now, for even good resolutions are so easily forgotten and fail of accomplishment.

        Under new business was read a letter from Dr. J. I. Foust, President State Normal and Industrial School, offering to coöperate with the women's clubs of the State, in issuing Bulletins, and aiding in other ways to benefit the women of the State. Mrs. C. C. Hook moved that the Chairman of Education accept the coöperation of the State Normal and Industrial School so far as possible, to meet the needs of the Federation. The report on Courtesies was read by Mrs. Al Fairbrother, and accepted.

        New Bern, through Mrs. Monroe Howell, extended an invitation from the home club for the Federation to hold its next meeting in that City.

        Miss Adelaide Fries, for the federated clubs of Winston-Salem, also invited the Federation, asking Mrs. Howell to withdraw her invitation in favor of Winston-Salem, reminding the women that Federation was born in Winston-Salem, and it seemed fitting that every

tenth anniversary should be held there. Mrs. Howell graciously consented and Winston-Salem secured the next meeting. Adjournment followed.

        Among the many pleasures planned by Asheville for the pleasure of the clubwomen, was the performance by the Ben Greet Players of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." It was the courtesy of the Men's Clubs and gave great pleasure to all.

        Another notable feature of that Convention was the presence of many officials of the General Federation. Mrs. Philip N. Moore, President of the General Federation, was the guest of honor and through all the sessions gave generously of her wisdom and experience. Mrs. Reilley, the North Carolina President, was herself at that time a Director on the General Federation Board. Mrs. Alvin Bailey, of Massachusetts, was also present throughout the Convention, and one sunny day there came to the Convention a bewildering bevy of women, Mrs. George Welch, Recording Secretary of the General Federation, all the way from far off Minnesota; Mrs. J. L. Washburn, Past President of Minnesota Federation; and Mrs. Coonley-Ward, of Chicago, who has served many organizations in many capacities, and whose cheery greetings on that day linger in the memories of many women she never knew.

        The Convention was a brilliant success. The Asheville papers spoke of the clubwomen as being "fair to look upon and good to listen to" and several complimentary editorials after the women had departed, convinced the most doubtful of the sincerity of the editors. Happiness and hope for the future reigned and all left the Land of the Sky with regret.

CHAPTER XII

TENTH CONVENTION

WINSTON-SALEM--1912

GREENVILLE COUNCIL--1912

        The new Constitution adopted at Asheville provided for a Council, which included the Department Chairmen and the Executive Board and called for a meeting between the annual conventions. So what had been known as the Midwinter Meeting became the Council Meeting and so continues.

        This meeting was held in Greenville, at the invitation of the clubs of that town. The opening session was held in the court room of the Pitt County Court House, where words of welcome were heard and responded to most sincerely by Mrs. G. W. Whitsett, Recording Secretary.

        The second evening session was held in the spacious auditorium of the Teachers' Training School, now the North Carolina Teachers' College--then and now the pride of Eastern Carolina. Short addresses were made by officers and chairmen of Departments, followed by an able address by Mrs. C. C. Hook, who captivated the audience with her oratory and wit. President Wright gave a stirring welcome to all, and seeing the late Governor Jarvis in the audience called on him for a few words. In his quiet, wise way he responded, and then at the close, a request from the floor brought the entire audience to its feet and all sang "Dixie" with a ring.

        A reception by the faculty and students followed.

        As recommended at the Asheville Convention, the State had been divided into eight districts, each of which was supposed to hold an annual meeting, so that the clubwomen of each district might get together and gain from each other help and inspiration. It was for some time called "Reciprocity Day" hoping to make the clubs take the hint and return the hospitality of the District entertaining them. The district work was in its infancy and presented many perplexing problems. After many changes and vicissitudes, the District Meetings have become popular and successful, bringing pleasure and benefit to the women, even prizes being awarded to the District doing finest work.

        The Convention which met in Winston-Salem in May, 1912, marked a decade of growth in the life of the Federation and inevitably the opening exercises followed retrospective lines. The recital of the events of progress during ten years, stirred the love of the clubwomen for their Federation, and aroused new zeal. The loyal women who served the Federation in the days of its early evolution, were all living to be proud of the success of their plans. They builded well and their co-workers delighted to honor them.

        The Council met at Bramlette, the beautiful home of Mrs. Lindsay Patterson, the first President, who entertained at luncheon after the business meeting. The inevitable picture of the Council was taken at Bramlette with four Past Presidents, and the inevitable and unreformed Hat, much in evidence.

        The Board of Directors met in the afternoon.

        The opening session was most appropriately held at Salem College, where the Federation was organized in 1902. The invocation was made by the venerable Bishop Rondthaler. The clubs of Winston-Salem, of men and of women, the U. D. C., and the D. A. R., the Twin-City officials and Salem College itself, all united in such hearty welcome as made the occasion a genuine home-coming for the clubs.

        Their thanks were beautifully expressed by the Vice President, Miss Grace Jones, after which all united in singing the Federation Song.

        Each Past President then gave a resumé of the events of her administration, which showed the growth of the work. Mrs. Patterson in her own unique way told of the trials and vicissitudes which characterized her efforts to lead North Carolina women "in the way they should go" by inducing them to join the new Federation.

        Then followed a beautiful tribute to Miss Candler, the first Secretary of the organization.

        Mrs. J. T. Alderman, the Second President, was unavoidably absent, to the regret of all.

        The next incumbent, Miss Margaret Lovell Gibson, took up the story and related the activities of her administration. Mrs. Eugene Reilley followed with many facts of interest which filled her term of office as Fourth President. Mrs. Robert Cotten, Fifth President, represented the present time. She had no reminiscences to offer but told of the status of the work and prophesied future greatness for the organization.

        The addresses were followed by a reception tendered by Salem College.

        On Wednesday, May 7, the business sessions began at Winston-Salem, with the President, Mrs. Robert Cotten in the chair. Officers and chairmen reported, and necessary committees were appointed. Fourteen new clubs were reported, which despite three withdrawals left a total of 87 clubs with a voting strength of 127 present. Progress was progressing and the increasing strength was accepted as an augury of better things to come.

        A report on "The Legal Status of Women in North Carolina" aroused much discussion, for the women of North Carolina seemed to have no legal status. It had been decided to make an effort to have women permitted to serve on the school boards of the State but the State Constitution, like a stone wall, confronted the effort. The President, Mrs. Cotten, had interviewed the Attorney General of the State, Mr. T. W. Bickett, later Governor of the State, expecting to take to the Winston-Salem Convention some cheering message to encourage the women in the effort. On the contrary he assured her that the Constitution of the State absolutely debarred women from such public service, and so she reported to the assembled clubwomen. It was an appalling fact, but the women were undaunted and it was unanimously voted to enlarge the committee, pursue the investigation and report at the next Convention. Women were awakening to their own need of opportunity for service.

        Before time for the next Federation Convention, the Federation of Clubs, in coöperation with the Teachers' Assembly had succeeded in getting passed by the North Carolina Legislature, a statute permitting women to serve on the school boards of the State. Since that time, women have gained much in "legal status," being now full fledged citizens with the many privileges of citizenship. Looking back, it seems such a simple thing, getting on the school boards, but it was then difficult to accomplish in the face of custom, prejudice, tradition, and law, but it was done. At Winston-Salem an innovation in the regular routine of conventions, was an automobile drive to Kernersville, in response to an invitation from the Kernersville Woman's Club, to hold one session there. It occurred on an afternoon and the meeting was held in the Moravian Church at Kernersville. The address of welcome was written by a member of that club, Miss Dore Korner and sent from far away Paris, to prove that distance is no bar to coöperation when one is genuinely interested. The meeting was followed by a reception at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Gilmer Korner, after which the automobiles sped back to Winston-Salem in time for the evening session. Good roads and automobiles make many things possible. Fine Arts evening brought out a prize winning paper on "Virginia Dare," by Miss Helen Montague, and three splendid poems, "The Phantom Gold," by Mrs. Mary Groom McNinch; "The Mother," by Mrs. Eugene Glenn; and ["]Mammy," by Miss S. O'H. Dickson; all of which were read to the Convention.

        In the Music Department the winning numbers were "The Holy Child" by Janie A. Patterson; "Sundown and Maytime" by Mrs. A. D. Glascock, both of which were rendered during the evening.

        The reports at each successive session showed great activity on all lines, but especially on Health lines, 43 clubs being reported as doing active health work. The Civic Department, as a result of the activity of the Chairman, Mrs. A. B. Kimball, presented to the Federation a valuable stereopticon, with many slides, for use in promoting the work of Civics and Health. A lecture explaining the slides accompanied the stereopticon and any club could use it by having the lecture read aloud as the slides were used. In some unaccountable way that stereopticon was lost, but the civics activities of the Club continue.

        The Chairman of Conservation, Mrs. W. J. Cocke, reported that the petition from the Federation to the Trustees of the North Carolina University in regard to a chair of Forestry at that Institution, had been presented to the Trustees and they had replied that all funds appropriated by the Legislature are specifically named for certain purposes, and they had no power to direct such money into other channels, hence no right to establish a chair of Forestry without funds to maintain it. Another lesson for women in legal procedure!

        The subject of an endowment for the Federation was fully discussed. The Chairman of Finance, Mrs. D. Y. Cooper, reported more than $400 on hand for the fund. By an overwhelming vote the Federation took up the

duty of raising an endowment, as a permanent work for all the clubs.

        The Treasurer reported a deficit. The women gasped. A deficit! A deficit! What could women do with a deficit? What did men do with a deficit?

        Discussion revealed both a sense of humor and a sense of business. Finally a collection was taken up, the Treasury replenished, the Treasurer made happy, and the plan for an endowment more heartily endorsed. Even with ten cents per capita dues, that was the first and last "deficit."

        Mrs. John Hays Hammond, and Mrs. Chew of Washington, D. C., appeared before the Convention representing the Welfare Department of the National Civic Federation, and solicited coöperation in the effort to erect a memeorial to the victims of the Titanic disaster. No action was taken.

        The name of the Department of Constructive Philanthropy was again changed, and became the Department of Social Service--with each new christening getting a better name for the same work. Under the new Constitution only three new officers had to be elected, the other officers retaining their places for another year. The result of the election was: First Vice President, Mrs. Sidney P. Cooper; Recording Secretary, Miss Gertrude Weil; Treasurer, Mrs. A. B. Kimball. The invitation to meet in New Bern was again presented and accepted. The courtesies Committee reported and adjournment followed.

        Among many delightful courtesies which marked the Tenth Convention one stands out as worthy of special

mention. It was the use of a beautiful automobile with its attentive chauffeur dedicated solely to the use of the President. Decorated with sprigs of pine tied with blue and white ribbon, and labeled "The President's Car," it stood each day at her command, to take her to and from the meetings, to expedite errands, or transport business messengers as was needed, always at the President's command, and always a great joy and very useful.

        Thus after a retrospect covering a decade of growth, the North Carolina Federation adjourned determined to crown its worthy past with a more active future.

        It had been born of a desire to unite women for mutual helpfulness, and nourished by the loyalty, aspirations and work of its members. Thus born and thus nourished its destiny is to grow in strength and usefulness and to produce fruits worthy of the civilization of the future.

CHAPTER XIII

ELEVENTH CONVENTION

NEW BERN--1913

TARBORO COUNCIL--1913

        The object of the Council Meeting was to discuss ways for promoting the work of the Federation. At first it was composed of the Executive Board and Chairmen of Departments. The new Constitution adopted at Asheville in 1911 recognized the importance of the Standing Committees and the By-Laws were amended, making the chairmen of those committees members of the Council. As the Federation grew in numbers and influence, it required greater coöperation between its various representatives, which was brought about by the conferences composed of those workers, all of whom had the same end in view.

        In January, 1913, the Council met in Tarboro as the guest of the Tarboro Civic League. Words of welcome from the Civic League, the Magazine Club, the U. D. C., the D. A. R., the Country Club, and the Board of Trade greeted the visitors and made them happy.

        The President, Mrs. Cotten, having once lived in Tarboro, found double pleasure in meeting old friends, whether clubwomen or just friends. Much business was transacted. The new Charter for the Federation had been secured and the Council members present had the honor of signing that document. Their signatures

were attested by Clerk of the Court of Edgecombe County. Thus is was legally fitted for final record as a legal document to be officially presented to the approaching Convention in May.

        At the request of the President, drawings for an official seal were submitted to the Council by Mrs. E. F. Reid, Chairman of Art. The one selected was a circle surrounding the words "North Carolina Federation of Women's Clubs," with a sprig of pine, the Federation emblem in the center. Mrs. Reid was instructed to have a seal made from the accepted design, and thanks given for her zeal in the matter.

        The proverbial hospitality of Tarboro was much in evidence. Luncheons, receptions, teas, theater parties, and constant courtesies made the meeting full of pleasant memories for all who attended.

        The rearrangement of districts was fully discussed at that Council Meeting. Changes in policies, or in personnel are often followed by some confusion. The triumph over such confusion is victory, which was true of the division of the Federation into districts with their annual meetings, all fostered and promoted by the mother organization. It was difficult to arrange the districts scattered over several counties so their clubs could meet and return home the same day as was often necessary for mothers and home-makers. The railroads did not see it as their duty to change their schedules to suit the women, so like Mohammed and the mountain, the women revised their districts until a majority of the clubs could attend the meetings. The work of arranging and revising of districts extended

over several administrations before reaching its present status. A Department of Reciprocity was added to the work, which became a literary exchange of original papers on subjects ranging from the "Myths of History" to the "Loves of George Washington"; from the feeding of infants to the development of brain cells. Nothing was so occult as to intimidate the women of that day and they studied that which they attempted. Club work has been an university to many women, who have learned that self-culture is the surest and best culture. A booklet issued by Mrs. A. H. Powell, when she was Chairman of Reciprocity in 1912, contained a list of papers numbering 172, on many subjects, all ready to be loaned to any club studying the respective subjects. It was called the Reciprocity Bureau, and each club was requested to send in the most interesting and instructive papers written by its members.

        That Reciprocity Bureau was the forerunner of the Bureau of Information, which still follows its mission of helping women to gain knowledge. It was in the beginning an experiment but has now become a part of the Extension work of the North Carolina University. In the meantime Reciprocity Day developed into District Meetings, where subjects of broad interest, which limited time kept from discussion at Conventions, were discussed and the exchange of opinion often led to more illuminated outlook, and enabled the women to enter the Convention discussions without embarrassment. Non-federated clubs were often

guests and caught the infection, and joined the State organization.

        In May, 1913, the Eleventh Convention met in New Bern, "the Athens of North Carolina." The meeting was characterized by great harmony and an unity of effort never surpassed. The Council met at the residence of Mrs. S. L. Dill, Jr., President of the hostess club, and was followed by a much enjoyed luncheon. The inevitable picture of the Council was taken and the ubiquitous Hat was found much reduced in size, showing to better advantage the faces of the women. The Board of Directors met in the Elks' Temple, Mrs. Cotten presiding, and much routine business was transacted.

        The first session was held that evening in Griffin Memorial Hall, Miss Mabel Chadwick presiding. Greetings from many organizations overwhelmed the clubwomen with appreciation. Mrs. D. Y. Cooper spoke for the Federation, after which the Memorial Hall rang with the Federation Song. Those who had learned to sing it, did so with zeal, those who had not learned it, regretted their negligence.

        The address of the President followed. She gave the glad tidings of the passage of a statute admitting women to the school boards of the State, and begged them to improve the new field of service opened to them. The announcement was greeted with enthusiastic applause. She reported the legal incorporation of

the Federation, the signing of the Charter, the adoption and making of the Seal from a design by the Chairman of Art.

        She reported Certificates of stock were ready for clubs which had contributed to the Endowment and individual Certificates of Membership for all Federation members, to be sold for the benefit of the Endowment, that each woman might have evidence of her membership.

        In her address, the President recommended that a Board of Trustees be formed to assume charge of the Endowment, and to advise as to the use of the income to be derived from it. Said Board to be composed of the President of the Federation, the Chairman of Finance, and three others to be elected by the Convention, to serve respectively two, four, and six years.

        She recommended the adoption of a motto, and a request had been sent to all the clubs asking that suggestions for such a motto be submitted.

        Many other thoughts and suggestions for the benefit of the Federation were made and received with enthusiasm.

        Then followed an interesting address by Miss Julia Lathrop, Chief of the Children's Bureau, who explained in a concise and illuminating way the methods of work and sphere of usefulness of that Bureau. She was the Honor Guest of the Federation and every one enjoyed her talk and her charming personality.

        A feature of the program was the delightful music rendered by the Italian Orchestra from Boston, and the singing by Mrs. Horace Dowell of Raleigh. The close

of the exercises was followed by a beautiful reception at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Blades.

        The first business session was called to order by the President in Elks' Temple on Wednesday morning. The blessing of God was invoked on the meeting by Rev. J. B. Hurley.

        The necessary committees were appointed, the Charter and Seal were presented, the Certificates of Membership were where they could be inspected, as also was the Scrap Book compiled by Mrs. G. W. Whitsett, which contained clippings and souvenirs of the first ten years of Federation history. The Scrap Book was made the permanent charge of each succeeding Recording Secretary, thus keeping history true.

        Reports of officers and chairmen followed. A Nominating Committee was elected, tellers appointed, Rules and Regulations adopted and the meeting adjourned to be transported in a house-boat called appropriately Comfort, to Glenburnie Park, where an al fresco luncheon was served.

        The afternoon session was called to order in the Grandstand at Glenburnie Park where the obligations of the North Carolina Federation to the General Federation Endowment was discussed and pledges taken to complete it.

        Facing a threatening storm the session adjourned and all returned in safety to New Bern on board the Comfort.

        The evening session was Fine Arts Evening, with interesting reports interspersed with good music. The Chairman of Music reported and announced the winning

number in the Music Contest to be "Cradle Song" by Miss Janie Patterson of Concord who rendered the song and to whom the gold medal was presented.

        The contest in the Literature Department had become a permanent feature, and Mrs. Gordon Finger of Charlotte was announced the winner in the contest. She read her story "Across the Sauratown" which was followed by a song "'Carolina Hills" composed by Mrs. A. D. Glascock, and sung by Miss Janie Patterson. The prize poems "Limitation" and "Echoes" were both won by Mrs. Charles Ives of New Bern and read by Miss Mary Hendren.

        Thursday morning was filled with fine reports from Clubs and from Departments. The details of all Federation history can be found only in the individual clubs and only the general outline of progress can be given at Conventions.

        The Finance Committee reported nearly $1,000 on hand for the Endowment. Before the New Bern Convention closed the amount was largely increased and the Federation was rapidly attaining a "business basis."

        The report of the Chairman on Legal Status of Women was of special interest. She gave the details of the coöperation between the Teachers' Assembly and the Federation of Clubs. She recounted the handicaps encountered in getting the bill through the Legislature enabling women to serve on school boards. After being killed twice, it was introduced the third time and passed. In reply to a personal letter from the President, Mrs. Cotten, the clubwomen bombarded the legislators with letters and telegrams while the bill was

being discussed so that no one could fail to understand the wish of the women. The vote was 39 to 39, but the Speaker broke the tie by voting for it. A rising vote of thanks was given him for his courage and the Chairman, Miss Royster, for her aid. The first woman to be appointed to a school committee under the new law was Mrs. Junius Daniel of Vance County, and a message of congratulation and encouragement was sent her from the Federation in Convention assembled.

        Another report of special interest which bore immediate fruit was made by Mrs. M. L. Stover, Chairman of Education. She reported that the money raised by the Education Committee, which had kept a girl for four years at the State Normal had all been repaid with interest and the full amount $250 was in the Treasury ready for use. She offered a resolution that the money on hand be made the nucleus of a permanent loan fund for the benefit of North Carolina girls seeking higher education; that it be increased annually by voluntary contributions; and that it be called the Sallie Southall Cotten Loan Fund in honor of the retiring President.

        The resolution was adopted with the report and met an immediate enthusiastic response, which before the close of the meeting showed a Loan Fund of more than $1,000 ready for immediate use. It was well known that the education of girls was the favorite "hobby" of the President, who expressed sincere appreciation of the honor done her, and her faith in its destiny of benefit to North Carolina girls. The session was followed by a picnic dinner in the woods of Craven County where

ham, fried chicken and many other delicacies were served from cloths laid on the ground--the display of cloth and Craven County fried chicken was spread over a distance of a mile. The women were served in groups, even the string orchestra being present to gladden the happy occasion with music. It was a memorable picnic and will long be remembered by all present. Business could not be neglected and the afternoon session was called to order promptly in the Elks' Hall, where a large crowd of happy enthusiastic women were ready for business. Reports were continued. The Chairman of Finance, Mrs. D. Y. Cooper, made an appeal to the clubs present and pledges amounting to $692.75 were made from the floor, which increased the Endowment to about $1,000.

        The report of the Library Extension Department was read and supplemented by the report of the Federation's representative on the Library Commission. A letter had been received from the President of the Library Commission returning the donation check from the Federation and asking for a discontinuance of the cooperation of the clubs. Knowing the efforts previously made by the clubwomen in promoting the Library Commission, some indignation was expressed at such a summary discontinuance of coöperation without reason therefor. The indignation soon subsided, the returned check was voted to be added to the Loan Fund, and the genuine interest in libraries be continued for the sake of the good to the State. The strange action of the Library Commission failed to evolute into anything

bitter or disagreeable and was accepted, without explanation as one of the vicissitudes of public effort.

        The report on District Reciprocity showed the necessity for another revision, which was duly ordered made.

        The recommendation of the President in regard to a Board of Trustees for the Endowment was acted upon. The three members, to serve for two, four and six years were elected. They were Mrs. R. R. Cotten, Mrs. D. Y. Cooper, Mrs. Brooks Parham, with the incoming President as ex officio Chairman.

        The meeting Thursday evening had been anticipated as the grand finale of the Convention. Judge Walter Clark, eminent jurist, and the staunch friend of women, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina, was to speak on "the Legal Status of Women in North Carolina." Every one was prepared for information and entertainment. The stage was decorated anew and on it sat Judge Clark, Mrs. Cotten, Miss Royster, Mrs. M. L. Stover of the Education Department, Mrs. Sol Weil of the Legislative Committee, and Miss Hendren of the New Bern Woman's Club, who was to lead the proposed discussion after the address. Griffin Hall was packed to its capacity, testifying to the interest of all. The exercises opened with a rendition of "The Lost Chord" by the Music Department, the lost chord supposedly being the woman to whom so many fields of activity were legally closed. At the close of the meeting the Music Department rendered the chorus "Angels' Song" perhaps supposed to represent the joy of the angles when justice becomes supreme.

        First, Mrs. Cotten presented Miss Royster, Chairman of the Committee on Legal Status of Women, who took charge of the meeting. Miss Royster after a few words introduced Mrs. Sol Weil of that Committee who told of the struggles to secure progressive legislation for women.

        Miss Royster then introduced Judge Clark who gave an elaborate and illuminating address of the status of women--past, present, and prospective. He probed into the past when women were chattels and playthings. He showed their development in mentality and strength in the present, and prophesied citizenship and continued development in the future. The address was forcible, logical, and eloquent. An ovation was given him by a rising audience after which Miss Hendren led an investigating discussion. Question after question pounded the Judge from the floor, all of which he answered cheerfully and to the point. Many clubwomen made short talks and many seeds of legal truth were left to germinate in the brains of the women. The meeting adjourned to continue the exchange of ideas at the reception given by the Chamber of Commerce of New Bern.

        The final business session of the convention was called to order by the President, Mrs. Cotten, in the Elks' Temple, promptly at ten o'clock Friday morning. After an invocation the reading of club reports was continued. The Credentials Committee, through its Chairman, Mrs. W. G. Rogers, reported a voting strength of 111 present. The Nominating Committee through Miss Margaret Gibson, reported the following

nominations: President, Miss Adelaide Fries, of Winston-Salem; Second Vice President, Mrs. N. A. Sinclair, of Fayetteville; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. E. K. Graham, of Chapel Hill; Treasurer, Mrs. M. L. Stover, of Wilmington; Auditor, Mrs. Clarence Johnson, of Raleigh; General Federation State Secretary, Mrs. S. L. Dill, Jr., of New Bern. There being no nominations from the floor, it was moved and seconded that the Secretary cast the ballot for the nominees presented. The ballot was so cast.

        The Committee for the selection of a motto for the Federation through its Chairman, Mrs. Reilley, presented a list of six best mottoes submitted by the clubs. The one recommended by the committee for adoption was "The Union of All for the Good of All" which had been submitted by Mrs. W. G. Rogers. The motto was accepted by the Federation with thanks.

        The Committee on Resolutions reported, and several new resolutions from the floor were adopted, and all ordered printed in the Year Book.

        Mrs. M. L. Stover moved that upon her retirement from the Presidency, Mrs. Cotten be made Honorary President of the Federation. The motion was seconded and unanimously carried by a rising vote.

        Mrs. N. A. Sinclair of Fayetteville on behalf of the Woman's Civic Association of Fayetteville, extended a cordial invitation to the Federation to hold its next Convention in that town. The invitation was accepted with thanks.

        A special letter of thanks was ordered sent to Judge Clark for his response to the request of the Federation.

        The Courtesies Committee reported with expressions of keen appreciation of the numerous courtesies extended. The report was accepted with a rising vote. Mrs. Fairbrother then added in rhyme the universal appreciation of hospitality. It was moved and carried that a rising vote of thank be given Mrs. Fairbrother for her faithful services as Chairman of Press Committee during the Convention.

        Mrs. Cotten then introduced Miss Fries, the incoming President, and relinquished the gavel to her. At Mrs. Cotten's request, Mrs. Reilley introduced the other newly elected officers, each of whom said a few pleasant words, except Mrs. E. K. Graham, who was absent.

        The work was over for the time. Every day had been a happy day. The Federation was becoming efficient and active, and after a benediction by Rev. Mr. Merfeld the Convention adjourned for luncheon.

        Even then irrepressible New Bern continued to add more pleasures. The afternoon was given to a trip down the Neuse river on the U. S. Revenue Cutter, where the events of the week were lived over, plans for future action formulated, and woman's faith in her sister woman strengthened and renewed.

CHAPTER XIV

TWELFTH CONVENTION

FAYETTEVILLE--1914

CHAPEL HILL COUNCIL--1914

        When the North Carolina Federation was young its Year Books were unassuming. The covers bore the name of the organization and the contents were necessarily brief, being merely a list of the clubs in membership, their officers, and occasionally the motto and flower adopted by the club. They contained no minutes, no reports from Departments, nor from clubs; simply the skeleton of the organization. The small club dues and the cost of printing easily explain that brevity. With the growth of the Federation the Year Book increased in size and interest. Minutes of the Conventions, addresses of the Presidents, reports of Chairmen of Departments and of Standing Committees, and of clubs began to be included, adding greatly to its interest. The white cover began to be ornamented with the Seal of the State, which certainly attested the loyalty of the women. When the Federation became possessed of an official Seal of its own, the State Seal was replaced by the Federation Seal, the name of the organization and the Seal being printed in blue on the white cover--thus getting the Federation colors. It made a neat appearance and the content grew in value. Soon the Constitution and By-Laws, the minutes of the meeting, the resolutions passed, reports of the work, the

towns and cities in which club officers lived and many other items were included, which made interesting reading to sympathetic clubwomen. Then came the blue cover with the name and seal in white. The change was made during the administration of Mrs. T. W. Lingle. The Year Book has now become quite a large pamphlet, destined to grow in bulk and value as the minutes increase, more clubs join, and more needs develop.

        The Council meeting preceding the Twelfth Convention, was held in Chapel Hill.

        The opening session, January 15, 1914, of the Council was held in a room in the Peabody Building, with nineteen members present, the largest representation to that date. The luncheon and the afternoon session were held at the home of Mrs. Joseph Hyde Pratt. In the evening there was a meeting of the Community Club in the Peabody Building, open to the public, Miss Harriet Berry presiding. Dr. Herty made the address of welcome. Mrs. Lingle, Mrs. Hook, and Miss Fries spoke.

        Next day, January 16, the morning session of the Council was held in the Peabody Building; luncheon and afternoon session at the home of Mrs. Archibald Henderson. Then Dr. Kemp Battle led a "personally conducted" tour through the University Buildings.

        That evening there was a lecture on "America in 1814" by Dr. Hunt of Washington, D. C., and after this a reception in the College Library, after which the Council adjourned.

        In May, 1914, the Twelfth Convention of the Federation met in the historic town of Fayetteville, named for the celebrated Frenchman, and heir to the facts and traditions of the exile of Prince Charley, and the romantic history of Flora McDonald.

        The Council met in the home of Mrs. W. T. Brock, President of the hostess club, the Civic Association. It was followed by an elaborate luncheon where the reunion of co-workers created an atmosphere of happiness felt by all present. The Board of Directors met in the afternoon at Hotel La Fayette where the Council joined them and the appropriate business was accomplished. Such meetings would often continue indefinately but for the faithful clocks which record the passing of time, and the Board adjourned in time to permit hostess and guest to become acquainted and for both to don suitable dress for the evening.

        The evening session opened promptly. The new President, Miss Fries, had a reputation for promptness and efficiency, and all knew she would sustain it.

        An invocation and the Federation Song opened the meeting on the evening of May 5.

        Addresses of welcome from the city and from the club were responded to by Mrs. E. K. Graham for the Federation. The President's address, delivered with her characteristic poise and grace was full of sane advice, business acumen, friendly counsel, and ambition for the work she represented. Every woman present was proud to follow so sane a leader, and gave generous applause. Mrs. Pennybacker, President of the General Federation, who was to be the special guest

of honor, had missed a train connection, in consequence of which she had to miss the beautiful reception which was to follow the meeting. However, no time was lost. Mrs. Reilley entertained the meeting with a report of the General Federation Council Meeting in Washington, D. C., and some clubs reported after which the meeting adjourned to attend the reception given by the clubwomen of Fayetteville.

        The business sessions were held in the spacious auditorium of the graded school, and the gavel fell promptly on Wednesday morning. Mrs. Pennybacker had arrived and expectation was acute to see and hear a woman of national reputation for oratory and ability. After the invocation she was presented to the audience which rose to receive her. She spoke briefly.

        The Credentials Committee reported 129 present entitled to vote. Rules and Regulations for procedure were adopted, Committees on Resolutions, and on Courtesies were named, and a Nominating Committee elected in accordance with the Constitution. Mrs. S. L. Dill, the General Federation State Secretary, gave her report, and she was unanimously chosen as Traveling Manager and Chaperone for the North Carolina delegation to the Chicago Biennial. The delegates were requested to send in their names promptly so she could secure choice reservations. Mrs. W. G. Rogers reported the full assessment for North Carolina $500 collected, in recognition of which the names of Mrs. Reilley, Mrs. Stonewall Jackson, Miss Clayton Candler, Miss Fries, and Mrs. W. G. Rogers had been placed by the General Federation on the Endowment Roll of Honor. The

Chairman of Membership, Mrs. Fairbrother, reported and introduced twenty new clubs. Adjournment for lunch followed, and in front of the graded school building the inevitable picture was taken of the whole assemblage with the Historic Hat present but in a subdued form, more modest and becoming.

        Luncheon was served in the Domestic Science building where it was evident that "a feast of reason and a flow of soul" have no power to appease the human appetite.

        At the appointed hour the afternoon session resumed business. Many reports were received in rapid succession. A plea by Mrs. C. C. Hook brought pledges amounting to $384 for the Loan Fund.

        Miss Anna Michaux reported on the Economic Status of women teachers in North Carolina. The report showed that while North Carolina had an increasing number of women wage earners, the North Carolina woman herself had no economic status, her labor being legally the property of another. By authentic statistics Miss Michaux proved the insufficiency of the salaries of women teachers and the great need of a change on that line. The report made a profound impression. On motion by Miss Royster the committee was continued another year, with instructions to include in the investigation the status of girls working in telephone exchanges and ten cent stores. That report was made in 1914, since which time considerable progress has been made in legislation and public opinion. May it not be possible that the searching investigation and subsequent agitation by the clubwoman on such an important line caused that progress? There is no

doubt that public opinion and just legislation will "follow the light" of Right, when that light is kept burning.

        The evening session opened with a string quartet by Red Springs Students, which was followed by a vocal solo rendered by Miss Severson of the State Normal.

        Mrs. Reilley then introduded the speaker of the evening, Mrs. Percy Pennybacker, who delivered to an attenti