Madison County, Ohio - Chapter 27: Clubs and Fraternities, 1915

Chapter 27: Clubs and Fraternities

The London Federation of Women's Clubs was perfected on April 17, 1913, when the three literary clubs of London, realizing that much better work might be accomplished and more activities taken care of by co-operation, decided to join forces. The East High Street Club, the oldest literary organization in London, took the initiative and invited the Woman's Club and the 'Twentieth Century Club to meet with them in a mass meeting at the court house. Mrs. A. P. Morris and Mrs. Cussins, members of the Altrurian Club of Columbus, were present on that occasion, and both spoke of the work accomplished by the Federation of Columbus. 'The first officers of the London Federation were: President, Mrs. Clinton Morse; recording secretary, Mrs. Charles E. Gain; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Ralph Coons; treasurer, Mrs. Peyton Emery; auditor, Mrs. Sherman Simpson. The vice-presidents were the presidents of the three literary clubs, Mrs. Frank Noland, of the East High Street Club; Mrs. John Parker, of the Woman's Club, and Mrs. B. F. Linson, of the Twentieth Century.

Since the early organization other clubs have joined the federation, so that eight organizations, numbering about two hundred women, are now banded together for social and welfare work, civic improvement and club fellowship.

The London federation, in its short existence, has proven a powerful good in the community. The first great achievement of which the members feel justly proud was the beautifying of the grounds around the high school. Under the efficient chairmanship of Mrs. Lee Williams, the entire federation worked as a unit, until the last payment of the one thousand thirty-five dollars, the contract price, was paid.

A community Christmas tree in 1918, for the benefit of all the children in London, another splendid one in 1914, and a Christmas dinner consisting of all the delicacies that constitute a real Yuletide feast, was given under the auspices of this organization, with Mrs. Clint Morse and Mrs. John Tanner chairmen, thereby proving that members are interested in the social and moral uplift of the community.

The recent enjoyable home talent entertainment of "TFi-Fi," given under the léadership of Mrs. Gideon Clark, chairman of ways and means committee, was staged for the purpose of helping a new and worthy organization in our midst, and the entire proceeds were given to the Madison County Health and Welfare League.

It became necessary a few months ago to make the federation an incorporated body in order that it might be a beneficiary under the will of the late Miss Bertha Coover. That grand, noble, kind, self-sacrificng woman bequeathed to the federation the sum of seven thousand dollars for the purchase or erection of a club house. The following board of trustees were elected: Mrs. Peyton Emery, Miss Sallie Dooris, Mrs. Rosser Atchison, Mrs. William Chandler, Mrs. Clinton Morse, Mrs. Robert Moore, Mrs. A. J. Strain, Mrs. Martel Bryan, Mrs. Charles Gain, Mrs. Frank Noland and Mrs. Ogan Stroupe. The officers were as follow: President, Mrs. Sallie K. Robison; recording secretary, Mrs. Ida White; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Frank Noland; treasurer, Mrs. Martel Bryan.

in the early summer of 1915 and henceforth will be the club home, not only of this organization, but of the societies and clubs of which the federation is formed, as well as two or three organizations not included in its membership. 3 The London Federation is a power for good in this community, and while so much has been accomplished in the short period of its existence, greater, nobler, grander achievements are being hoped for by the members in the years that are to follow.

The London Club

The London Club was organized on February 11, 1901, with eighty-seven charter members. The first officers were as follow: Charles Butler, president; H. S. Mitchell, secretary-treasurer. It is purely a social organization and seeks to provide wholesome . amusement for its members. Strangers in the town are always welcome to its rooms and the members make the wayfarer feel that the club is a real factor in the life of the city. The present membership includes one hundred and twenty-five of the leading men of the city. Albert G. Cartzdafner is president and Charles Lohr, secretary-treasurer. The club has quarters in the Winchester block.

East High Street Club

A little group of East High street women, while seated on the lawn of one of their number, in the twilight of one of the most sultry days of the summer of 1887, conceived the idea of banding together for some line of literary work for the coming winter, but action was postponed until cooler weather. A meeting was called in November, and on the 21st day of that month, at the home of Mrs. Hannah Underwood, the club was organized. The hostess was the possessor of a copy of Hicks' famous engraving of American authors, and it was decided that the authors represented in this picture should constitute the line of study. The first literary meeting was held at the home of Mrs. Lizzie Jones. The charter members were eight in number, Mrs. Hannah Underwood, Mrs. Lizzie Jones, Mrs. Nannie Houston, Mrs. Mary Davidson, Mrs. Anna M. Chandler, Mrs. Alice Armstrong, Mrs. Laura Ward and Miss Lucy Lotspeich. Other members were enrolled and, as the greater number lived on East High street, the name of the East High Street Club was adopted. Meetings were held on Monday evening of each week at the homes of the members, taking one author and a subject beginning with the initial letter of the author's name for the evening's study. Each member was on duty each evening.

The study of American authors led to the study of those of other countries. This manner of procedure was continued for seven years. Dating long before women's clubs became the necessity they are today, the organization, in the beginning, was a very simple one and its freedom from formality was, perhaps,, the reason of its success. . Later, when the club movement became general, a constitution was adopted, regular officers elected and the club was federated with the Ohio Federation of Women's Clubs on October 26, 1894. It became a member of the General Federation. on June 10, 1910.

The tenth, twentieth and twenty-fifth anniversaries and other "Resta" days were celebrated in a fitting manner. Memory recalls many pleasant associations, delightful friendships, and beautiful characters, met with during the existence of the club. Sad and tender thoughts are invoked when the memorial pages of the calendar are read.

Response has been made by the club to various outside issues, especially aiding in any work for the advancement and improvement of its home town.

' With an unbroken record of twenty-eight years of progressive and happy existence, being, with one exception, the oldest woman's literary club in the state, it is not surprising that the East High Street' Club should feel an honest pride in the earnest, con-

Maybe some of the rising generation of club women think it was of primeval origin; or even like the old oak tree - ''it was here when I came!"

Not so. There was a time when some young heads that are now growing silvery said: "Why can't we have a literary club, not like any other club that ever was?"

So when the weather was growing cold and the nights long, and winter coming on 'apace, little white-winged messengers bearing the names of the hostesses, Misses Margaret and Sallie Dooris, November 5, 1892, 3:00 p. m., the magic word '"'conversazione" in the lower left-hand corner, were sent forth.

In response, a bevy of women, some young, others in the meridian of life, assembled at a little white house on a green bank just between the edge of town and countryside,~where oak trees grow. On that Saturday afternoon, while the tea was being sipped, and the ices consumed, the nature of the "conversazione' developed and the possibility of organizing a woman's literary club to meet afternoons once a _ week, was discussed.

Twenty-three years ago all staid and fashionable people had their social doings at night. No one dreamed of gadding about to clubs or anything else in daytime. The serious business of social leaders was to "make calls" from three to six o'clock, or a decorous "tea" among intimates was permissible at four-thirty. All other functions were relegated to lamplight or gaslight homes. It was a boid step to take, but those women took it, and so the first afternoon club in London was inaugurated.

But the boldest step of all in defiance of custom or conventions was to hold it on Mondays. Don't you remember three and twenty years ago that, rain or shine, Monday was sacred to wash day and all uncomfortableness?

It was a blow to all past traditions, that women should wilfully abandon their. homes of a Monday, in broad daylight and spend their time in a state of mental dissipa- tion. It had a dash of audacity in it. It appealed, as it were, to all the unconventionalism of a conventional class. There were five other days all open to choose from, not as it is nowadays, a club or two for every day of the week, but just because every mother's daughter of us had been born to look upon Monday as a day of drudgery, it was chosen as the day of days for a literary club.

So enthusiastic were the promoters of the club idea, another meeting would have been held the following day, only it was Sunday; but the day after that, the 7th of November, the same zealous women with a "Build-thee-a-more- stately-mansion-oh-mysoul" expression on their faces, met at the residence of Mrs. Mary Finley, on Main Street, at two o'clock in the afternoon and an organization was effected. The new club was named "The Woman's Club." Mrs. Georgia Gould was elected president; Mrs. Elizabeth Watson, vice-president; Mrs. May B. Prettyman, secretary; Mrs. Alice Dooris Thomas, treasurer. A committee on program for the year's study was appointed and English literature was selected as the subject for study. The drafting of a constitution and by-laws was a delightsome task to a specially favored few. Later on the motto, "Animi Cultus Humanitatis Cibus,' was considered fit for such a learned club. The carnation was chosen as the club flower, pink and green the club colors. |

It is to be regretted that all the records of the club for the first sixty-four meetings were lost in the fire of 1906, which very nearly destroyed the residence of the late Mr. William Morgan, North Main street, the custodian of the club at that ume 'being a guest of the family, only saving a few personal effects.

It is recalled that the club year began on the first Monday in November, ending on the last Monday in May, with a three-weeks' holiday at Christmas time. '

Don't you remember, we met at two o'clock in the afternoon at each other's houses and had five and six duties apiece? Light refreshments were served after the literary program and by the time '"good-byes" were exchanged it was dark night ere the very tired club women reached their homes, literally worn out in mind and body.

It was a wild leap into space when the Woman's Club was federated into the General Federation of Women's Clubs on June 6, 1893, being at that time among the very first Ohio clubs to become identified with the larger movement. Then later, a less exciting, but at the same time a pleasing exhilaration of spirits was enjoyed when the club federated with the Ohio Federation of Women's Clubs, February 2, 1895.

Memory recalls an ambitious attempt at journalism. in editing "The Voice of the Club," to which every member was expected to contribute an original article in addition to their other duties. It died young, from want and inanition, aged six volumes. Be it said to its earthly honor and glory, however, that a copy of this periodical was sent to the women's department of the Columbian Exposition at Chicago in 1893. It held the choicest original thought. as expressed by the literati of the club, written in the finest handwriting, with a white linen cover, embroidered in pink carnations, the club flower. It received special mention for its artistic beauty in a Chicago journal. Later on it was returned to Woman's Club, when the dismemberment of the world's fair took place. Alas! it, too, went up in smoke in the conflagration of 1906.

In 1894 the educational room of the court house was 'chosen as the place for club meetings. being more central. The club year was shortened, ending the last Monday in March, which has been the rule since, and the tea-drinking were discontinued. The first printed calendar of the Woman's Club was issued in November, 1894, Germany the subject chosen for study. 'It was no idle matter to "keep up." Fancy writing four or five papers on such subjects as the following, taken at random from a program lying before me: 'Development of Science in Germany," "Early German Literature and Folk Lore," "Martin Luther - His Influence on Germany," etc.

osity, and because of the lessons learned in that hard school of expression, the young club women of the present day ought to rise up and call us beautiful names because we have now learned how to frivol. But truth must be told though the heavens fall. It was not all toil and endeavor. We had our glorious hours of pleasure and sense. Don't you remember our annual field day, held at the country home of Mrs. Lucy Beach, "The Cedars?" Surely among all the trees of Lebanon, none were more beautiful than these growing at this beautiful place. We have had good times under their branches, and we recall with delight the pleasant hours in June, fragrant with sweet memories and redolent of the past. It was decided in 1914 that field day be reinstated in the club annals and that a day in June be taken for its celebration by picknicking in Snyder Park. Vive la Field Day!

So swiftly have the years passed by, it seems only a little while since the giving of a rose fete and colonial tea for the benefit of the public library. How memory crowds upon memory as the events of more than two decades are reviewed. Gala days, banquets, receptions, teas and garden parties were given, delightful hours spent at homes where generous hospitality was dispensed.

It has not been all toil and endeavor for self alone; not all social enjoyment or hours of pleasure. While the aim of the club as originally planned was for literary, scientific and artistic culture. the broader human interests have not been neglected. The ery of the children in factories and mills has been hearkened to. Petitions bearing the .signatures of the Woman's Club have been forwarded to the lawmakers, asking them to preserve our forests; to enact more stringent sanitary laws regarding public health; to suppress the white-slave traffic - in short, every good for the public welfare and uplift of humanity has received their moral support.

Our beautiful public library was the gift of Mr. Andrew. Carnegie, through the solicitation of a member of the Woman's Club, Miss Sallie Dooris. The Woman's Club alcove bears on its shelves the gift of many books from the club women, one especial gift deserving particular mention, that of the late Mrs. Mary Florence, president of the Woman's Club, 1898-99, who left a bequest of five hundred dollars to the public library, which sum was spent in works of reference adding much to the students' research for knowledge. The little children of our town have been very near the heart of the Woman's Club. For years past it has been their dearest pleasure at Christmas time to remember the "little brothers and sisters" for whom no preparation is made. So that it can truly be said that there are no sad hearts among the little ones of London when the birth of Christ is celebrated.

Changes have taken place since the organization of the club in 1892. Of the charter members, ten still answer the roll call. Some have left us; others have passed away. Their names are recorded in the club calendar. As the years pass, the list of the immortals increases: Mrs. Sobrina Custer, Mrs. Alice Dooris Thomas, Mrs. Flora Jones Murray, Mrs. Elizabeth Trimble Wilson, Mrs. Mary E. ©. Florence, Mrs. Elizabeth Watson, Miss Nellie Morgan, Mrs. Anna C. Bidwell, Mrs. Caroline Ross. The club year of 1913-14 exacted a heavy toll of members: Mrs. Alice R. Armstrong, Miss Ruth M. Van Wagener. Mrs. Georgia Gould, Mrs. Hazel Van Wagener Thomas. These have joined the "choir invisible' in the house not made with hands. They are not forgotten.

The club year 1913-14 made its mark. The Woman's Club had the honor of giving to the Federated Clubs of London its first president, Mrs. "May B. Morse. A notable event in the club's achievement was the community Christmas tree of 1913, the tree, a splendid fifty-foot pine, being the gift of that year's president, Mrs. M. M. Rowland. It was placed in the public square, where the many twinkling electric lights helped tell out the story of Peace: Good Will to Man. Under its spreading branches over one thousand gifts of candy and toys, the uninvited offering of our town-folk, made the little children realize as never before the pattern Christ Child.

One of the latest ventures of faith on the part of the club was another flight into journalism; not for self-aggrandizement or power; not for the purpose of sealing Parnassian heights to dwell with Apollo and the muses. This venture of faith was possible through the generosity of Mr. R. K. Shaw, editor of the London Times, enabling the club to assume control of his paper for one week; to give to the people of London and Madison county at large the "Woman's Club Edition of the London Times,' the proceeds to be used for tke beautifying of the grounds of the public schools, and another honorable achievement was added to the club's escutcheon. In 1917, the Woman's Club will celebrate its silver anniversary. Much can be accomplished in the meantime.

Memory may linger fondly on the days that are past; the vanished faces and sweet companionship that is no more. Hope looks forward eagerly to the work that is to be done; the good to be accomplished. 'Fo each and every member of the Woman's Club the wish is extended, "May we be there to see."

_ The charter members of the Woman's Club were twenty-one in number, as. follow: Mrs. Lucy Beach, Mrs. Sobrina Custer, Miss Margaret Dooris, Miss Sallie Dooris, Mrs. Mary C. Finley, Mrs. Georgia K. Gould,. Miss Florence Gould, Miss Anna Gould, Miss Adah Jones, Miss Lucy Jacobs, Mrs. May B. Prettyman, Mrs. Emelyine Richmond, Miss Emma Richmond, Mrs. Kate Dooris Sharp, Mrs. Alice Dooris Thomas, Miss Alice Thomas, Miss Mae Toland, Mrs. Elizabeth Watson, Miss Mary Williams, Mrs. Elizabeth T. Wilson, Miss Mary Wilson. Of this number some have passed away; others removed from London or resigned from the club, while yet others fell victims to the winged arrow of Dan Cupid and changed their names. At the present date ten of the original members are enrolled on the club calendar, viz.: Mrs. Lucy Beach, Miss Margaret Dooris, Miss Sallie Dooris, Mrs. Anna (Gould) Emery, Mrs. Mary C. Finley, Miss Adah Jones, Mrs. M. B. (Prettyman) Morse, Mrs. Emelyine Richmond, Miss Emma Richmond, Mrs. Mary (Watson) Williams.

In March the election of officers for 1915-16 was held, with the following result: President, Mrs. Olga S. Spitler; first vice-president, Mrs. Mary Watson Williams; second vice-president, Mrs. Lizzie D. Mitchell; recording secretary, Miss Gertrude Chance; corresponding secretary, Miss Sallie Dooris; treasurer, Mrs. Alice W. Chenowith; custodian, Mrs. May B. Morse; librarian, Miss Rosalind Wood.

A few months later the president-elect, Mrs. Olga S. Spitler, passed away. In the fullness of ripe womanhood, with the promise of good days, she was looking forward to another year's progress and now she is not. For the beautiful life that ended, a minor key has been touched, without which her earthly diapason is complete.

In 19138, the three literary women's clubs of London, of which the Woman's Club is one, united in the London Federation of Women's Clubs, their object being more especially for the good of the community. Through the munificent gift of seven thousand dollars from that great-hearted lover of humanity, the late Miss Bertha Coover, the federated clubs has acquired a handsome club house, occupying a commanding site in the center of the town, which will be hereafter headquarters for all federated clubs in the pursuit of literary, social and civic improvement.

The twenty-fourth year of the Woman's Club opens the first Monday in November. The year's study is '"'Woman's Work in the World." One quotation from it sounds. the keynote of its import: ''The woman of today has two big home duties: First, to see that her own home is civilized, that her own men and children are cared for expertly; and second, to see that the same degree of civilization prevails in all the homes about her."

Daughters Of The American Revolution

The London chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, owes its inception te the patriotism of Mrs. Forrest A. Bidwell, she having taken the preliminary steps necessary to its organization. The first meeting for this purpose was held in the parlors of Hotel London on Thursday, May 21, 1908. Mrs. Bidwell had been appointed regent of the London chapter by Mrs. Edward Orton, Jr., state regent for Ohio. Twelve representative women who were eligible to membership and interested in forming the chapter were present at the meeting.

On motion of Mrs. Horace G. Jones it was voted to call the chapter the London Chapter. The other officers of the chapter and the committee to draft suitable by-laws. yiz.: Mrs. Annette P. Lincoln, Mrs. Perry C. Rowland and Mrs. Victor W. Reese, were then appointed by the regent.

The first regular meeting was held in the assembly room. of the court house on the 4th of June, 1908, when the national constitution and the by-laws of the chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, as prepared by the committee, were read and adopted. The organization was then effective. Another meeting was held on the 18th of June, when the regent appointed her standing committees. Up to this time nineteen applicAtions for membership had been approved by the national board. The secretary was instructed to apply for the charter, which was procured on January 18, 1909, and the names of these nineteen women were engrossed upon it. as the charter members of the chapter: Mrs. William Morrow (Lucy BH. Wilson) Beach, Miss Jennie Black, Mrs. Marion L. (Lizzie R.. Cheney) Burnham, Mrs... Forrest A. (Mary Beach) Bidwell, Mrs. William (Harriett S. Thomas) Farrar, Mrs. Frank (Olive Black) Feather, Mrs. John (Blanche Morgridge) Florence, Mrs. Elmer E. (Esta Coover) Har: vey, Mrs. Glenn H. (Mary Martin) Johnson, Mrs. Horace G. (Lizzie -Houston) Jones, Mrs. George (Theodora Annette Pheips) Lincoln, Mrs. Victor W: (Julia Matthews) Reese, Mrs. Perry C. (May' Morgridge) Rowland, Miss Jean Rowland, Miss Florence Farrar

The objects of this society are, "to perpetuate the memory of the spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence, by the acquisition and protection of historical spots, and the erection of monuments; by the encouragement of historical research in relation to the Revolution and the publication of its results; by the preservation of documents and relics, and of the recerds of the individual services of Revolutionary soldiers and patriots, and by the promotion of celebrations of all patriotic anniversaries.

"Yo carry out the injunction of Washington in his farewell address to the American people, 'to promote, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge,' thus developing an enlightened public opinion, and affording to young and old such advantages as shall develop in them the largest capacity for performing the duties of American citizens. To cherish, maintain, and extend the institutions of American freedom, to foster true patriotism and love of country, 'and to aid in securing for mankind all the blessings of liberty."

The personnel of the first officers, appointive for one. year, include the names of Mrs. Forrest A. Bidwell, regent; Mrs. George Lincoln, vice-regent; Mrs. Victor W. Reese, secretary; Mrs. Elmer E. Harvey, treasurer; Mrs. Horace G. Jones, registrar; Mrs. Frank Feather, historian; Mrs. Perry C. Rowland, chairman ways and means committee. In the following year, at the annual business meeting, on June 4, 1909, these same officers were unanimously re-elected for another term. From 1910 to 1915 successors to Mrs. Bidwell's regency are: Mrs. Horace G. Jones, Mrs. Perry Rowland, Mrs.. John Florence, Mrs. Homer EK. White and Mrs. Lucy E. Beach.

The regular meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month from October to May, inclusive, also two "gala days" are included in the calendar, "Flag Day" and "Charter Day," both of which are always most charmingly celebrated.

The work of our chapter is largely patriotic and educational and may be summed up in the following list of standing committees: Memorial continental hall, patriotic education, to prevent desecration of. the flag, "old trails," road conservation, welfare of women and children, real daughters, George Washington memorial, American Monthly Magazine, and locating and marking Revolutionary soldiers' graves. International peace arbitration contributions are made annually to the cause of patriotic education, memorial continental hall, the baby camp (Columbus), the Annette Phelps Lincoln memorial scholarship, and many other worthy objects. Four graves of Revolutionary soldiers have been located.

The most beautiful gift the Ohio Daughters of the American Revolution have to bestow fell to the honor of London chapter when, at the continental congress in Washington in April, 1911, Mrs. Annette Phelps Lincoln was elected state regent for Ohio, her appointment of Mrs. Victor W. Reese as state secretary and Mrs. Perry C.: Rowland aS member of state regent's council gave us three representatives in state work. Mrs. Lincoln took up her new work with great vigor, giving to the office all the knowledge and experience gained from a life ever interested in public affairs. But the work so splendidly begun was cut short by her untimely death, which will ever be a haunting memory to us all.

"To live in hearts we leave behind, is not to die;" so recites the little sentiment on our "In Memoriam" page - the saddest in our history. Inscribed upon this page we find the names of Mrs. George (Theodora Annette Phelps) Lineoln, 1911; Mrs. William (Harriet s. Thomas) Farrar, 1911; Miss Mary Webster Thomas, 1912; Mrs. Ehmer E. (Bsta Coover ) Harvey. 1913; Miss Adah Bertha Coover, 1915, and ssh James' (Adeline Chamberlin) Hamilton, 1915. These women were foremost in many lines of educational and philanthropic work; but a rich legacy in inspiration and steadfast devotion to high ideals has been bequeathed to the members of our chapter. "Enjoy what thou hast inherited from the sires, if thou wouldst really possess it."

' In the year-book for 1915-1916 the names of the present officers read as follow: Regent. Mrs. Victor W. Reese; vice-regent, Mrs. Homer E. White; recording secretary, Mrs. J. R. Loofbourrow; corresponding secretary, Miss Florence Thomas; treasurer, Mrs. Horace G. Jones; registrar, Mrs. Charles E. Gain; historian, Miss Rosalind Wood, and custodian, Mrs. A. G. Kulp.

Our plans as outlined for the forthcoming year will consist mainly in fitting up the "relic room', set apart in the woman's club house and dedicated to our use through the generosity of our deceased member, Miss Bertha Coover. It has been voted to place the portrait of Miss Coover in the public school building as a fitting memorial from the chapter for her splendid services rendered years ago aS a member of the school boaré

October 26, 27, 1915, London chapter was hostess to the seventeenth Ohio state conference of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Greater significance attached to the event since it marked the twenty-fifth anniversary - or silver jubilee - of the founding of the national society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the largest body of patriotic women in the world.

In the records of a society as in those of a person's life, there are always. incidents, the outcome of which we would have different. There are things that might have been done, difficulties that might have been overcome, no doubt, but as we look over the record of the London chapter for the last. six years, we can only say that at all times we honestly strove to do that which seemed best. Patriotic spirit is very active in the hearts and minds of us all, and anything which promotes the interest of our society and the objects for which we are banded together is sure of this chapter's support. An honor recently was conferred upon this chapter in the appointment of Miss Florence Thomas, chapter historian, as a member -f the national committee on historical research. She promises to try and bring to light every item and fact of the history of our own ancestors. that we may weave a chain from the days of 1776, which shall be of interest and instruction for those who will take our places in a few years in the largest society of patriotic women ever formed.

The historian general says: "The whole country of America is now flung open for historians." More impressive still are her words: "I grow more amazed each day at the lamentable ignorance of American history."

Equal suffrage is merely a phase in the evolution of the human race. Women have always, at one time or another, taken a prominent part in the world's work. But it remained for them to take up the line of thought and action declared by men in the Magna Charta, June 15, 1215, and later, in the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, and call for the representation of their sex in the various departments of civilized life. The representation of the race by.men alone had resulted in a variety of abuses and shortcomings to which even the men could not close their eyes, and many of them, of the most enlightened and judicial mind, united with the women in asking for equal rights.

From the time when women were refused seats as delegates in conventions, and forbidden to speak in public because of sex, were even denied any save the most rudimentary education, and when they came out in opposition to this treatment were hooted at on the street, assailed with rotten eggs, and otherwise persecuted, to the present day, when one-half the territory of the United States gives equal suffrage to its women, is an interesting story.

Whatever progress has eee made or advantage for women gained, it has always been accomplished by women who were working in the equal suffrage cause. Many injustices to women and children still remain to be remedied in Ohio and the other states where women have not yet attained the ballot.

Thirty years ago the present Ohio State Suffrage Association was organized. Through efforts of this body, school suffrage was granted the women of Ohio in 1894. This was reason enough for popular study of the subject, in the opinion of Katharine Dooris Sharp (Mrs. H. J. Sharp) of London. She inaugurated the work in Madison county by a series of articles, "Woman and the Elective Franchise" in the Daily Nickel- Plate, published by Albert Heintzelman, in London. A public meeting of the women was called and on November 19th the Woman's Elective Franchise Association was organized. The charter members are Mrs. Katharine Dooris Sharp, founder and first president; Mrs. Lucy Beach, first vice-president; Mrs. Caroline Ross, second vice-president ; Mrs. Georgia Gould, secretary; Mrs. E. J. Dixon, Mrs. A. E. Chance, Mrs. Virginia Clark, Mrs. J. A. Ewalt, Mrs. Howard Snyder, Mrs. Rosanna Kepler, Mrs. C. W. Pringle, Miss Nettie Snyder.

On March 9, 1895, a convention of the women of London was called by the Woman's Elective Franchise Association and two candidates were nominated to be voted on by the electors at the spring election. Miss Bertha Coover, who became a member of the

Woman's Elective Franchise Association before her nomination, was elected to the position of member of the school board and held that position for one term, 1895-'98. Other women of the association who have been members of the school board are Mrs. Minnie' Willis Bonner, 1896-99; Mrs. Esta Coover Harvey, 1908-12.

Membership And Officiary

A state life membership in the suffrage cause may be secured by the payment of twenty-five dollars. State life members are Mrs. Lucy Beach, Miss Anna Ebner, Mrs. Sarah H. Farrar, Miss Mellie Mark, Mrs. Joanna Nedds, Mrs. Katharine Dooris Sharp; memorial state members: Mrs. Minerva Acton, Mrs. Esta Coover Harvey, Mrs. Georgia Gould, Mrs. Caroline Ross and Miss Bertha Coover; list of ex-presidents: Mrs. Kathurine Dooris Sharp, Mrs. Caroline Ross, Mrs. Georgia Gould, Miss Anna Ebner, Mrs. Lucy Beach, Mrs. Isabell. Morgan, Mrs. Vinnie Phifer, Mrs. Esta Coover Harvey, Miss Bertha Coover, Mrs. Emelyn Richmond, Miss Mary Clark; state corresponding secretary, Miss Bertha Coover, 1903-12.

This organization is governed by an adapted form of the constitution of the Ohio Woman Suffrage Association and "Roberts' Rules of Order' is accepted as parliamentary authority.

Officers 1915-16: Mrs. Katharine Dooris Sharp, president; Mrs. Lucy Beach, first vice-president; Mrs. Josephine Locke, second vice-president; Dr. Effie B. Koontz, third vice-president; Mrs. Mary Shields, fourth vice-president; Mrs. Ina Tenney Foster, secretary, and Mrs. Orpha Morris, treasurer; assistant treasurers, Miss Sallie Dooris, Miss Florence Ronemus; custodian, Mrs. Orpha Morris; assistant custodian, Mr. E. E. Harvey; auditors, Mrs. Rilla Hornbeck, Miss. Margaret Dooris; committee on flowers, Mrs. Minerva Caylor, Mrs. Hornbeck, Mrs. Joanna Nedds, Miss Anna Ebner; committee on literature. Mrs. Sharp, Mrs. Forest Bidwell, Miss Emma Richmond, Mrs. Kate F. Wilson; board of directors, Mrs. Josephine Locke, Mrs. Minerva Caylor, Mrs. Grace Warner, Mrs. Phoebe Simpson, Mrs. Emelyn Richmond, Miss Sallie Dooris. The officers and directors constitute the executive committee. Regular meetings are held the first Friday of the month, beginning with October and ending with April, unless otherwise voted.

During the current year each member will contribute a free-will offering, to be not less than twenty-five cents, which is the sum payable to the state association, and which may be any larger sum convenient to the donor. That which is given to a good cause is twice blessed, "and look, whatsoever he [or she] doeth, it shall prosper."

One hundred and sixty names have been recorded on the register of this club since its organization. Some of these have passed on to their reward. Among these none have been more missed from the work than Mrs. Esta Coover Harvey, who died December 5, 1912, and her sister, Miss Bertha Coover, who died on February 5, 1915. Among other bequests made by Miss Coover is the sum of one thousand dollars to the state suffrage work, and of one hundred dollars to the Woman's Elective Franchise Association. It is sometimes said by persons of no great depth of thought that only single women want the ballot, but the fact is, that wives and mothers are so faithful to their home duties that they delegate the work to those who have more freedom from those eares. Miss Coover was well fitted for the role she undertook so cheerfully, and which became her life work. This club is honored in having been the means of bringing to fruition qualities of heart and mind which singled Miss Coover from the ordinary multitude. Such will be the effect of increased political duty in the ranks of womankind. The special qualities-characteristic of the sox will enrich the 'world through future generations. To hinder the cause of suffrage - and therefore, justice - is thus to deprive the world of a wealth of gain.

Review Of Local Conditions

This organization has been fortunate in the women connected with it. As a rule they are good housekeepers, devoted mothers or daughters and fine business managers. They are not office-seekers, as some think an inseparable feature of equal suffrage. In fact, they are too little interested in holding office and it has always been difficult to find candidates for the school board. Mrs. Lucy Beach is ove of the largest landowners and tax-payers in the county and also one of its most suc essful practical farmers. 'Too high praise cannot be given to this lady for her generous benevolence to this and every other good cause. Her financial backing and 'cheerful encouragement have been material aids in the furtherance of the suffrage work. Shortly: after the organization of the Woman's Elective Franchise Association, Mrs. Sharp became a member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and introduced the department of franchise into the county organization of that body at London, Mt. Sterling, Plain City and West Jefferson. This fine organization of women accepted the new branch of work gladly and have used it with success.

It will be found, upon study of election returns, that all parts of Madison county are for suffrage except West Jefferson and London. While the best citizens of these localities are in favor of equal suffrage, there are elements of the baser sort in favor of the liquor interest and enough others whose votes may be bought "to swing any election," to use the words of the political student. The method used in Adams county should be brought to bear upon this class of voters. It is the only one which will ever reach them. Against the manufacture and sale of liquor the moral sense of the people - the voters - should prevent them from becoming the tools of the 'interests' in the cities, where brewers use every scheme to influence the vote in the rural districts, not excepting the church.

During the twenty-one years existence of the Woman's Hlective Franchise Association, a great growth of favorable sentiment has taken place in Madison county as well as the world at large. It is rare to find one entirely ignorant on the subject, and this club has endeavored to spread knowledge by distribution of literature and by bringing speakers on the subject of woman's suffrage into the towns.

"The History of Woman Suffrage," in four large volumes, has been presented to the public library, also a framed portrait of Susan B. Anthony, one of the great leaders in the cause. A copy of "Everywoman,'" the state official publication, and of The Woman's Journal, Boston, the leading suffrage paper of the world, will be found at the library, presented by this club, as well as other literature. Where objection to women voting exists it will be found owing to a lack of information on the subject of the great good accomplished by women in those states where they have the ballot. Of course there is a small class who have given ground for the saying: "Convince a fool against his will and he'll be of the same opinion still."

Owing to ill-health, Mrs. Sharp was compelled to give up membership in other clubs, but recognizing that women can accomplish little without the same tool used by men, the vote, she has devoted her chief interest to the acquisition of this benefit for her sex. Having a love of nature, she has spent a portion of her time in making a classified collection of the flora of the county, including the grasses, sedges, and certain of the fungi. Her latest book, "Summer in a Bog." relates to her botanical work and is highly spoken of by the reviewers. Some of her other books are "Eleanor's Courtship and the Songs That Sang Themselves," "The South Ward," "The Doctor's Speaking-Tube" and "Sonnets for Women." She has written much anonymously and short articles on the suffrage question appear frequently from her pen. A brochure, "Woman Suffrage and Anti-Suffrage." was circulated widely in 1912.

Although great growth in equal suffrage sentiment has taken place in London, there is room for much more. A cordial spirit of welcome should greet the women who have the courage to come forward as candidates for the school board. There is room for the special service of a woman's intelligence in matters concerning education. Hitherto, book-learning has often turned into the world a helpless, inefficient class of graduates who despise domestic industries, ignorant of home-making and the hygienic production of food.

Practical training in culinary and domestic matters, also a measure of manual training with those implements most commonly used in ordinary life, as well as training in agriculture, with practical experience in the school garden, should all have place in the education of the young. And since the rest of the world have found women to be valuable on the school board, why should London lag behind?

Twentieth Century Club

The Twentieth Century Club was organized in 1898 and was federated in 1900. It was composed principally of a»few ladies who were real home women; women of families and regular homekeepers, women who had been debarred from literary work. This club weekly expected to review books and this they did for about two years. In the meantime a name was to be given it; several were proposed and 'Twentieth Century" was selected. The following officers were then elected: President, Mrs. Kate Hanson; first vice-president, Mrs. M. C. Lohr; second vice-president, Mrs. Clara Pierce; secretary, Mrs. Cora Henderson; corresponding secretary, Mrs. F. N. Gardner; treasurer, Miss Mayme Jones. The charter members are, Mrs. Kate Strain, Mrs. Kate Hanson, Mrs. Mary Florence, Mrs. S. L. Turner, Mrs. Riley Watson, Mrs. Clara Pierce, Miss Josie Lohr, Mrs. J. Lohr, Mrs. Mary Dungan, Mrs. Isa Dungan and Mrs. F. N. Gardner. In the past seventeen years of our existence its membership has been extended throughout town and county, although some have resigned; some have moved to other localities and some have been called to the Great Beyond, namely, Mrs. Mary Florence, Miss Kate Byers, Mrs. Carrie Arbuckle and Miss Mayme Jones. ;

There are at present twenty-seven active members of the Twentieth Century Club and the drift of the studies has been literary, historical and miscellaneous subjects; during the past year studying Shakespeare's "'As You Like It," taking up the different studies each year with progressive enthusiasm; at the same time never forgetting that "the time is never lost that is devoted to work;" also enjoying a time set apart for feast days. The officers of the club at the present time are as follows: President, Mrs. Thorressa Moore; first vice-president, Mrs. Anna Bryan; second vice-president,: Mrs. Belle Linson; recording secretary, Maud Berry Bonner; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Elizabeth Placier; treasurer, Miss Emily Blue.

A woman cannot do the things she ought; which means, whatever perfect thing she can - in life, in art, in science; but she fears to let the perfect action take her part and rest there: she must prove what she can do before she does it.

The Madison County Health and Welfare League is an incorporated body having for its object the bringing about of better health for the citizens of London, by holding up before her people the more sanitary ways of living, the better housing of her people, the caring for the sick, and the social and moral uplift of ber inhabitants. It is a new organization, far-reaching in its ideals.

Miss Anna Johnson, a district tuberculosis nurse, was the first.one to advocate the forming of a health league. She asked for the co-operation of the federation of clubs, but the president, Mrs. Clinton Morse, wisely and judiciously decided that it should be an organization composed of both men and women, and referred the matter to the health department of London. Dr. H. J. Sharp, health officer at that time, called several mass meetings which were addressed by Miss McNamara, a district nurse of Columbus; Miss Johnson, the promoter of the idea, and Mrs. Annie E. Rumer, a social worker of Chillicothe. The permanent organization was perfected in January, 1915, and is officered as follow: President, Dr. H. J. Sharp; first vice-president, Mrs. A. J. Strain; second vice-president, Mrs. M. E. Dwyer; secretary, Dr. E. F. Rosnagle; treasurer, Mrs. Harry Barker; board of directors, Mrs. Clinton Morse, Mrs. Lee H. Williams, Mrs. Gideon Clark, Mrs. A. J. Strain, Mrs. Charles Cheseldine, Dr. Effie B. Koontz, Dr. H. J. Sharp, Judge Frank Murray, Mr. E. S. Gordon, Dr. J. F. Kirkpatrick and Dr. E. F. Rosnagle. ,

The county commissioners at a recent meeting gave the league the privilege of using the property left the county for a hospital or an old ladies' home by the late Miss Bertha Coover, and an emergency: hospital and welfare house will be established on said property as soon as the league can make the necessary arrangement for proper buildings and the maintenance of same. A "better babies' contest was held at the county fair grounds, on Thursday, August 26, 1915, the third day of the county fair. Eightyeight babies between the ages of six months and five years were entered. The sweepstake prizes went to June Rea Chenoweth, the two-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Austin Chenoweth. and to Thurman Russell Snyder, the two-and-one-half-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Snyder, the averages being ninety-eight and ninety-eight and one-half, respectively. Dr. Effie B. Koontz, superintendent in charge of the "better babies" contest, merits much praise for the very efficient manner in which she managed this contest. She and her co-workers, Mrs. Lee H. Williams, chairman of the scoring committee. and Mrs. Gideon Clark. chairman of program, were indefatigable in their work, and were largely instrumental in making the contest a successful feature of the fair. Miss Mabel Smith, an experienced nurse and social worker, has been in London for four months, averaging some seventy calls monthly.

The work of the Health and Welfare League promises big results for the future, and it no doubt will. in vears to come prove a blessing and a benefaction to the citizens of London and Madison county. _

This organization was perfected on April 7, 1913, on which date the three literary clubs of London, realizing that better work might be accomplished, and more activities taken care of, by co-operation, decided to join forces. The East High Street Club, the oldest literary organization in London, took the initiative and invited the Woman's Club and the Twentieth Century Club to meet with them in a mass meeting at the court Mrs. A. P. Morris and Mrs. Frank Cussins, members of the Altrurian Club, of

Columbus, were present on this occasion, and both spoke of the splendid work being accomplished by the federation of Columbus. It seemed quite fitting that Mrs. Clinton Morse should be chosen the first president of the London federation, as she had long been imbued with the club spirit, and was the one to bring the federation idea to London, having worked under the first general federation president, Mrs. Charlotte Emerson Brown, of New Jersey. Mrs. Morse was also the founder of one of the oldest clubs in New Jersey, the El Mora Literary Club, of Elizabeth, which club was organized in 1886. She wus one of the organizers of the Woman's Club and a charter member of the Fortnightly Civic Club. The other officers were: Recording secretary, Mrs. Charles Gain; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Ralph Coons; treasurer, Mrs. Peyton Emery ; auditor, Mrs. Sherman Simpson; vice-presidents, Mrs. Frank Noland, of the East High Street Club; Mrs. John Parker, of the Woman's Club, and Mrs. B. F. Linson of the Twentieth Century Club.

Since its organization a number of social clubs and two church societies have joined the London Federation of Woman's Clubs, so that eight organizations, numbering more than two hundred women, are now banded together for social and welfare work, civic improvement and club fellowship.

The London federation, in its short existence, has proved a power for good in the community. The first great achievement of which the members feel justly proud, was the beautifying of the grounds around the high school. Under the efficient chairmanship of Mrs. Lee Williams, the entire federation, with Mrs. Sallie Robison at the head of committee on ways and means, worked as a unit, until the last payment of the one thousand and thirty-five dollars, the contract price, was paid. A community Christmas tree was arranged in 1913 for the benefit of all the children in London; another splendid one in 1914 and a Christmas dinner, consisting of all the delicacies that constitute a real Yuletide feast, were given under the auspices of this organization, with Mrs. Clinton Morse and Mrs. John R. Tanner, chairmen, thereby proving that the members are interested in the social and moral uplift of the community.

The crowning activities of the past year have been the work accomplished by the educational and civic committees. The former, with funds solicited by the committee, has sent four girls to normal school, thereby preparing them: for positions as teachers in the schools throughout: the state. The committee which brought this worthy project to fruition was composed of Mrs. Neva Chenoweth. Mrs. A. J. Strain, Mrs. Horace Jones, Mrs. Minnie Cheseldine, Mrs. Scott Chenoweth and Mrs. Frank Warner. The civic committee, under the chairmanship of Mrs. John Parker, has done a wonderful work in the beautifying of London, and in interesting the school children in gardening and flower raising. Prizes were awarded to forty children for the best display of flowers and vegetables and much interest was manifested. A recent home talent entertainment, "Fi Fi," given under the leadership of Mrs. Gideon Clark, chairman of the ways and means committee, was staged for the purpose of helping a new and worthy organization in our midst and the entire proceeds were given to the Madison County Health and Welfare League.

It became necessary 2 few months ago to make the federation an incorporated body. in order that it might be a beneficiary under the will of the late Miss Bertha Coover, that grand, noble. self-sacrificing woman having bequeathed to the federation the sum of seven thousand dollars for the purchase or erection of a club house. <A board of trustees was elected as follows: Mrs. Peyton Emery, Miss Sallie Dooris, Mrs. J. R. Atchison, Mrs. William Chandler, Mrs. Clinton Morse, Mrs. A. J. Strain, Mrs. Robert Moore, Mrs. Charles E. Gain, Mrs. Frank Noland, Mrs. Martel Bryan and Mrs. Ogan Stroufe. The officers of the club at the present time are as follow: President, Mrs.

The beautiful Dixon home on North Main street was purchased by the federation, in the early summer of 1915, and henceforth will be the club home, not only of this organization, but of the societies and clubs of which the federation is formed, as well as two or three not included in its membership.

The London Federation of Women's Clubs is a powe. for good in this community, and while so much has been accomplished in the short two years of its existence, greater, nobler, grander achievements are being hoped for by the members in the years that are to follow.

Mabried Ladies Thimble Club

The-members of the Married Ladies Thimble Club take pride in the fact that theirs is the oldest sewing club in London. The first meeting was held at the home of Mrs. Ormond Bryan and the club was properly organized about January, 1899. Some time later Mrs. J. F. Ganschow suggested the use of printed calendars, which since have been issued each year.

The club has grown in membership from twelve to thirty. 'The members moet. once in two weeks, spending the time in attending to business, sewing, and elaborate refreshments are served. é

The following served as officers during 1913-1914: President, Mrs. Ella Shough; first vice- -president, Mrs. Allie Chenoweth; second vice-president, Mrs. Addie Rowlen; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Olga Spitler; recording secretary, Mrs. Minnie Cheseldine; treasurer, Mrs. Estella Dodds; assistant secretary, Mrs. Grace Bryan.