McHenry County, Illinois - Chapter 21: Woman's Clubs, 1922

Chapter 21: Woman's Clubs

Until recent years the women of the country had little opportunity to give expression to their individuality outside their home and church circles. Any public appearance of a woman, unless she were an actress or singer, was discouraged, and the present desirable freedom of the sex with relation to their mental development, has been brought about through the untiring zeal and hard work of the pioneers in the movement. Today, small is the community that does not have one or more clubs of earnest, sincere women, whose efforts are concentrated upon not only expanding their own horizons, but the education of others to bring them to a similar condition ; the betterment of civic conditions ; and the inauguration of much needed reforms of all kinds. The original prejudice harbored by the narrow-minded against these clubs, has passed, being wiped out by the record made by these organizations, and the time is not far distant when every woman of any intelligence will realize that it is her duty to herself, her family and her community, to avail herself of the privilege of club membership.

Algonquin Woman'S Club

The Algonquin Woman's Club was organized in June, 1915, with forty members, Mrs. Whittemore of Marengo aiding in the organization. Mrs. B. C. Getzelman, who was also very active in securing these forty charter members and organizing them into a club, was elected the club's first president. During the first year the club affiliated with the county, district and state organizations. There is a present membership of fifty.

Prom October, 1915, to April, 1916, the Algonquin Woman's Club was instrumental in securing a park for the town. The members of the club prepared a petition asking the town hoard to pureha.se a park site. An entertainment course given by the International Entertainment Bureau was sponsored by the club. The McHenry County Federation meeting was held at the Congregational Church, Algonquin, May 6, 1916.

During the summer of 1916 the elub had the mineral spring at the park cemented, and also had a cement bench made at the park. In the fall of 1917, the club gave a children's course of special moving pictures.

During the period of the World War, the Algonquin Woman's Club was active in the Thrift Stamp campaigns, the Liberty Loan drives. Red Cross work and the sale of Red Cross Seals.

Work done by the Home Improvement Club was under the supervision of the Woman's Club. On February 11, 1918, the Woman's Club gave a cafeteria supper. It sent several boxes of old clothing, toj s, canned fruit and apples to the Home for Destitute Children, to Erie Chapel Institute, Samaritan House Settlement and the Daily News Sanitarium. The elub also sent contributions to the Illinois Cottage at Park Ridge, the Library Extension Fund, Country War Fund, Benefit Fund for Soldiers and Sailors stationed in Illinois, and to the district work of the state federation.

The first Woman's Club at Crystal Lake was organized May 26, 1914, although previous to that date the women of the town had banded themselves together, choosing Mrs. C. L. Teckler as president of the organization which was known as the Woman's Voting Club. Their chief aim at that time was to become familiar with the voting system, to post themselves on parliamentary law, and matters pertaining to town, county and state work.

voted correctly. This paved the way for the spring election at which time women were to vote on the question of local option. The votes polled by the women placed Crystal Lake in the dry section of the map. After this victory was gained, it was suggested, by the president of the voting club, that, the organization merge into a Woman's Club for improvement, and broaden their lines of work, which met with the approval of all, and a committee was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws.

Sixty-eight charter members were enrolled, and the following officers were elected : Mrs. Bertha Dolle, president ; Mrs. Ella Freeman, vice president; Mrs. Mae Dike, recording secretary; Miss Edythe Leach, corresponding secretary; and Mrs. Carrie Teckler, treasurer. During 1914 and 1915 meetings were held every second and fourth Tuesday in the month, the usual summer vacations being omitted. Great interest continued to be manifested, and at the end of the year 1915, the club had an enrollment of ninety-four members.

The lines of work taken up by the club have been various, and as many similar organizations, the members have worked for the improvement of their town, taking up the cleaning of the streets and alleys, disposing of rubbish and garbage, placing of flowers and shrubs in the park and on high school grounds, making annual donations to the public library, establishing a charity fund, looking after those in need, visiting the Chicago Tribune Camp at Algonquin and donating to same, sending barrels of clothing and groceries to the Children's Home at Woodstock, contributing $20 to the Girls' Home at Park Ridge, observing National Baby Week, giving showers to the Domestic Science room at the high school, and sending delegates to the county, district and state conventions.

During 1917 and 1918 the club members gave a large portion of their time to the Red Cross and Council of Defense work, beside selling Liberty Bonds and War Savings Stamps. During the past five years the club has been giving fine entertainments, engaging many speakers and artists of rare ability. Believing that education and thrift go hand in hand and that in community work there is strength, the club has been working to establish a community center at the high school.

The graduating class of 1919 of the high school has given the school a Motiograph De Luxe, which has been installed in the gymnasium by Superintendent H. A. Dean, of the Crystal Lake schools, and a coworker with the Woman's Improvement Club, helping to build a solid

The club is looking forward to many community gatherings for the purpose of enjoying the educational and government films which are already being shown.

Dr. .Mary King has been engaged by the club to examine the teeth of the grade pupils, and send a chart of same to the parents for inspection. This movement in connection with the health crusade that is awakening so much interest among pupils and parents, will be another step forward in teaching the children to care for their bodies and preserve their health.

The Woman's Improvement Club is always ready to take up new lines of work that will be beneficial or improve the town and build rip the country, so that we may all be called true American citizens.

Harvard Civic Association

The Harvard Civic Association was organized April i, 1906, with the following officers: Mrs. J. W. Groesbeck, president; Mrs. C. W. Goddard, secretary ; and Mrs. H. B. Minier, treasurer. Several vice presidents were appointed, and later an advisory board drew into line many energetic workers from all sections of the city.

The aim of the organization was to do its utmost along all lines beneficial to the city; to co-operate with the mayor and city council, and the then recently formed Business Men's Association, and to assist in every possible wa\- to promote the welfare of Harvard.

The first objective of the club was "the city beautiful ;" special cleanliness of the home and home surroundings was advocated ; the antispitting ordinance was to be enforced; a general paintup, cleanup and keep clean policy was to be undertaken, and always Harvard was to be "boosted."

Every woman resident above the age of sixteen was personally invited to join the club and take an active interest in its efforts. No membership fee was imposed. Funds were secured as needs arose by various methods, such as tag days, card games, food sales, which latter proved wonderfully successful, considerable sums being secured by the sales of homemade bread, pies, doughnuts, cakes and other homemade bakery

For our first cleanup day we planned a grand roundup of workers with rakes and hoes and other necessaiy tools, who were to start promptly at nine A. M., when all bells would ring and whistles blow. And such a scurrying and cleaning of corners was never before seen and such a merry army of men and women, boys and girls, responded as made a clean Harvard a surety. Papers and tin cans and all rubbish in the streets were raked into convenient piles and later teams were sent to gather up and cart awajr the refuse. The alleys presented a problem by themselves, and as we had no laws to enforce clean alleys, we hired a man with a team to go certain daj-s through the alleys back of the stores and cart away all collections ready. The result was immediate improvement in the looks of the alleys, and the cleaning out of spaces that had been for years untouched, besides the hauling away of immense wagon loads every week. Later this work led to the city garbage collection system which has been very successfully carried on under the supervision of the city health officer for several years, and incidentally, has removed to a remarkable extent that deadly pest, the house fly, thus proving a wonderful gain in sanitation.

As early as 1908 we originated a plan for districting our city, and appointed chairmen of streets, each chairman to appoint assistants, who would have not to exceed two blocks or squares under her supervision. In this simple way, every house could be quickly reached with the least effort of time or labor. The plan commended itself in many ways. It fostered neighborhood pride and spurred to individual effort and brought about splendid results.

At the early meetings considerable study and discussion were carried on relative to the ornamental planting of gardens and home grounds, and resulted in 'an enthusiastic planting of flowers, shrubs and vines, that changed the city as if by magic. Special care was urged in the cutting of parkings or spaces outside the sidewalks, with the result that a wonderful improvement was soon seen, the grass being cut way to the wheel tracks in the center of the streets, which were then unpaved, producing a park effect which was extremely effective even in the humblest neighborhoods, no unsightly fringe of tall grasses and unsightly weeds being left to mar the beauty of the smooth, green lawn. The last plan of street cutting was quickly acted upon by the up-to-date farmers in Ihe vicinity, and their homes have attracted universal attention and praise, being singled out as models of the progressive farm home.

Much credit is due in the officers and members of the advisory boards in which lists, in addition to those already mentioned, will be found the following dependable members: .Mrs. John King, Mrs. A. J. McCarthy. .Mrs. W. II. Cobb, Mrs. K. B. Titcomb, Mrs. W. 1). Hall, .Mrs. .lames Shehan, Mrs. M. P. Walsh, Mrs. -J. B. Lyon, Mrs. Lucy Young, .Mrs. Mart Stafford, Mrs. W. C. Wellington, .Airs. Fannie Webster, Mrs. 0. L. Putnam, .Mrs. John Boodle, .Mrs. I,. A. Gardner, .Mrs. F. C. Peters, -Mrs. II. L. Ferris, Mrs. Rev. Giesel, Mi's. Carrie North, Mrs. Aubrey (dc.k. Mrs. Asad Udell, -Mrs. .1. M. Harris, .Mrs. Harry Beardsley, .Mrs. Harriet Eastman, Mrs. M. J. Emerson, .Mrs. H. (J. Jones, Mrs. Gilbert Wagar, .Mrs. J. II. Yiekers, Mrs. E. Carpenter, Mrs. Frank Bordwell, Mrs. Alex. Diggins, Mrs. Robert Minshull, Mrs. M. M. Towue, Mrs. Robert Nihan, Mrs. C. J. Hendricks. Mrs. Bert Ford, Mrs. Frank Phelps, Mrs. Albert Whaples, Mrs. James Lake, Mrs. A. C. Manley, Mrs. F. H. Dobson, ilrs. George Martin, Mrs. Helen Johnson, Mrs. George Walker, Mrs. Ora Stewart, .Mrs. Richard Engle, .Mrs. Robert Hall, Mrs. William Doyle, .Mrs. A. C. Strain, Airs. J. Keeler, Mrs. Eugene Ferris, Mrs. Howard Ferris, Mrs. Anna Fountain, Miss Florence Crumb, Miss Carrie Wyant, Miss Minnie Breitenfeldt, Miss Alda Wilbur, Miss Ella Miller, Miss Nell Richardson and Miss Fannie Powers. Every enterprise entered upon for the good of the city has been splendidly upheld and all possible assistance has been given. Cemetery sidewalk building, as well as other cement sidewalk construction demanded by city standards, received full support, as well as the oiling of streets and the planting of vines and shrubs on school grounds and in numbers of vacant spaces.

Community clubrooms have been continued through the support and efforts of the Civic Club. In fact every movement for the city's benefit or improvement has been actively sustained and furthered by this association and through all these years the interest and work has grown until Harvard stands today, largely through the work of this club, in the front ranks of attractively planted and beautifully cared for small towns of northern Illinois, if not of the entire state.

"I have heard the history of the Harvard Civic Association read, and find it pleasing in every way save one. The writer has given herself no credit for all the good work she has done for our organization, and I feel that it is unjust.

"I was president for three years through the hard work of establishing a permanent association, and know that it was her persistent efforts that brought success to us, for although .she had good help, she was, and is, the backbone of the Harvard Civic Association.

Harvard Fortnightly Club

The Up-To-Date kept posted on the Spanish- American War; also general current events. The Honor represented Hope, Faith, Charity and Progression.

The new organization was named the Harvard Fortnightly Club by unanimous vote, forty members being the maximum, though the membership has since been increased to fifty.

Mrs. J. W. Groesbeck was chosen president and held the office from October, 1898, to October, 1904. Mrs. Harriet Eastman, Mrs. Fannie Wellington, Mrs. A. C. Manley, Mrs. H. W. Blodgett and Mrs. J. H. Deaner have each served three years. The present president is Mrs. Daisy Goodsell.

For several years the work was for higher social and moral conditions but as interest increased local educational work was taken up and the public library, the schools and the Red Cross received benefits from the organization. For a number of years a lecture course has been sponsored and food sales and the movies have played their part toward charitable earnings. A Chautauqua, beginning August 1, was added to the list of 1919 work.

All moneys gained by club effort are used to help the needy or for local improvement, so in April, 1919, fifty trees were set out along the cemetery road in honor of our Harvard soldier boys. A Parent-Teacher Association was formulated in January, 1919, with a membership of

Since organization seven members have died, eight moved from Harvard and eleven resigned, lint the waiting lisi was large enough to fill these vacancies without delay.

Harvard Woman'S Club

The Harvard Woman's Club was the outgrowth of an idea. Many years ago a number of Harvard ladies were invited for a social afternoon when a fine lecture or a good story was read by the hostess or one of the guests. The time was so happily and profitably spent, the plan of entertainment met with enthusiastic appreciation and other ladies followed with like entertainment. It is from the influence of these afternoons that our club undoubtedly received its origin, being organized October 19, 1891. Mrs. W. ( '. Wellington and Mrs. R. W. Hall, having it in mind for some time, had carefully worked out a plan for a club beginning. That the selection of members was most satisfactory, although in several instances those brought together were mere acquaintances, the years have proved by uniting all into a wonderfully intimate friendship which has greatly enriched and blessed our lives.

The following is the list of charter members: Mrs. Fannie Kinnie Wellington, Mrs. Anna Bagley Hall, Mrs. Harriet Nims Binnie, Mrs. Julia Aver Minier, Mrs. Harriet Watson, Mrs. Lucelia Hunt, Mrs. Harriet .Miles Eastman, Mrs. Mary Crumb, Mrs. Clara Curts, and Mrs. Caroline I '.lake Goddard.

The rules and by-laws first formulated have practically remained unchanged. The club is not a study club, but a reading and social club. The season opens in October. Meetings are held every Monday afternoon, reading from 2 :30 to 4 :30, followed by refreshments at five o'clock, closing with post prandial.

Reading entertainment and post prandial are furnished by members in turn, the reader selecting any subject or matter she chooses. Each member invites one guest so that each week a company of twenty enjoys the reading and very informal discussions in which both guests and members are urged to participate, in addition to the dinner and the delightful post prandial which latter has always seemed especially helpful and inspiring.

No change in membership has occurred in the past twenty-three years until our loss, by death, of our youngest member, Mrs. Crumb. Several removals from Harvard and one withdrawal, added the names of Mrs. Mary Bagley Nims, who also moved away after one year, Mrs. Harriet Aver Towne, Mrs. Lucy Gardner Young, Mrs. Mary Young Williams, and Mrs. Leretha Austin Axtell.

The officers being elected annually by ballot, it has necessarily somewhat of a rotation from vice president to president, most of the members serving many seasons. The office of secretary and treasurer, however, has not been so changeable, the present incumbent, Mrs. Goddard, having held the office since the close of the first year.

The club has secured for Harvard several noted lecturers including Prof. David Swing, Newel Dwight Hillis, Rev. Frank Gunsaulus, and Jenkin Lloyd Jones. Also one season a lecture course of several numbers was held, the proceeds of $95.00 being given to the library. The club has held many delightful receptions for out-of-town guests, some for teachers of our public schools, one colonial reception when the members were dressed to represent historic dames, and a large number for the husbands of the members at which other guests were included. Several receptions were also held in celebration of important club events, such as the one hundredth meeting when one hundred guests were served with special refreshments, a program, toasts and a general good time. The 400th meeting was celebrated as a New Year's-day book reception at the public library. This added 400 books to our new library collection.

To the Harvard Woman's Club the library is deeply indebted in that through its efforts, under the leadership of the library committee of the club, Mrs. Hall, watchful supervision has been maintained and invaluable assistance given. It is also largely due to this club that the constant stream of new books, accessary to carry on, has been supplied. One of the club's "library memorials" was our "Pay Shelf Fund" started in the fall of 1913 by our gift of $10.00, this to launch a perpetual fund for the purchase of the latest fiction, which should be on a special shelf, and all books drawn from it were to be paid for by a small charge per week, all money so received to be re-invested in more "new books."

Our 500th celebration, November 2, 1915, consisted in a trip to the library in a body, where our president, .Mrs. Hunt, presented our anniversary gift of an additional $20.00 to the pay shelf. During 1918 this fund has accumulated $150.00 for the purchase of new live literature for circulation, and as the years follow must roll up larger and larger sums annually. Another club gift to the library was a good, serviceable clock. Through the efforts of our club, a library tax has for some time yearly been secured, in 1918 amounting to $1,000.00. Besides Mrs. Towne's gifts of hundreds of books either purchased expressly for the library, or taken from her private library, she presented to the library her very valuable and exquisite collection of butterflies, mounted in plaster or cotton placques, together with the cabinet in which they are housed. This gift is of great beauty and will ever be a source of delight and education.

A fine picture of President Lincoln was given to our high school. To the activities of the Woman's Club, the Harvard Red Cross directly owes its origin. An initial membership of about fifty was secured by them after reading and discussion of the Red Cross and its work at a regular meeting of the Woman's Club, when our secretary volunteered to receive the names and dues to be forwarded to Washington. Later through the club's agitation and insistence, a leader was secured, IMiss Florence Crumb, and her splendid perseverance resulted in the establishment of the Harvard branch of the Red Cross. Every member of the Woman's Club has been an active worker in the Red Cross either as head of some department, or a contributor of funds, or knitting. For twTo years the club has supported a French Orphan.

The Woman's Club has been an active force in assisting every movement for the benefit of Harvard and the uplift of her citizens. Over 8,00<l persons have been dined and entertained by it, the largest number recorded in one year being 650. Approximately 1,500 of the choicest magazine stories and articles by the most brilliant writers of all ages have been read and freely discussed, all of which must have broadened and deepened the community thoughts and lives as surely as they have broadened and deepened ours.

A company of women met on the afternoon of August 11, 1911, and were addressed by Mrs. Minnie Starr Granger, then state president of the Federated Clubs of Illinois. The subject considered was the organization of a Woman's Club in Huntley. After the address discussion resulted in a vote by those present to form a club and become federated with the state at once.

Mrs. Belle Hoy was elected president, and committees were appointed to draft a constitution and prepare the work for the coming year. The name of the organization was to be The Huntley Woman's Club and the object, intellectual advancement, interchange of ideas and the promotion of the best interests of our community. The charter members were as follows : Mrs. Meda L. Smith, Mrs. Sarah Hadley, Mrs. Jennie L. Mason, Miss Catherine Donahue, Mrs. Myrtle S. Cook, Mrs. Claribel Hoy, Mrs. Beatrice Hoy, Miss Etta Sheehan, Mrs. Minnie C. Devine, Miss Georgiana Hadley, Mrs. R. Donahue, Mrs. Neva Hawley Van Ness, Mrs. Bessie Cook Butler, Miss Elizabeth Keating, Mrs. Harriet Crowley, Mrs. Rose Safford, Mrs. Abigail Richardson, Mrs. Ella Hart, Mrs. Theodore Fredericks, Mrs. Minnie Keating, Mrs. Anna Hadley, Mrs. Hester Disbrow, Mrs. Catherine Ober, Mrs. J. A. Sinnett, Miss Helen Grace Randall, Miss Lida Eleanor Randall, Mrs. Mae Statler, Miss Edith Hooker, Miss Gertrude Mason, Miss Alma Pabst, Mrs. Mabel Cruikshank, Mrs. Rene Marks, Mrs. Arietta Yarwood, Mrs Lora Harvey.

The first year the club had but two departments, a study class which met in the afternoon, and evening meetings once a month. The next year four departments were created, as follows: home and education, history and travel, civics, and literature and music.

The presidents of the clubs have been as follows: Mrs. Belle Hoy. Mrs. Beatrice Hoy, Miss Gertrude Mason, Miss Lida Randall, Mrs. Arietta Yarwood, Mrs. Neva Hawley Van Ness, Mrs. Mary Bartholomew, Mrs. Arietta Yarwood, Mrs. 0. W. Mason, Mrs. J. W. Burns, and Mrs. F. R. Liddil.

The charter members of the club of Huntley should feel proud of the record of their work. There have been mistakes without doubt, but it has always been the purpose of the club to keep their object in view, even if at times it might seem far off. It has been the purpose of the club to bring all the good things into the community within its power and as we look back we can feel that the efforts have not been fruitless. There is a present membership of forty-five.

In February, 1915, a public library was started by the members of the club, and bas been in active operation ever since When our country became involved in the Greal War, the club set aside its routine work as all other loyal clubs did, ami gave preference to the Council of Defense ami Red Cross. Our active dub members took up this broader work as capably and intelligently as they bad previously done the regular club work. I bus proving the value of their training, and their loyalty In I heir count r\ .

The Lotus Country Woman's Club of Spring Grove was organized December 9, 1911, at the home of Mrs. Fred H. Hatch. Nine women met to discuss the possibilities of a study club. Those present were as follows ; Mrs. Fred L. Hatch, .Mrs. F. W. Hatch, Mrs. B. A. Steven, Mrs. T. D. Cole, Mrs. G. E. Wieland, Mrs. J. P. Vidward, Miss Julia Vidward, .Mrs. Robert Currier, and Mrs. G. B. Hardy. It was decided to form a club and the following officers were elected: Mrs. Fred L. Hatch, president ; .Mrs. B. A. Stevens, vice president ; Mrs. F. W. Hatch, corresponding secretary; Mrs. G. E. Wieland, recording secretary: and Miss Julia Vidward, treasurer. The directors were as follows: Mrs. W. E. Colby, Mrs. T. D. Cole, and Mrs. G. B. Hardy. The chairman of the constitution and by-laws committee was Mrs. G. B. Hardy. The program committee was as follows: Mrs. G. 1>. Hardy. Mrs. 0. ('. Wieland, and the chairman of social committee was T. D. Cole. It was decided the did) was to be a literary and social organization, with meetings on the first and third Saturdays in the mouth at two, p. m., at the homes of the members, refreshments to be limited to tea or coffee and wafers or cookies.

The club was named after the beautiful Lotus beds in Grass Lake. A few years later the word "Country" was added, making it the Lotus Country Woman's Club. The club affiliated with the State federation, the District federation, and the Federation for Country Life.

At the sixth meeting of the club, held at the home of Mrs. F. W. Hatch, March 2, 1912, it was suggested that as the old officers were the originators of the club, it would be proper and fair that they be reelected to their respective offices the ensuing year, thus giving an officer the privilege of holding office for two years. With a little change the following were elected: Mrs. F. L. Hatch, president; Mrs. B. A. Stevens, first vice president; Mrs. Lynn Overton, second vice president; .Mrs. G. C. Wieland, secretary and treasurer; Mrs. F. L. Hatch, corresponding secretary ; directors, Mrs. E. G. Turner and Mrs. J. ('. Furlong.

At this time the club had about twenty members, but it grew until at the present time there are forty members, not including the Music Club of fifteen girls which is an auxiliary to our club.

A farm festival and children's flower and vegetable show was held September 15 to 20, 1913. Among the speakers were Joseph E. Wing, Mrs. H. M. Dunlap and Dr. Cyril G. Hopkins.

During 1918-19, it was voted to hold the meetings in Schramn's Hall, which the club had just rented. All of the members belong to the Red Cross, and the club has given generously toward its support.

There is a library connected with this club, which was started by the donation by each member of a book to be read by the members. Now there are over 100 volumes in the library, besides the use of a traveling library from Springfield.

A French orphan was adopted through our club, by the four schools representing members in our club, Spring Grove, Creek, English Prairie, and Solon Mills schools.

It has been the aim of the club to provide entertainment for the young people of the community, and many are the good times they have had. A study course was decided upon for 1919 and 1920. .Mrs. J. C. Furlong is the present president; G. Turner, recording secretary; .Mis. R. R. Turner, corresponding secretary; Miss Mary Swenson, treasurer; Mrs. Reed Carr, auditor; directors, Mrs. F. W. Hatch and Mrs. G. J. Richardson.

Marengo Woman'S Club

Iii 1S94 eight ladies met at the home of -Miss Nellie Fillmore to form a conversation club, so unpretentious as to have no rules or regulations. The object of the club was for the members to become easy and proficient conversationalists. At each meeting on Monday afternoon, every member was obliged to relate a short and select story. It was such a success that by the end of the first year the most retiring and unassuming member gave a review of J. M. Barrie's "Little Minister" like a gifted reader.

The charter members of this club were as follows: Mrs. Helen Busted, .Mrs. Caroline Coon, Mrs. Harris G. Otis. .Mis. M. G. Haekley, .Mrs. Elizabeth Shurtleff, Miss Jean Stanford, Miss Elizabeth Sperry, and Miss Nellie Filmore. It was thought best for us to broaden out and enlarge the membership of our club to twenty-five members, who appointed Mrs. -John Parkhurst, Mrs. Caroline Coon and Mrs. Harris G. Otis, assisted by a most able lawyer, Mr. A. B. Coon, to draw up a constitution and some by-laws. Mrs. Gertrude Dorman gave instruction in parliamentary law. The object of the club was to study art and literature for mutual benefit. We reviewed the art and literature of Italy. France, England, Germany, Japan, Egypt and the United States. oftentimes spending months and even a year on one country. We met in private homes, but after the Community Hall was completed iu 1916, we again changed our plan, increasing our membership to nearly one hundred, and began meeting in the new hall. The club now meets in the hall the first and third Friday from October to May 1. There are five departments of the club: civics, philanthropy, reform, science and education, literature and art and music. The club now has a membership of ninety-eight.

Before the war, each department held meetings outside the club for study. At the regular meetings we have had outside talent, being addressed by ministers, lawyers, physicians, philanthropists and educators, and otherwise entertained by opera singers, bands, cartoonists, clay modelers and artists. Ross Crane brought a fine exhibit from the Art Institute and give us several lectures. Bonnie Snow brought a wonderful collection of art and crafts from public schools all over the United States, and gave us two or more lectures on the subject.

The club eared for the public library for fifteen years, and its demands from that day to this keep growing, and now through the aid of C. B. Whittemore, we have a two mill tax and the library now requires no further aid from the club. Mrs. C. B. Whittemore, one of our members, is president of the library board. At different times the club has given teas, luncheons, banquets and garden parties, for great social features.

Among those who have served the club as president, are the following : Mrs. Harris G. Otis, Marengo ; Mrs. Gertrude Dornian, Colorado ; Mrs. James Ingersoll, New Haven, Conn. ; Mrs. C. W. Hart, Seattle, Ore. ; Mrs. Henry Rehbock, Fort Worth, Tex. ; Mrs. Ellsworth Seward, Marengo; Mrs. Caroline Coon, Marengo; Mrs. C. L. Lundgren, Ann Harbor, Mich.; Mrs. C. B. Whittemore, Marengo; Miss Nellie Fillmore, 5918 W. Erie Street, Chicago, 111. ; Mrs. A. A. Crissey, Marengo; Miss Kate Bloodgood, Marengo; Mrs. Frank Hackley, Marengo; Mrs. Charles Talbott, Duluth, Minn.; Mrs. Jarvis Heath, Marengo; Mrs. J. M. Patterson, Marengo; Mrs. C. Dyke, Crystal Lake, and Mrs. A. W. Kelley, the present incumbent. Mrs. H. G. Otis.

An invitation was extended to the different woman's clubs of Mc- Ilenry County, by the Woman's Club of Woodstock, to meet on their regular da}-, February 6, 1906, to discuss the forming of a county federation. Other county federations were explained by Mrs. A. S. Wright of Woodstock, and after careful consideration, the president of each club retired and formulated the resolution, on which to federate.

The first officers elected were as follows : Mrs. King of Hebron, president ; Mrs. McEwan of Woodstock, vice president ; Mrs. Wellington of Harvard, recording secretary ; Miss Groesbeck of Hebron, corresponding secretary ; and Mrs. Whittemore of Marengo, treasurer.

After the business of the meeting is transacted, a literary program is given. We have heard the following speakers : Mrs. Harriet Vittum, "Civics;" Clifford Roe, "White Slave;" Miss Brooks of the Illinois University, "Home Care of the Sick;" Carl Wentz, president of the Academy of Fine Arts, ' ' Line and Color in Dress ; ' ' Minnie Starr Granger, state president, and Jessie Spafford, Illinois president, federated clubs and Christine Tomlin, "War Work."

The clubs now belonging to the federation are: Harvard Woman's Club, Harvard Fortnightly Club, Harvard civic Club. Woodstock Woman's Club, Marengo Woman's Club, Hebron Woman's Club, Rush Creek Woman's Club, Crystal Lake Woman's Club, Algonquin Woman's Club, Buntley Woman's Club, and the Se :a Domestic Science Club.

Watkins of Marengo, vice president ; .Mrs. Cameron of Hebron, recording secretary; .Mis. Seelye of Harvard, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Flora Richards of Woodstock, treasurer. Mrs. E. C. Robb.

In the fall of 1911 a group of the Richmond women organized, in order to study domestic science. The following year they voted to become a woman's club, at the same time increasing the membership of the original organization. The charter members were as follows: Mis. M. R. Cole, Mrs. J. U. Benton, Mrs. F. H. McAssey, Mrs. F. B. Mc- Connell, Mrs. E. M. Stewart, Mrs. W. C. Heek, Mrs. C. Otto, Mrs. Nellie Phillips, Mrs. Ella Lang, Misses Nellie Rehorat, Clare Ilobart, Elizabeth Ward. There are now twenty members. The following have held the office of president : Mrs. M. R. Cole, 1912-1914; Mrs. Gertrude Burgerzei. 1IU4-1916; and Mrs. F. B. McConnell, 1916-1919. Elizabeth C. Ward is now serving as president.

The Richmond woman's club has always taken an active part in promoting progressive movements along civic, educational and patriotic lines. Among other things, the club has co-operated with the University of Illinois in two public demonstrations, the first a five day domestic science school, with two instructors; the second, a wheel of lectures on household science illustrated by practical demonstrations in the state demonstration car.

The most enterprising undertaking was the exhibition of paintings by the Chicago Water Color Club and curious local collections, which lasted for five days, with entertainments each evening. The proceeds. amounting to $400.00, were expended for pictures and books for the schools.

Two civic tag days have been held at Richmond, the ultimate result being a keener interest in bird protection and shrub planting around the town ball. One winter a successful lecture course was directed by the club. During 1918-1919, the club activities have centered upon the work of the Woman's National Council of Defense.

From the first it has been the policy of the club to hold several open meetings each year, on various subjects of interest to the community.

Rush Creek Woman'S Club

On October 24, 1901, the ladies of the Rush Creek neighborhood me1 at the home of .Mrs. Horace Porter and organized the Rush Creek Aid Society to promote charity and sociability, realizing that by united effort a great deal of good could be accomplished. The first officers were as follows: Mrs. T. Graves, president; Mrs. Fred Tanner, vice president: and Mrs. Clark Porter, secretary and treasurer. The charter membership was fifty, and great enthusiasm was aroused.

Many changes have taken place since the organization of that first society. Eight of the charter members have passed on, and only six now remain active in the club work.

The day of October 26, 1911, marked the beginning of a new epoch for the Rush Creek ladies, when the Rush Creek Aid Society was reorganized into a full-fledged Woman's Club, under the guidance of Mrs. Charles Talbot of Marengo, as the Rush Creek Woman's Club, and federated with the state, district and county Woman's clubs, in November, 1911.

The following are among those who have served as presidents of the club : Mrs. Ira Puis, Mrs. C. A. Porter, Mrs. F. C. Curtis, Mrs. F. J. Miller, Mrs. Earl Swan and Mrs. Fred Watkins, and they have kept the various activities of the club very much alive. During 1917 and 1918, with a membership of thirty-two, the departments of the club united in doing w-ar work. The sum of $500.00 was raised and expended for urgent calls for money. The club's war orphans have been cared for. The club sent to France 599 articles of clothing for the use of refugees. Seven barrels of clothing and food were sent to Chicago. Individual members bought generously of Liberty bonds and thrift stamps, and all in every way assisted in the war work.

At the beginning of a new year and a new era of peace, the members of the club realize the many blessings God has bestowed upon them, and pledge themselves to be in the future, as in the past, worthy of the trust reposed in them.

Schumann Club

On February 12, 1906, six music Lovers of Harvard. 111., met to organize a club "to promote interest in the study of and cultivate a taste for the better class of music." These six ladies, who named their organization The Schumann Club, were Mesdames Aubrey Cook, Lawrence Norton, Robert Minshull, James Keeler and .Misses Nella Williams and Lora Waters.

The Schumann Club has grown in numbers and power until it has won for itself a distinctive place in the city*s life and has become federated with both the state and national Federations of Music Clubs. The club now has twenty active members. It meets fortnightly and the afternoon is divided into study and choral practice.

This club has given numerous musicales and has furnished music for many of the other clubs' programs. It has also brought to the community many musicians of note in lectures and concerts, among whom were the following: William L. Tomlins. .Maude Fenlon Bolman, Mabel Corlew Schmid, Day Williams, Helen Brown Read, Jessie Daggett, Helena Bingham and Alberto Salvi.

During the two years when the members have been devoting themselves to war activities of various kinds, the outside work of the club was largely the sponsoring of many community sings, which have been such a potent factor at Harvard, as elsewhere, in winning the war.

The latest activity of the club has been the collections of victrola records, nearly one hundred of which have been sent to the military hospital at Ft. Bayard, N. M.

During the years of the club's life, the following members have served in the capacity of president : Mrs. Aubrey Conk. Miss Adeline Brainard, Mrs. Howard Ferris, Mrs. F. A. Barter. .Mrs. Robert Minshull. Miss Frances Kees, Mrs. Howard Eaton and Mrs. H. B. Megran.

Sexeca Association Of Domestic Science

The Seneca Association of Domestic Science was organized in the fall of 190S. The first president was Mrs. Kate Andrews, and the first secretary was .Airs. Frances Greene. The charter members were as follows : Mrs. Kate Andrews. Mrs. R. M. Bean. .Mrs. Charles Brock, Miss Ella Bookman, Mrs. Delos Diggins. Mrs. Henry Echternach, Mrs. Frances Greene, Miss .Mabel Greene, Mrs. L. Hand. Mrs. Fred Hill. Miss Mary Purvis. Miss Aggie Purvis, Miss Grace Redpath, Mrs. Elizabeth Standish.

The club was first a social organization, and as such it always met the needs of the community. Among the customs was that of holding monthly an all day meeting at the homes of the members. A dinner, to which all contributed, was served at noon. The families of the members were entertained formally four times a year, and visitors were always welcome. Picnics, socials, suppers, etc., contributed to the neighborhood enjoyment.

The motto of the club is that of the State Household Association, "For Better Health, Better Homes and Better Schools." The work of the club is expressed in the motto, and might be classified as social, educational and charitable. The social activities are outlined above. Under the head of educational, may be mentioned the frequent public meetings, addressed by speakers and demonstrators from both the University at Urbana, and the State Institute, and also by local speakers, including doctors, lawyers, teachers and other professional people who have a message for the club members. The organization has alwaj-s encouraged all work in the schools which comes under the aims of the society. Among them may be mentioned school gardens, hot lunches for rural school children, sewing in the school, and special attention to health study. The election of at least one woman on the board of directors for country schools has been urged.

The charitable work of the club consists of contributing both money and supplies to needy persons or causes, and sewing for those in need. During the war the members have worked collectively and individually in the Red Cross and also for the Woman's Committee of National Defense. Money has been contributed to war work and two French orphans have been adopted.

The club has affiliated with the Household Science Department of the State Farmer's Institute, and also with the county and district federation of woman's clubs.

The present membership numbers eighteen. The officers are as follows : Mrs. Mary Witson, president ; Mrs. Verna Bockman, vice president ; Mrs. Helen Wright, secretary ; and Mrs. Nettie Standish, treasurer.

Woodstock Woman'S Club

Two years before the actual organization of the Woodstock Woman's Club, the idea of such a club was born in the mind of the first president,

Mrs. A. S. Wright; and it found fruition on the afternoon of the first Tuesday of October, 1905, which saw an organized club of four departments, a membership of fifty-seven and a printed calendar.

The Woodstock Woman's Club was incorporated in 191)."); joined the state federation in 190b', the McHenry County federation in 1906, and the Eleventh district federation in 1909.

During the first three years the club secured the erection of a shelter at the Woodstock depot; the adoption of manual training in the public schools, and the gift of pictures and statuary to the schools; the passage id' the anti-spitting ordinance; and began the agitation for the establishment of a hospital for Woodstock which paved the way for the building of the one now standing. In 1908, the club secured the installing of the rest room in the courthouse, which during the Great War was used for Red Cross headquarters for the county, but following the close of hostilities, was returned to the public for its original purpose. The club in 1910 issued a cook book, which in 1917. was revised, although the original name of The Woodstock Woman's Club Cook Book, was not changed. The establishment of a nursery in the Industrial Home, the adoption of domestic science in the public schools, and an addition to the public school library, are among the organization's recent activities.

The members of the Woodstock Woman's Club took upon themselves the work of assisting during the World War, in addition to the regular routine, beginning in 1914, with the Belgium Relief activities, and continuing as long as there was any need of their assistance. Among other things, the club assisted in securing the Soldier's rest room at Camp Grant; Furlough Home in France, and finding homes for the fatherless children of France.

The scope of the club work was broadened continuously. The membership average seventy-eight. The best to be obtained has been furnished in the programs, and other cultural opportunities have been afforded by the Shakespeare Study Class, organized at the very beginning, and later an Opera Study Class, and during one year. The Modern Drama Class. With the organization of the club, came a club chorus. Recreations and hospitality have not been neglected. Reaching out into unselfish service, the club is moving on to enlarge and better its already important function in the community, and its influence is such as cannot be ignored. Its proposed service will include the agitation for a new public library building and community house.