Wright County, Minnesota - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 15 of those read), 1915

Story of the Active Interest Wright County Mothers, Sisters and Daughters Have Taken in Educational, Social and Uplift Movements, Told By Mrs, Elizabeth Knight.

Wright county was not only one of the foremost sections of the state in agriculture and the various enterprises that make for prosperity, due to the intelligence, energy and perseverance of the sterner sex, but her women, in addition to sharing the hardships and privations of the new land and doing their fall share in the development of all resources, did not fail to see the need of something for mental and social recreation. Moat of them came from eastern homes, where they enjoyed the privileges that follow the march of civilization, and when the excitement and novelty of the situation wore off - when the clearing was made, the log cabin built and life in the wilderness fairly begun - when they looked into the dark woods which encircled them like a vast fortress, and in which, for all they knew, might lurk savage Indians and wild beasts, there must have been a period when a sense of loneliness and isolation almost overpowered them. But these brave pioneer women did not lose much time in vain regrets. There was no thought of going back - their bridges were practically burned. Henceforth they must create for themselves, out of such material as they possessed, their own recreations, both social and mental. Woman, no matter what her condition, is resourceful, and given health and half a chance will have the courage to meet and overcome difficulties that can not. be avoided.

As soon as a number of families were in reach of each other, these women put their heads together and laid plans for mutual improvement and social enjoyment. Schools were soon established here and there and the schoolhouse became the ''social center,'' as well as the seat of learning, the sanctuary for religious service and the hall of oratory for the political campaigner. No community was too small or too remote to establish a ''debating society'' or some sort of gathering for the exercise of the mental forces stored in the brains of these pioneers, many of whom were finely educated men.

Weighty questions of the day fearlessly discussed and decided to the satisfaction of those present. And who shall say that their decisions were not as wise, and would not have served as well had they been acted upon, as those of some of our trained statesmen, who have struggled over these same questions for half a century.

The women also took part in these meetings, reading selected articles and furnishing vocal music, in which the men took part, and were sometimes accompanied by a violin - for where was there ever a community without one man at least who had a violin and could play it? - and the children ''spoke pieces.''

As neighborhoods became villages and were still denied the daily papers, there being no railroads and the weekly paper sometimes nearly a week old before it reached them, the women in some places provided a paper, the product of their own brains, aided by selections from periodicals, any item of news or details of village affairs which would interest or amuse the citizens, and sometimes witticisms that would compare favorably with the funny page of the Sunday papers of today. A lady was chosen to arrange and read the paper at the next meeting of the gathering, which by this time was called the ''Literary Society,'' and

As time went on and towns increased in size and in nurmber and railroads were built in all directions, among other innovations women's clubs were organized and soon beeame very popular. Now there is hardly a village anywhere that has not a elub or some sort of society, organized and maintained by women.

So far as we have any record Buffalo was the first town in Wright county to organize and develop women's clubs. In Octo: ber, 1895, the Chautanqua Club was formed, and a week or two later the Historical Club, and both these organizations have continued their work up to the present time and have been very successful and greatly enjoyed by their members.

The Chautauqua Club. In the fall of 1895 several of the ladies of Buffalo desiring to form some society for literary improvement, decided to take the Chautauqua course, sent for the books and magazines to be used for the year and held their first meeting in October. Those who registered at the beginning were: Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Bunce, Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Alley, Mr. and Mrs. §. Shimmin, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wendell, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Woolley, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Pidgeon, Mr. and Mrs. W. Culkin, Mrs E. Dean, Miss M. Young, Miss G. Sherman, A. C, Heath and Mrs. Elizabeth Knight. Although the Chautauqua Club was organized as a woman's club, and joined the State Federation, the gentlemen were admitted as honorary members, with all privileges except holding office and voting. They were very helpful and we considered it a happy chanee that we had seeured their membership. Their experience in parlamentary usage, of which we knew very little, and the readiness with which they expressed their views, promptly and clearly (several of them being lawyers) gave us great confidence in their opinions. While we studied the lessons diligently and responded with a paper when called upon to discuss a given subject, we soon began to realize the inferiority of our method as compared with their offhand delivery; so after a time we composed and committed our discussions, and though we could not present them with the ease and grace that characterized those of our honorary members, I must say that we never, before nor since, received so much benefit from our studies, for we finally got back into the "paper habit'' - which has become chronic.

After a year or two, when the political situation became exciting and each man felt the responsibility of doing his share in looking after affairs of state, the gentlemen of the club, most of them, grew careless in attendance, and finally fell off altogether. At least they did not attend our regular meetings, but were present at our social affairs, of which we had two or three in the year, and very cheerfully responded to the toasts we of- fered - both literary and otherwise. Our work in the club consisted of the lessons in the books assigned for the year, a diseussion of current events, and a unique feature, whieh proved that we did not ''despise the day of small things,'' was the preparing hy oue lady of a list of 10 or 12 words which were frequently mispronounced, passing it to each member to pronounce aloud as she thought right. After it had gone around, the lady who prepared it gave the correct pronounciation. It furnished much amusement, and fixed the words in our minds so that they were not forgotten, and though some of the ladies were very well edueated, and all of them reasonably so, it was seldom that anyone went through the list without any mistake. Our meetings were weekly and once a month some member was given a subject to diseuss orally or on paper. Usually the subject was one suggested by our studies, or one of popular interest.

At the end of the four years' course, nine of our members graduated in the elass of 1899. A few had removed to other loealities. We are now widely separated, but I believe that every member of ¢lass of 1899 looks back with pleasure on those four years spent together in search of knowledge, and in social intercourse.

After finishing the Chautauqna course, the members of the elub who remained in Buffalo took up other studies and continued to meet, though not oftener than once in two weeks, and in the afternoon. The first year they studied '' American Cities,'' two years "'Modern Literature,'' after that the 'Bayview Course"' for a year or two and then for several years they studied Shakespeare, and last yeur took up the Bayview course again. As residents have changed, so has the membership of the elub, and at the present time only one of the original members is on the list. That is Mrs. J. J. Woolley.

The elub, however, keeps up and has no idea of abandoning the work. This year they are studying the ''War Zone,'' which is very interesting; and last year it was South America and Mexico, which was not much less so. They have a banquet every winter and a pienic every summer. The roll of members fluctuates as people come and go. Their membership was limited to fifteen, and at present there are nine. By another year there may be more applicants than they can admit.

The Historical Club was organized in October, 1895, with a membership of eighteen ladies, the object of the club being study for self-improvement. and social enjoyment. Its meetings are held at the homes of its members, on cach alternate Wednesday afternoon, from October to June. History, with its wide range of topics, was selected by the ladies as the basis of their study at each meeting, the time being devoted to study, being followed by a period of social enjoyment.

Mrs. A. Y. Eaton was president of the club during the first two years of its existence, Mrs. Eaton and her sister, Mrs. Angus H, Grant, having been prominent leaders in its formation.

The Historical Club well fulfilled the purposes for which it was organized, and soon became recognized as a prominent factor in the literary and social life of Buffalo, and has eontinued to be such through the nineteen years of its existence to the present time. The ladies of the elub were among the foremost in fostering the idea of a public library in Buffalo, some desiring to incorporate the club as a foundation for a library, but the idea of incorporation not being approved by all members of the club, it was not adopted. Later, when the public library materialized, through the combined effort of the citizens of Buffalo, the Historical Club was among the first to contribute its "*mite'? towards the equipment of the library. The Historical Club has always been characterized by the spirit of harmony, and the feeling of camaraderie among its members, loyalty and good fellowship being as the ''breath of its lips."'

The local W. ©. T. U. of Buffalo was organized in 1887 with Mrs. M. E. Hover as president, and Mrs. A. D. Noel as secretary. The County W. C. T. U. was organized in 1888, Mrs. Hoover, president; Mrs. Stacy, of Monticello, secretary; Mrs. Ames, treasurer. In 1902, the County W. C. T. U. merged into the district organization and for a time the local Buffalo Union lapsed.

The W. C. T. U. of Buffalo was reorganized Jan. 12, 1905, and the following officers elected: President, Mrs. J. J. Johnson; vice-president, Mrs. Ella Dickinson; secretary, Mrs. F. M. Green; treasurer, Mrs. Josephine Varner, At the meeting it was decided to meet at the homes of the members onee a month.

Wight departments of the work were taken up the first year, Mrs. Ella Dickinson was appointed superintendent of medical contest and trained six young people for a contest, which was held in the Presbyterian church Feb. 28, 1906, when Lioyd Marsh received the silver medal. Since that time eleven silver and three gold medal contests have been held by this union, besides a matrons' seripture contest held every year about Feb. 17, at which an offering was taken for the Frances Willard memorial fund.

The Department of Mothers' Meetings and Purity has been the most successful department of the Union, three or four meetings a year being held, with Mrs. S. Ames, Mrs. F. M. Green and Mrs. M. C. Woolley as superintendents.

At a meeting held on August 30, 1906, at the home of Mrs. F, Green, plans were discussed for starting a library which would be especially helpful to mothers and children, and a committee, Mrs. Maleombe Anderson and Mrs. J. H. Sellie, were appointed to confer with other societies. The Historical and Chautauqua clubs were invited to join in the work and readily consented. A joint committee was appointed and a citizens' méeting called and held at the courthouse, where the Buffalo Library Association was organized, and the Buffalo Public Library was opened the first week in February, 1907.

In June, 1907, the district convention of the W. C. T. U. was held at Big Lake and one of our honorary members, J, J. Johnson, who owned the first, and at that time the only, automobile in Buffalo, took four delegates to the convention from the Buffalo Union. We have sent petitions to Congress and to the State Legislature, urging the passing of reform bills whenever our attention was called to such measures by our State and National superintendents.

At a meeting held in April, 1909, a committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions for a fund to provide a fountain, and in June, 1909, a drinking fountain was installed, which has since been donated to the village. Temperance blotters have been distributed in the publie schools and temperance posters placed in conspicuous places and our cause - the cause of temperance - has been presented to the people by the best of onr State and National speakers.

The Flower Mission department, superintended by Mrs. A. D. Noel, has done splendid work all these years, sending flowers to the sick and ''shut-ins,'' and also at Christmas time remembering many families with Christmas boxes, flowers, Christmas ecards and songs.

Other departments have been taken up at different times, such as school savings banks, scientific temperance instruction, anti-narcotic work for lumberman, soldiers and sailors, Sabbath observance, medical temperance, franchise and parliamentary usage.

The Buffalo Union entertained the district convention in 1906 and again in 1912, both being very successful. At the annual meeting in 1912, Mrs. Josephine Varner was elected president ; Mrs. A. D. Noel, vice-president; Mrs. A. Y. Eaton, secretary; Mrs. M. C. Woolley, treasurer. At the present time, Mrs, A. D. Noel is president; Mrs, S. A. Ames, vice-president.

Though the results of our Union may seem smatl, we have done what we could, and we feel that our little share is a part of the whole structure of universal temperance.

The John W. Cochrane Woman's Relief Corps of Buffalo was organized in the G. A. R. Hall, May 28, 1896, by Marie Hazelwinkle, department president, assisted by Anna Carter. There were twenty-one charter members. Mrs. Mary H. Kendall was department secretary at that time. Mrs. Eliza Covart was the first president. She served in that capacity for the remainder of that year and the year following. The G. A. R. and the W. R. C. have long since moved into the I. 0. O. F. Hall. The aim and object of this society is to help the old soldiers and their dependent. ones - socially and otherwise, in sickness, visiting the sick, furnishing whatever aid they need, also fruit, jellies and flowers, striving as best they can to cheer and comfort them. Then there are social times gotten up for the veterans and their families, where refreshments are served. In 1898, the G. A. R. and the W. BR. C., assisted by the citizens of Buffalo, placed a monument on the G. A. R. lot in Lakeview cemetery, to the memory of the unknown dead. It cost $600 at the factory - saving middlemen's profits. It is white bronze, - a large soldier at parade rest, mounted on a high, square pedestal. It is a very imposing figure.

The W. R. C. worked very hard, together with the G. A. R., to raise the money to pay for it. They gave entertainments, made a quilt and sold it by tickets, and give a big dinner in the hall when the monument was dedicated, and finally paid for it. At different times they have sent fruit jellies, cushions, stand-covers and bibs and other things that are needed at the Soldiers' Home at Minnehaha. When the Women's building was erected there, June 20, 1906, this corps, with Sedgwick Corps No, 17, of Monticello, furnished a room and have since furnished things for the use of it. June, 1907, this corps was presented with a beautiful silk flag by the State organjzation for gaining the greatest number of members during the year. Nov. 3, 1910, the corps bought a lot in Lakeview cemetery and had the bodies of those veterans, who had no one to take an interest in them, moved te the lot purehased for that purpose. Markers have been procured for the graves of all veterans, and flags placed in them, that all who go there may see where soldiers lie. Every year the corps presents some room in the school building with a flag. In October, 1908, this corps entertained the sixth district convention. Since the organization of this corps there have been ninety-two members enrolled. It has lost five members by death. Many have moved to other States and several to different parts of Minnesota. At the present time there are thirty-two good working members. The corps is in a prosperous condition.

Galilee Chapter No. 63, 0. E. &., was instituted U. D. at Buffalo, Minnesota, Feb. 24, 1893, by Mrs. Mary ©. Taylor, W. G. M. of Minnesota, very ably assisted in her work by Sisters L. H. Johnson and H. G. Myers, of Chapter No. 9, Minneapolis, a preliminary meeting having been held in Masonic Hall, Feb. 18, 1893, at which the required regulations for the organization of a chapter were complied with and application made to the Grand Chapter for a dispensation.

The charter members present at the institution of the chapter and who also were present at the preliminary meeting and voted for its organization were: Sisters Adelaide R. Wells, Beatrice N. Eaton, Albina L, Alley, Ellen A. Sturges, Anna B. Wendell, Elizabeth Knight, Helen B, Hellier, Jennie H. Griffing, Eliza Covart, Florence Bunce, Harriet Korb, Anna D, Noel, Elisabeth Williams, Emma J. Nugent, Caroline Putnam, Brothers S. R. Wells, J. H. Wendell, O. H. Bushnell, James Sturges, H. B. Griffing, Thomas Hellier, J. C. Nugent, E. E. Williams.

Of these, the following named were installed as officers: Adelaide R. Wells, W. M.; O. H. Bushnell, W. P.; Ellen A, Sturges, W. A. M.; Jennie H. Griffing, secretary; Beatrice N. Eaton, treasurer; Helen B. Hellier, conductor; Albina L. Alley, A. C.; Anna B. Wendell, Adah; Anna D. Noel, Ruth; Elizabeth Knight, Esther; Eliza Covart, Martha; Florence Bunee, Electa; Caroline Putnam, chaplain; Elisabeth Williams, warder; E. E. Williams, sentinel. From several names proposed, the name - Galilee - suggested by Sister Jennie H, Griffing was, by vote, adopted.

At the next annual meeting of the Grand Chapter, in the following May, a charter was granted to Galilee Chapter, and in June 6 the chapter received an official visit from the W. G. M. and was formally ''constituted'' under the new charter. Officers were elected and installed, the same officers continuing in their respective positions without change. The oceasion was also made interesting by a visit of twenty-six members of the sister chapter of Monticello. So Galilee Chapter came to be one of the permanent institutions of Buffalo, the W. G. M. enjoining its members to fidelity to its principles of ''Charity, Purity and Harmony."

Galilee Chapter was favored from its beginning with the most generous support of the Masonic brothers of Nelson Lodge, nearly all of those residing in the village entering as charter members, or following soon after, giving to the chapter a stability and dignity which it might not otherwise have possessed, and the sisters of Galilee have always realized that to the generous support of their brothers, their wise counsel and strong eneouragement, they are largely indebted for whatever success their chapter may haye attained. A sister of another chapter once said: ''We gave the men to understand from the outset that this is a woman's lodge, and the women are going to run it.'' But no such spirit ever crept into Galilee Chapter; its sisters appreciated, not only the helpful participation in its affairs of their brothers, but also the high compliment of their making its affairs their own by becoming a part of it.

The meetings of the chapter were given an interesting feature by the addition of literary and social exercises to the more formal ritual proceedings - readings, recitations, essays, speaking (by the brothers), musie, story-telling, spelling matches - all contributed their charm to chapter meetings, the brothers not disdaining to display their talents, but seeming to enjoy a liberal share of such contributions to the ''good of the order."

While still itself a novice in chapter work, Galilee had the honor and pleasure of assisting the W. G. M. in instituting the chapter of ''Rockford, No. 64,'' at Rockford, and of '*Myrtle, No. 68,'° of Annandale. Also, in its first year, Galilee twice experienced the misfortune of loss by fire. On the night of July 18, after a regular session of the chapter had been held, the hail used, but not owned, by Nelson Lodge was burned, with all its contents. Galilee, being but ''in its young youth,' had acquired but few possessions, but to Nelson Lodge the loss was a serious one. The I. O. O. F. showed great kindness in their prompt expression of sympathy and in tendering to both societies the use of their hall, which was accepted.

On the night of Nov. 7, Odd Fellows' Hall also was burned with all its contents. As before, Galilee had little to lose, but Nelson Lodge was a second time deprived of all of its paraphernalia, while to the I. O. O. F. the loss was severe, entailing the loss of both their hall and their belongings, and great sympathy was felt for them, both by Nelson Lodge, Galilee Chapter and by the community.

The chapter was organized with twenty-three members. Its enrollment up to the present time in 152. It has suffered the loss of some of its most highly-esteemed members by death, and of others by removal to distant homes. The fathers and mothers of the chapter have had the gratifying pleasure of seeing their children eager to receive membership in the chapter as soon as they reached the desired age; and the gratification is not theirs alone, these young members being most heartily weleomed and appreciated by all.

Galilee has many times been honored by having its matrons appointed to official position in the Grand Chapter and to represent the Grand Matron in official position as District Deputies, and has held two schools of instruction for the chapters of Distriet No. 15. It has received many expressions of commendation from the Grand Chapter at various times and words of praise from various other sources, which have been received with modest pleasure and appreciation, but its sisters have experienced a pardonable pride when the brothers of their own chapter have expressed their gratification in what they have been pleased to eall ''the proficiency'' of their sisters of Galilee.

The writer has been several times reminded, by remaining charter members, that this brief record of Galilee Chapter would be considered very incomplete without the personal mention of two of its brothers, who, in the early, formative years of the chapter, rendered it such conspicuous and valuable service, both by the influence of their character and their untiring devotion to the welfare of the chapter, whose success they had so much at heart, These were Brother O. H. Bushnell, who held the position of Patron, from the formation of the chapter in 1893, until 1897, when he was succeeded by Brother H. B. Griffing, who held the same position until his death, in 1902.

While there were many others deserving of special mention for their devoted efforts in promoting the welfare of their ehapter, the position held by these two, through so many years, gave them the opportunity, which they well improved, of holding Galilee Chapter up to a high appreciation of its privileges, its duties, and its responsibilities, and left their impress upon the chapter through the succeeding years,

The members trust that their chapter may have been, in some degree, successful in its efforts to promote the ideals of our order - 'Charity, Purity and Harmony'' - integrity of character and nobility of life, that it may have been, and may continue to be, an influence for good in the community in which it has been placed, having its ''part'' in the ''one stupendous whole'' of moral forces that ''work for righteousness,"' though it be, but, "'as the gentle dew from the Heaven,"' or as ''the little eandle'"' that ''throws its beams'' - who may tell - ''how far': guiding to the pure light of home. ''So may it ever be."'

Autumn Leaf Rebekah Lodge No. 179, I. 0. O. F. The Rebekah Degree of Odd Fellowship is represented in Buffalo by Autumn Leaf Lodge No. 179. The lodge was instituted Feb. 15, 1899, by past president of the Rebekah Assembly, Mrs, Kelsey, The charter members were: Rebecca Shatter, John Shatter, Electa Knight, W. H. Cutting, S. J. Green, Daisy Lettord, W. H. Cochrane, John Girard, W. J. Ellis, Mary Ellis, H. Hammond and Edna Hammond. It has been a valued aid to Buffalo Lodge No. 141, I. 0. O. F., and has had a healthy growth, its present membership being eighty members. The present officers are: Sarah Brooks, P. N. G.; Sadie Leeson, N. G.; Marie Tuttle, V. G.; Alice Moland, S., and Mary Jude, T.

Magazine Club. The first magazine club in Rockford was organized by Georgia Mounts, in 1886-87, magazines being passed from one member to another. The club consisted of the following: Georgia Mounts, president; Carrie Florida, secretary; C. M. Johnson, Chas. O'Mera, Geo. Perkins.

The second magazine club of boys and girls organized in 1892 by Mrs. G. L. Lueas and Carrie Florida, This club continued for several years, earning the money with which to subseribe for the best magazines and passing the magazines from one to another for reading. Many entertainments were given for this purpose, the most important being the operetta, '*Pocahontas,'' acted and sung by the elub. The members were: Mamie Lucas, Vera Walters, Alice Wolford, Ida Thielke, Maude Drayne, Alice Ewing, Gertie Hill, Oel Tallman, Roy Miller, Rudolph Thielke, Will Walters, Arthur Cadwell, Will Clark, Fay Benner, John Murphy, Elwin Guptil.

History Class. A most interesting class for the study of American history, which is vividly remembered by its members, was conducted at Rockford for two years, beginning in 1897, by Dr. Lee Galloway, now professor of commerce and industry in the University of New York City. No pains was spared in obtaining material for this work, Dr. Galloway supplementing the text books now owned by the class by bringing every week from the State University the best authorities to be had for the study. The class was composed of the following: Mrs. G. L. Lucas, Hattie Beulah, May Waren, Alice Crawford, Lillian Walker, Carrie Florida, Jessie Florida, Esther Hocanzan.

The Holmes Club was a ladies' literary club organized by Mrs. Florian Benner, 1899-1900, for the study of the poets. Holmes was the first poet studied, the work being enjoyed by the elub.

Current Event Club. Later, a Current Event Club was formed, with Mrs. E. B. Darrow as president, which continued for three years, Current events of the time and the study of American cities were taken up, also a number of Shakespeare's plays were read.

The Tuesday Club is a Rockford study club organized in 1909, with the following officers: Mrs. E. W. Johnson, president; Alice Crawford, vice-president; Bessie Howard, secretary ; Hazel Thompson, treasurer. The club has continued to the present time, being now in its seventh year. The first three years were devoted to the study of Shakespeare's plays, with a study of the author's life and the English history of the period. The fourth year was given to ''Italian cities,'' with Roman history and the history of the ''Early Christian Church.'' The fifth year, ''Holland,'' its history, cities and art. The sixth and seventh years have been spent on ''France.'' This study has been made possible by the generosity of the State, the State Library Commission sending out from the capitol, each year, a library of the choicest books of reference on all these subjects for the use of the club. It has been the custom at the close of each year's work to give a reception or other entertainment for the members of the club and their friends. The Tuesday Club entered the Federation of Women's Clube Oct. 18, 1910, and withdrew from it Nov. 29, 1911. The present officers of the club are: Georgia Mounts, president; Mrs. Vernon Thompson, vice-president; Alice Crawford, secretary; Belle Jacobs, treasurer; Carrie Florida, librarian.

Camera Club. In 1898-99, a Camera Club, organized by C. M. Johnson, did active research work in photography. Many photographic propositions, declared by experts to be impossible, were experimented on at the club meetings, with the result of proving their possibility. One of these was the taking of pictures by moonlight - the picture itself carrying the proof of the kind of light used. Another was the taking of a strong negative by flashlight at night out of doors. The club numbered the following: C. M. Johnson, Hugh MeLean, Wili Rutherford, Mrs. Rutherford, Miss Jacobs, Carrie Florida, Jessie Florida.

Rockford Episcopal Church - Ladies. The ladies of the Episecopal Mission and Church have done efficient work. It was at first under the charge of Rev. D. B. Knickerbocker, rector for many years of Gethsemane Church, Minneapolis. Services were held in the Presbyterian Church, the ladies preparing the church for service until more members were added to the Mission, then some one was hired to do that work. There was no regular organization of the ladies; they worked together raising money for current expenses, also did work for ''St. Barnabas' Hospital'' of Minneapolis, at that time called ''Cottage Hospital.'' The following is an extract from a letter written to the '"'Ladies of Rockford'': ''Many thanks; the box could not have come at a more acceptable time. JI wanted to fix a bed for Sister Sarah, from St, Luke's Hospital, but had not an article of clothing but that had been used for the sick. I told Dr. Knickerbocker half an hour before the box came our great need of sheets; the amount enclosed in your letter enabled him to send up a piece of sheeting. - QGratefully yours, - Sister Annette Relf, Sister in Charge of Hospital,'' The ladies made quilts, sent pillows and many other useful things, which at the present time seem very little for the needs of Barnabas Hospital. Rockford was at this time a Mission of Gethsemane Church.

The first regular organization of the ladies for church work was under the reetorship of Rev, F. R. Millspaugh, of St. Paul's Church, Minneapolis. He reorganized the Mission here and was instrumental in having ''Breck Memorial Chapel'' built, The officers of this Guild were Mrs. Aaron Ames, president and treasurer; Mrs. Wm, Darrow, secretary. This was in the year 1889. For a number of years the Guild flourished and did successful work.

July, 1894, with Rev, F. T. Webb, reetor of St. Paul's Church, Minneapolis, in charge of the Mission here, was organized the society of the Daughters of the King, with the following officers: President, Georgia P. Mounts; secretary, Lillian Walker; treasurer, Polly Ames; Edith Ames and Mary Warner comprising the membership. They made a fine linen surplice and black silk stole for the chapel, did some furnishing for the robing-room, put an insurance on the church, and when Elmer J. Lofstrom, a student, was in charge, repainted the chapel, with his assistance in putting on the paint; also sent pillows to St. Barnabas Hospital, doing various little things to assist in the services. In 1900, the "'Danghters of the King'' disbanded, as its members were being scattered.

Under the Rey, C. Hi. Hixon, the present Guild was organized January, 1907, with Mrs. George O. Evandall, president; Mrs. C. C, Willeutt, seeretary. Mrs. George Frederick is the present president and lone Frederick, secretary.

The Ladies' Aid Society of the Presbyterian Church was organized in 1890, or thereabouts, with Mrs. Jas. Stoddard its first president. Later, in 1908, at the suggestion of the pastor, Rev. J. H. Sellie, the ladies of the congregation of this church formed a society called ''The Cirele,'' with Mrs. Phoebe Harvey as president, and Mrs. Carson Bucklin, secretary. The present officers of this society are Mrs. Lee Frederick, president; Mrs. E. W. Johnson, secretary and treasurer. For many years previous to organization, the ladies of the Presbyterian Church had met informally, doing good work and raising funds for improvements when needed.

The Ladies' Aid of the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized Feb, 22, 1908, with Mrs. B. Lewis and Mrs. Wm. Foust, president and secretary, respectively. Present president and seeretary are Mrs, Wm. Foust and Mrs, F. G. Omera.

The Rockford W. C. T. U. was organized in 1887, im the late summer. The first president was Mrs. F, A. Baker, and the first secretary, Mrs. Harris. The new society, full of enthusiasm, grew rapidly, and within two months there were between forty and fifty members. For the first two years, meetings were held every Saturday afternoon. Meetings are now held on alternate Friday afternoons. For a great many years, Mrs. Mary Perkins was the Union's well-loved president. Present officers: President, Mrs. Ida Foust; secretary, Alice Crawford, For many years the Union has maintained a publie library.

Arthur Douglas Corps, W. R. C., was organized in 1888, with twelve charter members. Mrs. H. Kate Frederick was the first president, and is now president, although she has not been presiding officer continuously. The secretary is Mrs. A. A. Crawford.

Rockford Chapter, 0. E. S. On Feb. 1, 1893, a dispensation was granted Rockford, under which the new chapter was to work until a charter could be obtained. Feb. 2, 1894, the charter members were initiated under the direction of W. G. M. Mary C.

Taylor. The chapters from Buffalo and Monticello assisted in the work. The first officers under U. D. were: Josephine Farnham Bucklin, W. M.; D, R. Thompson, V. P.; Marie Irving, W. A. M.; Dora D. Ames, secretary; Emma Frederick, treasurer; Kittie B. Thompson, conductor; May Millar, A. C.; May Farnham, Ruth; Nellie Jacobs, Esther; Emma Sexaene, Martha; H. Kate Frederick, Electa; Martha Barnes, warden; Wm. H. Guptil, sentinel; Matilda Jacobs, chaplain; Geo. Irving, marshal. On June 16, 1894, the charter was obtained and the chapter instituted under the direetions of Mary C. Taylor, assisted by Loraine J. Pitkins, R. W. G. secretary. The officers were installed and the chapter has always been in working order. At present there are sixty members.

North Rockford. The Needlecraft Club of North Rockford was organized Jan. 30, 1913, Its object was to make it possible for the ladies of the immediate neighborhood to meet for social intercourse more often than they were in the habit of doing, for insomuch as each one of them had the responsibilities of a farm home, they had littie time to spare for visiting their neighbors. One of them, living farther away than the rest, had expressed her longing for communion with her neighbors and a desire to meet them oftener, and Mrs. Geo. Frederick, to whom she was speaking, conceived the idea of having a general visiting day, when each of the ladies could meet all the rest without losing more than one afternoon from her duties, so she invited them all to her home, telling them to bring their needlework and spend the afternoon. They came, and then and there organized the society which bas been a complete success. A president and secretary were chosen, and it was decided to meet once in two weeks, at the homes of the members, spend the afternoon in conversation and needlework and serve light refreshments. While the club decided not to take up a course of study, it has been beneficial to all its members in promoting a feeling of sympathy and social interest in the community and has been practically a ''Bureau of Information, Advice and Instruection,'' not only in various kinds of fancy work, but also cooking, canning and the art of housekeeping in general (for good housekeeping is an art) and how to rear a family. Later on, the women decided that the men should have some diversion from constant work. Therefore, each member of the club was requested to entertain not only the other members and their husbands, but the entire family of each. These social functions are given during the winter months, as there is not so much work on a farm at this time of year. These evening gatherings have afforded much pleasure and the ladies feel well repaid for their kindly labor. The influence of the elub in promoting sociability and kindly feelmg has extended to adjoining neighborhoods, whe have noted how much enjoyment our society

Howard Lake. The Library and Improvement Club was organized on April 13, 1905, with a membership of fifteen. The objects of the club were to supply the community with good reading and to try and beautify waste land. It was decided to charge an annual membership fee of fifty cents and to arrange socials, ete., to raise money for these purposes. From the very start the club has been successful, as most enterprises are when accompanied by plenty of energy, hard work and tact.

When the library was first opened, there had been purchased eighty volumes; these, with gifts of a few volumes, comprised the whole. Now there are over 1,200 volumes, an average of sixty-five being loaned weekly. The council has become interested and gives the club eighty-five dollars each year that it may purchase new books and improve the town.

The ''improvement'' part of the club deserves especial credit. They have sueceeded in making one of the prettiest little parks in the county. They were given permission to utilize waste land around the railway station (which was waste, indeed) and today the village has well-kept lawns, flower beds, ornamental vases of plants and a fountain of running water. The club employs a man every summer to keep the lawns cut and do the rougher work, while the women themselves go round and plant flowers, weed, paint the seats when necessary and generally keep things orderly. Also they offer prizes each year to the school children for the best kept gardens, and keep the school supplied with good magazines.

Today the club has a membership of forty-nine; is.a member of the State Federation; takes an active interest in local and state conditions; has a recently organized ''Sunshine Committee,"' to take eare of needy cases, either at home or away, and a study club, Altogether, the Library and Improvement Club is a live factor in the community, recognized by the men as well as women.

Clearwater. The Congregational Church of Clearwater has a Ladies' Aid Society, which is active in all secial and financial work of the church. Another organization of the Congregational Church is the Christian Culture Club, the object of which is to promote the social life of the chureh and provide a study elub for those who wish to attend. It has about forty members and holds its meetings on the third Thursday of each month. There are also aid societies in the Methodist Episcopal and Catholic Churches, whose work is along the same lines as other aid societies.

Charles Gibbs Circle No. 11, Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, was organized in Clearwater June 29, 1895, with eighteen charter members. Its membership is now about thirty.

The society has been active along many lines of public service, thongh its main object has been to aid the G. A. Rus, and to relieve all sick or needy comrades or their dependent ones. The first. officers were: President, Mrs, Anna Boutwell; senior vicepresident, Mrs. Elmina Baxter; junior vice-president, Mrs. Matilda Howard; secretary, Mrs. Anna M. Murray; treasurer, Mrs. M. E. Collins; chaplain, Mrs. Lucy C. Webster; conductor, Josie Boutwell; guard, Mrs. Phedora Powers. The present officers are: President, Mrs, M. E, Collins; senior vice-president, Mrs. M. M. Whittemore; junior vice-president, Mrs. Lucy C, Webster; secretary, Miss Jenette M. Sanborn; treasurer, Mrs. Jennie B. Laughlin; chaplain, Mrs. Margaret Marvin; conductor, Mrs. Anna Wilson; assistant conductor, Jennie Phillips; guard, Mrs. Laura Storms; assistant guard, Mrs. Agnes La Valley; patriotic instructor, Mrs. Eunice Shannon. The ''Circle'' has made several donations to the ''Home"' at Anoka, besides aiding the Post,

The Mothers' Club of Maple Lake was organized March 5, 1914, with twelve charter members. The officers elected: Mrs. Blanch Madigen, president; Mrs. Agnus Westrup, vice-president ; Mrs. Judge Gorman, secretary; Mrs. Mary Jude, treasurer, Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month in the High School auditorium. This club is affiliated with the National Congress of Mothers and Parent Teachers' Association at Washington. The aims and purposes of this club are: To promote child welfare; to raise the standard of home life; to bring in to closer relation the home and the school, and to carry out civic work in its broadest and highest sense. To raise funds to carry on this work the club gave a home talent play, flower show, two dances, a bazaar and a card party. The work already accomplished: A rest room open to the public; a public library established; two community tennis tourts equipped; publie parks improved and flowers planted; prizes given for the home and school gardens and for eut flowers at the flower show; provided the publie school with paper towels, liquid soap container, emergency drawer, and set aside a liberal sum of money to help purchase a new piano for the high school. The membership has increased to fifty.

Waverly. The Ladies' Aid Society of the Presbyterian Church of Waverly was organized Dec. 1, 1910, and its purpose has been to help the needy, and by making rugs, quilts, aprons, ete,, to raise money for church work. A Sunshine Society, called the Waverly Sunshine Society, formed by two members of the Aid - - Mrs. D. W. Plannigan and Mrs. John Noltby - has been very helpful, receiving clothing, books and other articles and sending them to the Sunshine Society of Minneapolis, to be distributed where needed. More than twenty barrels of such articles have ben sent, the Aid assisting with money for expenses, etc. The officers of the Aid are: President, Mrs. E. H. Learned ; vice-presi-

[Note by the Publishers: In preparing this article, to which she has devoted time extending over a period of more than a year, Mrs. Knight has solicited information from every woman's organization in the county. Those who are not here represented are those who have failed to send in the requested information. |