Spokane County, Washington - Chapter 24: Vi^omen S Organizations, 1900

Chapter 24: Vi^omen S Organizations

The variety of clubs and societies organized and sustained by the women of Spokane, and their purposes as expressed in constitutions, and what has already been accomplished by and through them, are evidences of their intelligence, public spirit and philanthropy. The histories have been prepared in a large measure by representatives of the organizations, to whom grateful acknowledgments are hereby made, and especiallv to Mrs. E. A. Jobes, one of Spokane's noblest women, for her part in gathering material.

To the Ladies' Matinee Musicale belongs the honor of being tlie first woman's club organized in Spokane, and the added distinction of being the second organization of that nature in the state of Washington. It was in the spring of 1889 that a little group of women, who were musicians and music lovers, met at the home of Mrs. J. P. AI. Richards, to consider the forming of a woman's musical club in Spokane. The meeting resulted in the organizing of the Matinee Musicale, with Mrs. Charles S. Voorhees as president.

homes of the different members, but as the membership and interest increased it was found necessary to rent a small hall for the recitals. In 1893 Miss Jennie M. Patterson was elected president and under her administration the club increased still more in influence and popularity. The true club spirit took root in its members, and more and more the desire grew to become helpful, inspiring musical influence in the city. Ever since its organization the Musicale has maintained it's position as one of the leading clubs of the city, and has ever sought to uphold and encourage the better class of music.

The present president, Mrs. Arthur J. Shaw, was elected in the year 1897. During her administration great interest has been aroused in the club, by the formation of a promising chorus class, which has greatly enlarged the usefulness and scope of the club's work.

The recitals are held the third Saturday of each month in the \'incent Methodist Episcopal church, and are open to the public upon the payment of a small admission fee. Under the club's auspices such distinguished artists as Madame Bloomfield-Zeisler. Ri\arde, Madame (ienevra Ji)hnston-Bishc>p. and Eniil Sauer have been lirought to Spokane, thereljy elevating the musical standard of the city. The purpose of the Matinee Musicale is to encourage talent where it is known to exist, stimulate it where it is latent, and to become a power for good.

Following is the executive committee : President, Mrs. Arthur J. Shaw; vice-president, Mrs. Robert Glen: secretary, Mrs. \V. D. Vincent; corresponding secretary. Miss Annie C. Turner ; treasurer, Mrs. L. F. \\'illiams ; Mrs. John L. Wilson and Mrs. J. A. Schiller. At present the club has something over one hundred members, which are classified as active, associate and student.

A chapter of the Daughters of tlie Revolution was organized in Spokane, in February, 1899, which was reorganized as a state society, on April 3d of the same year, with Mrs. S. K. (ireen as regent: Mrs. T. W. W'hitehouse, viceregent: Mrs. L. F. Boothe. recording secretary ; Airs. J. D. Chickering, corresponding secretary, and Mrs. Charles Dixon, treasurer. At this time a handsome, hand-illuminated state charter, authorizing the organization of local chajjters within the state, was presented to tiie society by the bnard iif managers of the general society.

Miinthly meetings are held at the homes of the members, which are made very attractive and interesting, both intellectually and socially. At present, the society is pursuing a course of study in American history, commencing with the early discoveries, and noting especially, the events which led up to the Revolution. In November, i<S9g, it liecame a charter member of the George Washington Memorial .\ssnciati(.)n.

Tlie oljjects and re(|uirements fi>r membership can best be slated by ijuoting from the constitution of the general society: "Tl:e objects of this society shall be to perpetuate the patriotic spirit of the men and women who achieved .American independence ; to collect, publish and preserve the rolls, records, and historic documents relating to that ]ieriod : to encourage the study of the country's history; to promote sentiments of friendship and common interest among the members of the society, and to i)ro\'ide a home for and furnish assistance to such Daughters of the Revolution as may be impoverisheil, when it is in its power to do so." * * !i! *

".\ny woman shall be eligible to membership in the Daughters of the Revolution who is above the age of eighteen years, of good character and a lineal descendant of an ancestor who

" ( I ) Was a signer of the Declaration of Intlependence, member of the continental Congress, or a member of the Congress. Legislature, or General Court of any of the Colonies 01 states ; or

By service rendered tluring the war of the Re\-olution became liable to the penalty of treason against the government of Great Britain ; provided that such ancestor always reniaine<l loyal to the cause of American independence."

.Applications should be accompanied by a certificate from the state archives, or federal pension bureau, showing good proof of ancestor's service.

It will I)e seen 1)\- the requirements mentioned that to be a Daughter, one must have had a grandfather in some degree in Revolutionary service, and that when she becomes a Daughter of the Rexolution, there can never be any (piestion al)out her status as a lineal descendant of the same.

The i)er\ading spirit of the Daughters of the l\e\olution is purely democratic. This is sliown most conclusively in the matter of insignia. There is but one badge for all, recognizable as such throughout our country. No jewels and no bars are permitted to show difference in wealth or lineage.

Wednesday Afternoon Literary Club

This club was organized November i, 1899. Object : Intellectual and social edification of its members. The following members were elected officers: Mrs. E. P. Galbraith, president; Airs. S. D. Ware, vice president: Mrs. W. A. Porter, recording secretary : Mrs. W. P. Russell, treasurer: Airs. Geo. Belt, corresponding secretary. The motto of the club is Per aspcra ad astro (through rough ways to the stars). Since organizing, the club has devoted a few meetings to the study of Alaska and is at present taking up the study of France. It is the intention to have the year's wurk laid out in advance in a short time.

On the 15th uf January. 1898. a few latlies met at the home of Airs. A. J. Ross to discuss plans for organizing a literary club for the ladies of Ross Park; and un the 20th of the same month, at the same place, the organization of the Ross Park Twentieth Century Club was completed. The membership is limited by the constitution to the number of twenty-five, and the district north of the river and east of Division street. The meetings are held at the homes of the members every Thursday morning, excepting once a month, when a social evening meeting is held, and the husbands of the ladies are invited to share the pleasures of the club. The first ofticers of the club were Mrs. Ross, president : Airs. Z. A. Pfile, vice president; Airs. Jennie F. White secretary: Mrs. C. J. Aloore, treasurer, and Airs. J. S. Thomas, Mrs. R. E. Porterfield and Airs. Stockton as an executive committee. The present officers of the club are president. Airs. L. F. AViiliams; vice president. Airs. C. F. Davis; recording secretary. Airs. L. S. Roberts; corresponding secretary. Airs. Jos. S. Thomas: treasurer, Airs. W. De F. Hyde, and executive committee. Airs. L. H. Prather, Airs. J. H. Hudgin, and Airs. L. J. Birdseye. The first year and a half of its existence the club made a stud)- of France, with an occasional "author's day" interspersed. The year of 1900 is i)cing devoted to a study of India, and it has proved a most instructive and fascinating topic. The ladies thnik, as expressed by Alark Twain, "There is only one India! It is the only country that has a monopoly of grand and im])osing specialties." At present the club membership \ is full, and the attendance and interest hi club meetings is all that could be desired.

The National Society Of The Daughters Of The American Revolution

This society was incorporated under the laws of Congress applicable to the District of Columbia, June 8, 1891, and by such incorporation die headquarters, or chief office, was fixed in the city of Washington. Its national charter was granted by the Congress of the United States, February 20, 1896.

The objects of this society are: i. Toperpetuate the memory of the spirit of the men and women who achieved American independence, by the acquisition and protection of historical sj^ots, 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 records of the individual services of Revolutionary soldiers and patriots, and by the promotion of celebrations of all patriotic anniversaries.

2. To carry out the injunction of Washington in his farewell address to the American people, "to pn.tmote. as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge," thus developing an enlightened public opinion, and affording tO' voung and old such advantages as shall tlevelop in them the largest capacity for performing the duties of .American citizens.

Eligibility and admission : i. Any woman may be eligible for membership who is of the age of eighteen years, and who is descended from a man or woman who, with unfailing loyalty, rendered material aid to the cause of independence: from a recognized patriot, a soldier or sailor or civil officer, in one of the several colonies or states, or of the united colonies or states; provided that the applicant be acceptable to the society.

2. Every applicant for membership must be endorsed by at least one member of the National Society, and her application shall then be submitted to the register general, who shall report on the question of eligibility to the general board of management, when the question of admission shall be voted on by the board by ballot, and i-f a majority of said board approves such application, the applicant, after payment of initiation fee, shall be enrolled as a member of the National Society.

All persons duly qualified are members of the National Society, but for matters of convenience they may be organized into local chapters. A state regent is in charge of the D. A. R. work in her state or territory, and chapter regents are appointed I)y her, subject to the approval of the National Society. The initiaation fee to the National Society is one dollar, and the annual dues, two dollars, one dollar being retained by the chapter, the other dollar being forwarded through the chapter to the National Society. Each member is entitled to a certificate of membership, duly attested by national officers, the seal of the society affixed and a national number given. The insignia of the society consists of a badge in the form of a spinning wheel and distafif. The motto, "Home and Country."

active D. A. R. chapters. Airs. Chauncy W. Griggs, of Tacoma, is state regent for Washington. Airs. Augusta Plummer Foster, of Spokane, has been appointed by the National Society as regent to form a D. A. R. chapter in that city.

aggregation" is the meaning of Sorosis, and the clul) which bears this name in Spokane was organized in 1891, became a member of the General Federation in 1892, and the Washington State Federation in 1896. The strength and force of this unit of womanhood has been manifest not only in the culture and entertainment of its members, but in effort and gifts to advance public interests in its own city and to assist in the organization of clubs in neighboring towns. Some noteworthy books have been compiled by Sorosis, such as an Author's Album, containing pictures and autograph letters from noted writers in Europe and .America. This contains also early history of the club and papers which have been published. It was on exhibition at the Columbian Exposition, also at Atlanta, Georgia. Some of its members have filled offices in other club organizations. Mrs. Esther Allen Jobes has been amemberof the board of directors in the General Federation, and Mrs. Lida M. Ashenfelter, second vice-president of the Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs. The federated clubs, including Sorosis, Cultus, Ross Park, Twentieth Century Club, Floral Association. Froebel Club, Ladies Matinee Musicale, entertained the State Federation in 1897, in Spokane. The work of this club has included lit-, erature, science, art, music, parliamentary law and practice, education and current events. "Author Days" are specialized, as are music and art. Art day for May. 1900, is one of educational work for the public school children. Prizes of pictures to be hung in the schools have been offered by the committee in charge, of which Mrs. T. D. Gamble is chairman, for the best essavs on art. These are to be selected

The present membership of Sorosis is fifty active and three honorary members. The members of the board for 1 900-1 901, are : president, Mrs. Lida M. Ashenfelter ; vice president, Mrs. Mary Franklin Hill ; recording secretarv. Miss Eh-a Libby ; corresponding secretary, Mrs. J. R. Schiller ; treasurer, Mrs. Josephine Dunning. Directors : Mrs. L. F. Boothe, Mrs. Minnie Porter Babcock, Mrs. Mary A. Dow, Mrs. W. H. Wright.

The Cultus Club Of Spokane

This club was organized February 9, 1892, with seven charter members : Mrs. A. J. Ross, Mrs. J. J. Browne, Mrs. E. J. Fellowes, Mrs. E. P. Galbraith, Mrs. S. R. Flynn, Mrs. G. T. Penn and Mrs. Jennie F. White.

The purpose of the club, as stated in the constitution. is "social and intellectual improvement," and while the literary work is of course the tnain object the social feature is made much of. The club is a "parlor club," the membership being limited to thirty, and is delightfully entertained at the homes of the members, each liostess vying with the others to make her day an especially enjoyable time.

The regular literary meetings of the club are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the months from September to May, inclusive, but there are a number of special days on the calendar. The first Tuesday in September is a social reunion after the summer vacation. February 9 is celebrated as charter member day by a social meeting where the charter members are guests of honor. Once a year an entertainment is given for the friends of the club, which the past two years has taken the form of an art lecture with stereopticon \-iews of famous pictures. One nnisicale is given each year. The line of study pursued has been miscellaneous. History, literature, biography, science, art and domestic economy have all been dwelt upon. Current events and the books of the day have been freely discussed. For the present year a new plan was adopted - to spend the entire year on one topic, and the study of England was chosen, her history, literature, art, music and her famous men and women. The work has been so successful that it is probable the same plan will be followed in the future.

The name of the club is always a matter of interest to outsiders and explanations are frequently in demand. The word "cultus" in the Chinook language signifies worthless, or to no purpose. The appropriateness of the name to the members of the club, or to its work, is rather to be questioned, and the reason for its adoption is not wholly clear even to the members themselves. But to them all the name stands only for what is pleasantest in remembrance and anticipation. The club as an organization takes no part in outside affairs, but many of the members are active in other lines of work, such as the Art League, the Woman's E.xchange and the Kindergartens, as well as in the many charitable and benevolent societies of the city.

The Cultus Club became a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs in 1893 and was one of the first to take steps for the organization of a state federation in 1896. At the time of the organization of the club Mrs. A. J. Ross was chosen president. After being twice re-elected Mrs. Ross was made honorary president, an office with no duties and no emoluments, created by the club to show its appreciation of the services of one who had been its leader so long. Other presidents have been : Mrs. J. J. Browne, Mrs. H. D. Crow and Mrs. J. B. Blalock. The officers for 1899-1900 are; President, Mrs. E. L. Powell: vice-presidents, Mrs. C. E. Grove and Mrs. C. H. Weeks; recording secretary, Mrs. T. P. Lindsay; corresponding secretary, Mrs. W. H. Mariner ; treasurer, Mrs. J. Hoover. Mrs. W. W. Tolman, Mrs. W. M. Byers and Dr. H. W. Andrews constitute the executive committee. The club

To have flowers at the Fruit Fair was the original idea. The suhject was mentioned to the manager of the Fruit Fair Association and he gave it his most hearty approval. Mrs. Brinkerhoff, with whom the idea originated, consulted a number of public-spirited ladies and several informal meetings were held. After due consideration it was thought advisable to form an organization, the sole object being to furnish a floral exhibit as an auxiliary of the Fruit Fair. This was effected in Oliver hall March 20, 1896. It was named The Spokane Floral Association, with Mrs. Josephine Brinkerhofif as president. The following October it made its first exhibit, which was a pronounced success. During the summer the need of arousing more interest in floral culture became so apparent it was deemed advisable to make it an independent organization in order to widen its field of usefulness. The study of dendrology and flora culture was enthusiastically taken up by the members, and a correspondence with eminent specialists along these lines conilucted, and much practical and helpful information gathered. The necessity for free distribution of seeds and plants among those of limited means was found to be imperative. Donations were solicited, but the response was not very gratifying. Upon request the government furnished a few seeds, but notwithstanding all their efiforts less than a hundred packages of seeds and about half the number of plants were collected. These were distributed according to the best judgment of the committee appointed for the work. The marvelous results from this small beginning may be judged from the statement that two years later over three thousand packages of seeils and a corresponding proportion of trees and plants were distributed. From this naturally developed the flower mission, and to the hospital and other charitable institutions, the prisoner, the indigent sick, the homeless worker, went these messengers of love, cheering the lonely heart, and iM-ightening the humble home, not unfrequently opening the way to more material aid. Not only flowers and shrubs, but strawberries and other small fruits, and even trees have been included in this gratuitous distribution. Cut flowers by the wagon load have been given wherever they might cheer or beautify, and so great has been the awakening that every inch of space around our fire stations and other jniblic buildings is utilized for some growinig beauty. A plat in one of the public parks was early given (n-er to the care of the association and this has been made a thing of beauty with rare trees and blossoming plants. Other lines of work, such as parks, street improvements, etc., have been given due consideration, but in accordance with its avowed object, its special work is among the lowly, and here it has been most effective. With beautiful surroundings the careworn toiler may rise above the sordid grind of daily toil, and in the cultivation of his strawberry bed may forget for a time the endless struggle, and so to the humble home the tlowers go on their blessed mission. The association has made the aster its special flower, and its aster show is now an annual feature of its work, and those already given have been creditable.

Special inducements in the way of prizes were offered the school children, and the evidences of their awakened interest were most gratifying. The association is in a flourishing condition, new members being taken in at nearly every meeting. The ladies meet the second Tuesday of every month and after the business session an interesting paper is read by some member, afterwhich a discussion follows, then dainty refreshments are served.

The program committee have been working for some time on subjects for the year, also a year book, which will be published soon. At the last meeting nearly all the officers of last year were re-elected : Mrs. Ida Pfile, president; Mrs. R. A. Davis, vice-president; Mrs. K. B. Madison, secretary; Mrs. A. G. Kellam, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Dunlop. treasurer; Mrs. Mayie, S. Heath and Hoxis. directors.

The Amethyst Club

Altliougli still in its infancy, the .\niethyst Club is following a course of study which to its iueml)ers is proving of great benefit and interest. Organized with a view to sociability as well as literary progress, the bi-monthly meetings are looked forward to with genuine pleasure. As the nv mth > )f February was the month in which this club was organized, its members appropriately chose the stone of this month, the amethyst, as their symbol and name. The violet was selected as the club flower, whose meaning, modesty, coupled with that of the amethyst, sincerity, forms the club motto. The membership is limited to twenty-five ladies. The meetings are held and the ladies delightfullyentertained byeach of the members at their respective homes. The course i:)r study embraces a general study of England, with timely current topics. The officers of the Amethyst Club are: President, Mrs. C. K. Wintler; vice-president, Mrs. J. J. King ; treasurer, Mrs. Stony Buck; secretary, Mrs. Byrd; program committee, Mrs. Domer, Mrs. Dolson, Mrs. King.

A meeting of ladies was called at Hotel Spokane on March 21, 1894, for the purpose of considering the feasability of establishing a system of free kindergartens in the city of Spokane. The call was responded to by less than a score of ladies, but resulted in the organization of the Spokane Kindergarten Association, whose object was "to establish and maintain a system of kindergartens for the benefit of children from three to si.x years of age."

The efforts of this organization were prospered beyond the expectations of the m )st sanguine and as the work progressed a 1)roader field for labor opened up before the earnest workers. Many destitute children were pro- \-ided with food and cli)thing by this organization, in addition tn being enabled to receive the instruction so nuich needed by them. There are to-day hundreds of children in the higher classes of the public schools who may well credit the Ixindergarten AssDciatiiin for a "right start in life."

During the fourth year of its existence this organization, assisted by kindred societies of Seattle and Tacoiua, succeeded in having a law passed by the state Legislature allowing the kindergarten system to become a portion of the pu])lic school education in cities of more than ten thousand population. Then came a long and earnest effort with the board of education before they could be inade to see the benefits to be derived liy making use of the new law. In the fall of 1898 they, liowever, consented "as an experiment" to open two kindergartens, which proved so successful that today we have a kindergarten department in all of our public schools. As this result was reached in a gradual manner the duties of the association were correspondingly lessened until the first workers in the cause were relieved. At the time the board of education adopted the system for our public schools the association had eight kindergartens under its jurisdiction. These schools were supported by pri\-ate subscriptions and donations from citizens and business men. To Spokane belongs the credit of opening the first free kindergarten in the state of Washington. And to the Spokane Kindergarten Association is largely due the credit of its system being made a portion of the public school education.

The first officers of the organization were: Mrs. .\. T. Ri'ss. i)resident; Mrs. Walter Hughson, vice-president; Mrs. Warren ^^'. Tolman, recording secretary; Mrs. George H.

The work closed in the winter of 1898 under the management of Mrs. Ross, president; Mrs. C. H. Weeks, secretary; Mrs. L. F. Williams, treasurer.

This organization was incorporated in 1895 with C. L. Kno.x. J. Edwards and Mrs. C. G. Bettz as trustees. The first school was opened the previous year on Ermina avenue and Pearl street. Heath's addition, Miss Bettz, trainer. The school was afterward held in Pilgrim Congregational church, Indiana avenue, and continued until the kindergarten system was incorporated intu the jjuIjUc schools. Excellent work was done by this association, the trainer being one of the most competent in the city. Mrs. Smith was president and Mrs. M. E. Logan, secretary.

When the dreaded signal was flashed over our country that "the dogs of war were to be loosed," that strife, sorrow and sufifering were to succeed peace and quietness: when the arm of our government was roused into action, resulting in the order that our country be placed upon a war footing; when the iron-clad monsters were made ready for sea, when all equipments needed for mortal combat were quadrupled in number and efficiency; when our brave volunteers quickly responded to the call of the President, leaving aching, breaking hearts in the homes of the land, - this was all quickly followed by the thought and eager question. What can we women, who ha\e been left behind with anxious sorrow as our companion, accomplish for the men at the front? Over the broad land, as if by magic, sprang into existence the Red Cross societies; united, systematic effort was begun and the watchword of sisterhood was cemented, as competent brains, busy hands, began the work of the great preparation. On July 13,

1898, twelve women gathered together in Spokane for the purpose of forming a Red Cross branch, Mrs. A. W. Doland in the chair, Mrs. J. A. Schiller, as secretary. Mrs. \'irginia K. Hayward was elected president, who issued a call for a meeting on July 15, when the local constitution and by-laws of San Francisco were adopted. Later the society became allied with the state organization. The self-imposed task was greater and more varied than was at first expected, and withal they "builded better than they knew." While it was not granted them to stand by and render actual aid to our soldiers, they began at once to work for their needs and comfort ; their object being to begin where the suddenly overtaxed government left off. Additional clothing to preserve health and to restore it when shattered, delicacies for the sick, literature to while away the weary hours, and, when needed, ready money, were the objects aimed for and attained.

The Spokesman-Review opened its columns to receive public subscriptions, and so generous was the response received from the citizens of Spokane, the Red Cross has never from lack of funds been obliged to curtail its work or its generosity. When a sudden call was made in the morning issue of the Review that jellies and preserved fruits were needed to send on that afternoon to San Francisco for the use of Company L, while on the transport bound for the Philippines, five hundred pounds were received, Ixjxed and shipped by three o'clock. Generous response and rapid work surely. A goodly portion was carried to Manila for hospital needs. The White House Dry Goods Company, also the Boston Store, gave a liberal per cent, of their sales at a stated period, and private acts of accommodation and assistance were frequent. Christmas packages were sent to every man in Companies A and L, carrying into tropic heat and discomfort the substantial memory of e\ergreen and holly. At the Annual Fruit Fair, 1898 and 1899, a Red Cross booth was kindly donated by the management of the fair and presided over by members of the society; on both occasions substantial returns resuUed. As the time drew near for the return of our volunteers to their native land, preparations were made for their reception. Abreakfast was served at the Northern Pacific station to four hundred South Dakota men. A few days later a substantial morning meal was prepared at short notice for one thousand and thirty-two Minnesota men at the exposition tent ; while the day following food was prepared for seven hundred and fifty North Dakota troops. To use the words of Mrs. Hayward, our president, "We have met every emergency that has come whether local or from the state. The home-coming of Companies A and L was fitting the occasion and the welcome accordetl them did credit to all. The Spokane Red Cross auxiliary has the honor of being the only society in the state to entirely pay for the transportation of two companies from San Francisco to their homes. And the breakfast prepared and served to them, in the elaborately decorated Elks hall, with its attendant music and addresses and its royal cheers of welcome, must long, long remain as a hallowed memory. Then followed the care of the sick and those disabled for active life, in many cases only temporarily. But again it has been our painfully sad duty to watch till the end the passing of brave lives, which were as truly given for their country^ as if they had fallen pierced by the bullets of the enemy on the battle field. We have followed tliem to their last resting place, wrapped in the Hag they fought to uphold, on which rested a Red Cross pillow, and listened till the vollejs were fired and taps sounded over their open soldier's grave.

"We have given hospital treatment when necessary, or cared for the ailing ones in their homes and provided medicines. In this we have been assisted by many resident physicians, who have gladly given medical treatment free. We have found work for those in strength, and in some cases have sent the disabled soldiers to their far away Eastern homes. We have cared for the dead who have been brought home by the government, till they were claimed by family or friends. The constant duty has been to extend needed assistance and care, in all cases brought to our attention, not forgetting the families left at home."

The annual election of officers was deferred by \'ote till November, 1899, immediately after the return of the Spokane companies, when Mrs. Frances F. Emery, who had long been an active worker in the society, was elected president; Mrs. J. A. Schiller, first vice-president; Mrs. A. J. Shaw, second vice-president; Mrs. W. S. Bickham, recording secretary ; Mrs. Mrginia K. Hayward, corresponding secretary; Mrs. N. W. Durham, treasurer ; directors, Mrs. E. A. Jobes, Miss Victoria Fellows, Mrs. J. R. Stone, Mrs. William Nettleton, Mrs. S. K. Green, Mrs. Louise Stratton, Mrs. L. J. Birdseye, Mrs. J. W. Chapman, Miss Susie Bell, ]\lrs.. A.. P. Foster, Mrs. Charles Stewart, Mrs. M. M. Cowley.

The report of the treasurer, Mrs. A. E. Durham, showed a sound financial condition and careful management. Total receipts of the society since its organization, July 11, 1898, $5,055.39; disbursements, $4,400.98; leaving a balance in the bank November 20, 1899, $654.41.

The state convention of the Red Cross societies will be held in Spokane on May 22, 2^ and 24, 1900. The need of the work still continues and not until the last volunteer has returned to his home and all disease and destitution resulting from their active service is ended, will the work of the Red Cross, which was called into existence by the war with Spain, be finished. It is then expected, that following the advice of Clara Barton, the national president, the society will remain intact, ready to perform such relief work as etuergencies may demand.

Work

held in the mining exhibit room. Hotel Spokane building, presided over by Mrs. Alice Hougiiton and Mrs. Samuel Slaughter, appointed from the state of Washington as commissioners, to have charge of the woman's building at the Columbian Exposition. The object of this meeting was for the purpose of assisting the state board in the Washington Art Exhibition in the World's Columbian Exposition, and to collect material for a complete exhibit for said exposition in 1893. soliciting the painting of panels to be used in the main room in the woman's building and selecting a state flower.

In Mrs. Houghton's explanation to the ladies, she had suggested making this a World's Fair Club, but Mrs. Slaughter, president of the Tacoma Art League, a lover of art, spoke with great enthusiasm, and urged the ladies to form an art league, its object the advancement of art in all branches. The suggestion was adopted, a constitution was formed and the name of Spokane Art League given to the new club. Many meetings were held to further the work for the exposition, but those interested in the history of art, suggested meetings for the purpose of writing papers and discussing artists and their work. With this object alone in view the league kept up fortnightly studies until March. 1893. Wishing to broaden its field of usefulness and encourage the study of art, the league purposed carrying on a school of art under the name of the Spokane Art League School, the officers and directors to give time, labor and influence for the worthy cause. A room was rented, local teachers engaged, and lessons given at a very low price. Then began the struggle to make enough mone)- to pay rent, buy casts, tables, chairs, and other necessary articles for teaching. Entertainments were given at intervals to help defray the expenses of the school, for pupils were few. The first room used for school purposes was at the Fernwell, a move was made to the Symons block, then to the Review building, where Mr. Cannon and subsequently Mr. Cowles helped the league in its work, by charging a nominal rent for three large rooms. Obliged to move, and not ha\ing the means to pay much rent, the league petitioned the council to allow the art school to continue its work in the unoccupied rooms on the fourth floor of the city hall, where it is now located.

To keep life in the Art League School has required untiring zeal and courage on the part of the officers, directors and teachers. Mrs. J. D. Herman. Mrs. C. G. Brown and Mrs. J. Anthony Smith were at their post continually, doing everything in the way of precept and example to awaken the enthusiasm and draw out the love of art that dwells within us all. with very little hope of financial reward. The winter of 1897 the school was fortunate in securing the service of Prof. Eugen Lingenfelder. of Munich. He was in Spokane on a visit to his brother and consented while here to take charge of the classes. L'nder his able instruction the school flourished. The following year. Miss Anna L. Thorne, of the New York Art Student League, was instructress, and this year Mrs. M. \'on Gilsa, from the Chicago Art Institute, a most gifted and talented lady. Classes in drawing, oil, water color, pen and ink. sketching from life, are under her supervision. Pyrography or the art of etching on leather or wood has lately been added. China painting is also taught and fine work is produced under the tuition of Mrs. Harry A. Burt, a pupil of Bischof. The wood carving is taught by Mr. A. Ostergren. a graduate of the School of Arts at Stockholm, and many useful and beautiful articles have been turned out from this tlepartment. Among the pupils who received their first instruction at the Spokane Art School, one was admitted to the department at Heidleberg without previous preparation, another entered the Chicago Art Institute with words of praise for his first instructor, and another passed three very successful examinations to enter the School of

Frank Johnson

Painting and Designing in Rocliester, New York. The work of the Art League is not confined only to doing good to those who liave means, but to all who wish to study, and many in Spokane have profited by the league's generosity. Three very fine exhibitions of WLirk by Eastern artists have been held under the auspices of the Art League, one large exhiliition of school work fr(jm the Art Institute of Chicago, and last _\-ear an exhibition of designs from the Boston School of Decorative Designs, The league has for officers : President, Miss V. T. Fellowes ; first vice president, Mrs. M. E. Ganahl ; second \ice president, Mr. C. A. Clarke : third \-ice president, Mrs. E. L. Kimball; secretary. Miss M. McBride; treasurer, Mrs. E. J. Fellowes, and fifteen directors. Seventy-five acti\'e members and associate members, and ten annual subscribers. The league needs a building where exhibitions could be held, and lectures given, and it is to be hoped that the liberal and enterprising citizens of Spokane will lend a helping hand to this struggling league and put up a structure useful and ornamental, "'The Spokane School of .\rt.'" and using the fees for buying books. Tiie name of the club is "The Art League Literary Club." The officers at present are: President, ]\Irs. Charles \\'. Clarke: first vice-president, Mrs. \\'m. Byer; recording secretary, Mrs. F. S. Merrill, treasurer ; Mrs. E. L. Kimball. jMrs. B. F. Buck and Mrs. Win. Byer ha\'e charge of the literary program.

[^Hss Fellowes has characteristically avoided making any reference to herself and the part she has taken in the wurk of the Art League. l)ut those who have been most closely related with her in this work, cheerfully recognize her aspreeminentl}'the most important factor in the organization. Her indefatigable labors and self-denying devotion to the interests of the league have excited the profound admiration of those especially interested. To her more than to any other one person is to be attributed the honor for the results already attained, and it is to be earnestly hoped that her labors (and that of (Others), will be speedily crowned with success in a greater measure, and that her heart's desire will be gratified in the permanent establishment of an art school, and an art gallery and building that will be a credit to Spokane. - I. E.l