NC
367.975fi
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1917/10
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2011 with funding from
State Library of North Carolina
http://www.archive.org/details/northcarolinafd191718nort
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ti^irth CardlifHi State Libr»ry
The
North Carolina Federation
of
Women's Clubs
1917-1918
ORGANIZED AT WINSTON-SALEM, 1902
JOINED THE GENERAL FEDERATION, 1903
INCORPORATED, 1913
MEMBERSHIP OVER SEVEN THOUSAND
Compiled and edited by
MISS CLARA I. COX. Recording Secretary
HIGH POINT. N. C.
Colors
:
Blue and White
Emblem:
Sprig of Pine
Motto :
"The Union of All for the Good op All"
INDEX
Page
Calendar 4
State Officers 5
General Federation Officers 6
North Carolina Clubs Federated 7
Departments 8
Notices and Suggestions 14
Standing Committees 15
Sallie Southall Cotten Loan Fund 16
Trustees of Endowment 16
President's Message 17
President General's Message 19
Minutes 21
Resolutions 36
Retiring President's Address 40
Annual Reports of Officers 45
Annual Reports of Department Chairmen 51
Annual Reports of Committees 80
Delegates to Durham Convention 88
Districts 94
Directory 99
Constitution 123
By-Laws 128
CALENDAR
1902—Organized at Winston-Salem, in May
1902—First Annual Meeting, Winston-Salem, in October
1903—Second Annual Meeting, Concord, in October
1904—Meeting unavoidably postponed
1905—Third Annual Meeting, Goldsboro, in May
1906—Fourth Annual Meeting, Charlotte, in May
1907—Fifth Annual Meeting, Wilmington, in April
1908—Sixth Annual Meeting, Greensboro, in May
1909—Seventh Annual Meeting, Ealeigh, in May
1910—Eighth Annual Meeting, Henderson, in May
1911—Ninth Annual Meeting, Asheville, in May
1912—Tenth Annual Meeting, Winston-Salem, in May
1913—Eleventh Annual Meeting, New Bern, in May
1914—Twelfth Annual Meeting, Fayetteville, in May
1915—Thirteenth Annual Meeting, Goldsboro, in May
1916—Fourteenth Annual Meeting, High Point, in May
1917—Fifteenth Annual Meeting, Durham, in May
THE SIXTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING
Will be held in Ealeigh, May 21, 22, 23, 24, 1918
The Executive Board will meet in Winston-Salem, October 24,
1917
The Council will meet in Winston-Salem, October 24, 25, 26,
1917
PRESIDENTS
Mrs. Lindsey Patterson, 1902-1905
Mrs. J. T. Alderman, 1905-1907
Miss Margaret Lovell Gibson, 1907-1909
Mrs. Eugene Eeilley, 1909-1911
Mrs. Eobert Gotten, 1911-1913
Miss Adelaide L. Fries, 1913-1915
Mrs. Thomas W. Lingle, 1915-1917
Mrs. Clarence Johnson, 1917-1919
4
OFFICERS OF NORTH CAROLINA FEDERATION
Honorary President
Mrs. E. R. Gotten Bruce
President
Mrs. Clarence A. Johnson Raleigh
First Vice-President
Mrs. Charles C. Hook Charlotte
Second Vice-President
Mrs. James M. Gudger, Jr Asheville
Recording Secretary-
Miss Clara I. Cox High Point
Corresponding Secretary
Mrs. W. Thomas Bost Raleigh
Treasurer
Miss Adelaide L. Fries Winston-Salem
Auditor
Mrs, T. D, Jones Durham
5
GENERAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN'S CLUBS
OFFICERS
President
Mrs. Josiah Evans Cowles,
1011 West Adams St., Los Angeles, California
First Vice-President
Miss Georgie A. Bacon . . 39 Dean St., Worcester, Massachusetts
Second Vice-President
Mrs. Eugene Eeilley . . 508 Park St., Charlotte, North Carolina
Recording Secretary
Mrs. Carrie A. McFarland Wagner, South Dakota
Corresponding Secretary
Mrs. Frances D. Everett Highland Park, Illinois
Treasurer
Mrs. William B. Young . . P. O. Box 743, Jacksonville, Florida
Auditor
Mrs. William P. Harper
651 Kinnear Place, Seattle, Washington
Bureau of Information
Mrs. Mary I. Wood Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Greneral Federation Director for North Carolina
Mrs. Kobert R. Cotten Bruce, N. C.
General Federation State Secretary
Miss Margaret L. Gibson Wilmington
6
NORTH CAROLINA CLUBS DIRECTLY FEDERATED
North Carolina Sorosis Wilmington
Woman 's Club Charlotte
Woman 's Club New Bern
Woman 's Club Waynesville
Woman 's Club Asheville
Friday Afternoon Club Greensboro
Sesame Club Faison
Woman's Club Greensboro
Friday Book Club Asheville
DELEGATES TO 1918 BIENNIAL, HOT SPRINGS, ARK.
Miss Clara I. Cox, Mrs. T. D. Jones, Mrs. Sidney P. Cooper,
Mrs. Joseph Hyde Pratt, Mrs. M. L. Stover, Mrs. Gordon
Finger, Mrs. T. P. Jerman, Miss Bettie Windley, Miss Eliza-beth
Sehwarburg.
Alternates to 1918 Biennial, Hot Springs, Ark.
Miss Julia Thorns, Mrs. E. F. Reid, Miss Mary M. Petty,
Mrs. A. H. Povs^ell, Mrs, S. E. Dilworth, Mrs. Walter Woodward,
Mrs. Elmo Powell, Mrs. C. D. Bradham, Mrs. Gilmer Korner.
DATE OF HOT SPRINGS BIENNIAL
May 1 to 8, 1918
DEPARTMENTS OF GENERAL FEDERATION
ABT
Mrs. Cyrus E. Perkins, Chairman
327 Washington St., S. E., Grand Rapids, Michigan
CIVICS
Mrs. Bessie Leach Priddy, Chairman
502 Forest Avenue, Ypsilanti, Michigan
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM
Mrs. Frederick H. Cole, Chairman
1810 Spencer St., Omaha, Nebraska
CONSERVATION
Mrs. John Dickinson Sherman, Chairman
Chicago Woman's Club, 410 S. Michigan Avenue,
Chicago, Illinois (November to May).
Long's Peak, Estes Park, Colorado (May to
November).
EDUCATION
Miss Mary E. Parker, Chairman
Western Reserve University, Ford Drive and
Bellflower Road, Cleveland, Ohio
HOME ECONOMICS
Mrs. Joseph C. Gawler, Chairman
1401 W. Chestnut Street, North Yakima, Washington
INDUSTRIAL AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS
Mrs. John B. Webb, Chairman
48 Woodland Avenue, Glen Ridge, New Jersey
8
LEGISLATION
Miss Mary Wood, Chairman
250 Areay Building, Albany, New York
LITERATURE AND LIBRARY EXTENSION
Mrs. True Worthy White, Chairman
122 Appleton St., Arlington Heights, Massachusetts
MUSIC
Mrs. William D. Steele, Chairman
604 Broadway, Sedalia, Missouri
PUBLIC HEALTH
Mrs. Elmer Blair, Chairman
815 West 180th St., New York City
DEPARTMENTS
ART
Miss May Davis, Chairman
Raleigh
Mrs. Marshall Williams, Vice-Chairman
Faison
Weaving
Mrs. A. L. Capehart
Oxford
Basketry
Miss Daphne Carraway
^ Raleigh
Home Decoeation
Mrs. W. C. A. Hammel
Greensboro
CIVICS
Mrs. John W. Petty, Chairman
Greensboro
Civic Art and Sanitation
Mrs. K. E. Beckwith
Greenville
Junior Civics and Home Gardening
Miss Ada Blair
High Point
Parks and Playgrounds
Mrs. U. N. Brooks
Durham
CONSERVATION
Miss Julia A. Thorns, Chairman
Asheboro
Forestry
Mrs. Charles Ives
New Bern
10
BlEDS
Aebor Day
Illiteracy
Mrs. W. D. Toy
Chapel Hill
Mrs. W. H. Jasspon
Charlotte
EDUCATION
Miss Mary Owen Graham
Raleigh
Mrs. J. S. Williams
Asheville
Scholarships and Sallie Southall Gotten Loan Fund
Mrs. S. L. Dill, Jr.
New Bern
Cooperation with Schools
Miss Mary G. Shotwell
Oxford
HEALTH
Miss Elizabeth Schwarburg, Chairman
Southern Pines
Community Nursing
Mrs. A. J. Owen
High Point
Anti-Tuberculosis Work
Mrs. Elmo Powell
Whiteville
Better Babies
Mrs. E. J. Jones
Henderson
HOME ECONOMICS
Mrs. W. J. Jones, Chairman
Salemburg
11
Food Sanitation
Miss S. Elizabeth Bolton
Asheville
Clothing
Mrs. E, D. Caldwell
Lumberton
Home Economics in Schools anb Colleges
Miss Minnie Jamieson
Raleigh
LIBRARY EXTENSION
Miss Mary Eagan, Chairman
Gastonia
Mrs. A. A. McClean Mrs. A. H. Powell
Gastonia Oxford
Mrs. S. L. Davis
High Point
LITERATURE
Mrs. Hugh A. Murrill, Chairman
Charlotte
Mrs. Thomas W. Lingle Mrs. Charles E. Piatt
Davidson Charlotte
Mrs. W. H. Pitman Miss Anne Pierce
Raleigh Charlotte
Miss Nellie Eoberson
Chapel Hill
MUSIC
Mrs. J. Norman Wills, Chairman
Greensboro
Community Music
Mrs. C. P. Wharton
Raleigh
12
Music Scholarships
Mrs. William A. French
Wilmington
School Music
Miss Laura G. Doub
Greensboro
SOCIAL SERVICE
Mrs. E. L. Justice, Chairman
Greensboro
Social Welfare
Mrs. C. R. Hoey
Shelby
Child Welfare
North Carolina Children's Home
Mrs. A. H. Powell
Oxford
Industrial Problems
Mrs. Chas. L. Coon
Wilson
13
NOTICES AND SUGGESTIONS
1. The Corresponding Secretary should be promptly in-formed
when there are changes in club officers.
2. Sub-chairmen and department members are appointed
by the chairman for one year at a time.
3. Every chairman should, with the assistance of her com-mittee,
become familiar with the conditions and needs of her
state along her particular line of work.
4. Each chairman is expected to keep a careful record of
all her work, and to hand it with a copy of her yearly report to
her successor upon retiring from office.
5. Chairmen are expected to make a report of the year 's
work at the annual meeting and to deliver the typewritten
report to the Recording Secretary.
6. Individual club reports must be sent to the Recording
Secretary before July 1st of each year.
7. Extra copies of the North Carolina Federation Year
Book may be obtained at 10 cents each from the Corresponding
Secretary, Mrs. W. Thomas Bost, Ealeigh.
8. "Parliamentary Usage for Women's Clubs," by Mrs.
Emma A. Fox, has been adopted by the State Federation, as
well as by the General Federation, as parliamentary authority.
Copies of the manual, revised and enlarged edition, may be
secured through the General Federation Magazine, 409 Pearl
Street, New York; price $1.00, postpaid.
14
STANDING COMMITTEES
FINANCE
Mrs. Sidney P. Cooper, Chairman Henderson
Mrs. A. A. Joseph Goldsboro
Mrs. W. T. Carter Winston- Salem
MEMBERSHIP
Mrs. M. L. Stover, Chairman Wilmington
Mrs. R. L. Gwyn Lenoir
Mrs. W. Thomas Bost (ex-officio) Raleigh
LEGISLATION
Mrs. J. R. Chamberlain, Chairman Raleigh
Mrs. Al Fairbrother Greensboro
Mrs. Joe Brown Chadbourne
BUREAU OF INFORMATION
Mrs. A. H. Powell Oxford
CHAIRMAN OF DISTRICTS
Mrs. E. r. Reid Lenoir
PUBLICITY
Miss Bettie Windley, Chairman New Bern
Mrs. B. E. Moore, Assistant Chairman New Bern
PROGRAM
Miss Gertrude Weil Goldsboro
CUSTODIAN
Mrs. Clarence Johnson Raleigh
15
SALLIE SOUTHALL GOTTEN LOAN FUND
An educational loan fund for girls. The fund was begun,
through the Education Department, in 1909. It was named at
the New Bern Convention, in 1913, in honor of Mrs. Sallie
Southall Gotten,
Loans are made to girls selected by the Scholarship Com-mittee
of the Education Department. Interest is remitted if
a loan is repaid within two years after a girl leaves school,
otherwise interest at six per cent, is charged from date of the
note.
The first loan was made in 1911. Money repaid is lent to
new applicants.
See report of Treasurer for present standing of the fund.
NORTH CAROLINA FEDERATION ENDOWMENT
FUND
This endowment fund was founded in 1911 for the purpose
of providing a steady source of revenue, apart from dues.
The principal is invested in six per cent, notes, secured by
real estate mortgages. It was agreed that interest should be
added to the principal until the fund reached $5,000.00; there-after
the interest should be used for Federation purposes as
ordered by the Annual Meeting. Investment of this fund is
in the hands of the Board of Trustees.
See report of Treasurer for the present standing of the
fund.
TRUSTEES OF NORTH CABOLINA FEDERATION
ENDOWMENT FUND
Mrs. Clarence Johnson, ex-officio Raleigh
Mrs. Sidney P. Cooper, ex-officio Henderson
Mrs. D. Y. Cooper (term expires 1919) Henderson
Miss Adelaide L. Fries (term expires 1921) . . . Winston-Salem
Mrs. R. R. Cotten (term expires 1923) Bruce
16
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Each Year Book that is issued should embody not only a
history of the year's achievements, but contain something of
prophecy as well. We present the Year Book of 1917-1918
with a degree of satisfaction in so far as it records the events
of the past year, and to my predecessor, Mrs. Thomas W.
Lingle, who served the Federation so loyally and so well, do I
tender the honor of reviewing that which has been accomplished
during her regime as President.
As to the future, surely no President ever went into office
with a greater degree of uncertainty as to what her duties
might be or where her responsibility might lead her as your
present chief executive. When the Federation elected me Presi-dent
at Durham, May, 1917, our country was at war, the regu-lar
routine of life in all its phases likely to become demoralized,
all the world seemed '
' topsy-turvy, '
' with any definite plans
or outline of work for the future appearing impossible. Since
that time, however, a very clear conception of our duty as club
women and the relation in which we stand to the issues of the
day has been given me and I pass it on to you.
While we must hold ourselves in readiness to undertake any
line of patriotic service that is asked of us, we must above all
hold fast to our club interests and become more than ever
actively engaged in the things we have been doing which are
so well worth our while. The preservation of the home, the
home in its broadest sense, which includes our neighbor as our
responsibility, is woman's supreme obligation, and to the elut*
women, trained in a continual effort for the betterment of
humanity, do I feel that it has been given to keep safe the
'
' Ideals of Democracy. '
' Education, public health, home
economics, civics, and social service demand our interest now
more than ever, so that when we come victorious out of this
war it will not be to begin again a demoralized home and
civic life. The children of our state must be better educated
17
to make them more worthy citizens of the greater nation we
are to build. Public health needs to be stressed more urgently
than ever before, for it is inevitable that we shall feel the loss
of many of our physicians who will be called to the front and
it is in preventive and educational work along this line wherein
our safety lies. In civics, had we ever a greater need to
realize that our duty is not ended at our own gate, but that
civic consciousness should lead us to the giving of something of
beauty or cleanliness to the community in which we live? As
to our Social Service interest there seems to be no boundary
line, but the clubs are urged to cooperate with the department
in an effort to establish children's societies in towns where
there are none, with a view to caring for and protecting the
dependent and mistreated child, investigate our laws regarding
juveniles, find out what good laws we have that are not enforced,
and what is needed in the way of legislation, urge the need of
improved prison conditions in our state, and the establishment
of a Travelers' Aid in every town of importance in North
Carolina.
Home economies and its vital relation to human welfare
was never so evident as it is today and an unlimited field of
usefulness is given this department. Conservation, library
extension, art, literature and music, none of these can we
afford to neglect, no matter what other and newer interests
demand our attention.
Women are called upon to bear a heavy burden. Our
country calls us to give to this new time and crisis the new
service that is necessary. We are being tried in the crucible
of sacrifice, even to the giving of our own flesh and blood.
It is for us to cast aside traditions and customs that have
bound us in the past and set the example of the new standard
of life. Many women have accepted the responsibility cheer-fully
and courageously, but many, alas, are still indifferent.
May God help every one of us to measure up to the high ideal
of cheerful, self-sacrificing, loyal service, which is the club
woman's standard of womanhood.
Very sincerely,
Baleigh, July, 1917. Kate Burr Johnson.
18
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT GENERAL
To the members of the North Carolina Federation of Women's
Clubs
:
Dear Friends: The call to service rings more loudly than
ever. Our nation is at war in defense of human rights and in
order that the world may be '
' made safe for democracy. '
' The
highest patriotic duty we can render under the present cir-cumstances
is to set the example of right living and self-sacri-fice.
The General Federation Food Conservation Pledge,
adopted at the New Orleans Council Meeting April 12th, has
been widely distributed through all State Federations. Oar
Government, through Mr. Herbert Hoover, Food Director, is
seeking to reach every home in the land with a similar pledge.
All women are urged to cooperate in the conservation of the
food supply of the nation. Sign these pledges; get your neigh-bors
and friends to do likewise; and then live up to their
requirements.
The Eed Cross presents unlimited opportunities for reme-dial
efforts. There should be branches in all towns; club houses
should be opened for their accommodation.
The aim of the eleven departments of work of the General
Federation of Women's Clubs is the development and con-servation
of human efficiency. All chairmen have issued defi-nite
lists of the activities under which they believe their
workers can severally serve the public need in this crisis. If
yoa have not already received copies, write for them at once.
We urge national prohibition in behalf of the manhood
and womanhood of our country as the fundamental step in the
conservation of the physical strength and moral force of our
nation. We urge you to bring the power of the clubs of your
state to bear upon the effort of the Secretary of War, through
your Governor, to surround training camps and military posts
with a wholesome and moral environment.
19
On June 8th, which was Woman's Day of Liberty Loan
week, the General Federation invested $18,300.00 in Liberty
Loan Bonds. When the next issue of these bonds is made, you
are urged to cooperate in their sale.
April 21st the Woman 's Committee of the Council of
National Defense was appointed to unify and coordinate the
woman power of the country. The plan of organization
adopted almost parallels that of our own. It is therefore easy
for us to cooperate and to urge the most hearty and loyal
support of this effort of our government to bring into closer
relationship the organized womanhood of America. It is not
the purpose of this committee that any organization should
lose its identity, or that already established work shall be
interrupted.
In all our activities, and with the multitudinous cares
that press upon our life at this time, we must not forget '
' the
preservation of those inner defenses of our national life, both
material and spiritual, which if allowed to weaken must weaken
the entire national structure. '
' Let hatred have no place in
our hearts.
Yours with courage and sympathy,
lONE V. H. COWLES.
20
MINUTES OF THE FIFTEENTH ANNUAL
CONVENTION
(Abridged)
Wednesday, May 2nd, 9:30 A. M.
The Fifteenth Annual Convention of the North Carolina
Federation of Women's Clubs convened in the Administration
Building, Trinity College, Durham, N. C, Wednesday, May
2nd, 1917, at 9:30 a. m., the President, Mrs. Thomas W. Lingle,
presiding. After the invocation, which was made by Rev.
S. !S. Bost, the Federation Song was sung by the Convention,
with Mrs. W. A. French pianist.
The following committees were appointed by the chair:
Rules and Regulations: Mrs. W. O. Spencer, Winston-
Salem; Miss Elizabeth Randolph, Lenoir; Mrs, F. M. Pickett,
High Point.
Credentials: Miss Elizabeth Schwarburg, Southern Pines;
Mrs. Frank C. Brown, Durham; Miss Adelaide L. Fries, Win-ston-
Salem; Mrs. Elmo Powell, Whiteville.
Resolutions: Miss Bettie Windley, New Bern; Mrs. E. F.
Reid, Lenoir; Mrs. Geo. Lay, Raleigh; Mrs. C. E. Piatt, Char-lotte;
Miss Hattie Berry, Chapel Hill.
After a few brief remarks by the President, reports of the
officers were called for. Report of the Corresponding Secre-tary,
Mrs. M. L. Stover, was read and a-ccepted. Miss Clara I.
Cox then read lier report as Recording Secretary, The report
was accepted.
A resume of the work of the Executive Board was then read
by the Recording Secretary. The report was accepted by the
convention.
The report on Rules and Regulations was then presented
by Mrs. W, O, Spencer, Chairman of committee. The follow-ing
rules were suggested: That the doors be closed during
sessions; that the program be carried out as far as possible as
21
printed; that no person be allowed to speak twice on the same
subject; that no person be allowed to speak until recognized
by the chair; that no person shall speak more than two minutes,
and it was suggested that the ladies remove their hats.
The report was accepted and the rules adopted by the
convention.
Mrs. M. L. Stover then read section of constitution refer-ring
to nominating committee. The terms of the following
officers expire at this time: Mrs. Thomas W. Lingle, Presi-dent;
Mrs. Charles C. Hook, Second Vice-President; Mrs. M. L.
Stover, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. O. Max Gardner, Audi-tor.
The Nominating Committee was then elected as follows:
Mrs. J. E. Chamberlain, of Ealeigh; Mrs. H. W. Chase, of
Chapel Hill; Mrs. Gordon Finger, of Charlotte; Mrs. C. L.
Ives, of New Bern, and Miss Gertrude Weil, of Goldsboro.
Eeport of the Board of Trustees was then submitted by
Mrs. D. Y. Cooper, which was duly accepted by the convention.
Miss Adelaide Fries, Treasurer, then submitted a most grati-fying
report. The acceptance of this report was deferred
until after the Auditor's report had been made.
Mrs. E. F. Eeid, of Lenoir, presented report of Member-ship
Committee. This report showed 33 additions during the
year. Delegates from these new clubs then came forward upon
request and were greeted most cordially by the President and
given a hearty welcome into the Federation. Upon motion the
report was accepted with thanks.
Eeport of the District Chairman, Mrs. W. B. Waddill, of
Henderson, was then submitted. A map was effectively used
by Mrs. Waddill in explaining the location of the different dis-tricts
of the state. The report was accepted with thanks.
Eeports from the following siib-chairmen of District Com-mittees
were then heard: Miss Hunt for Mrs. J. T. Lowe,
Third District; Mrs. Gordon Finger, Fourth District; Mrs.
U. L. Spence, Fifth District; Mrs. C. D. Bradham, Eighth
District; Mrs. Waddill for Miss Westbrook, Ninth District;
Mrs. Eichard Williams, Tenth District. Mrs. T. D. Jones and
Mrs. Gilbert C. White were then recognized by the chair and
22
Mrs. Jones extended an invitation to luncheon on behalf of
the Durham Civic Association,
After an intermission of fifteen minutes the convention
assembled in memorial to Susan Moses Graham, with Mrs. E. E.
Gotten, Honorary President, presiding. After a few touching
remarks by the Honorary President, Eev. W. T. Moss, pastor
of the Presbyterian Ghiirch at Chapel Hill, read a selection
from the 5th chapter of Matthew, followed by prayer. A
memorial was then read by Dr. Archibald Henderson, of Chapel
Hill. Mrs. J. S. Holmes, of Chapel Hill, told of Mrs. Graham's
'
' Life in the Community '
'
; Mrs. Al Fairbrother, of Greens-boro,
spoke on Mrs. Graham's relation to the North Carolina
Federation of Women's Clubs.
Adjourned for luncheon, courtesy of Durham Civic Asso-ciation.
Wednesday, Mat 2nd, 2:30 P. M.
The convention was called to order by the President, Mrs.
Lingle, who requested the Second Vice-President, Mrs. 0. C.
Hook, to preside. The subject before the convention was
Eural Welfare and Community Building. Miss Daisy B.
Waitt, of Greenville, Chairman of Education, presented her
report, which was accepted.
Mrs. E. C. Brooks, of Durham, was recognized by the chair
and extended an invitation to the delegates and their hostesses
to attend a garden party given by the Julian S. Carr Chapter
of the United Daughters of the Confederacy at the residence
of Col. and Mrs. W. A. Erwin at 5:30.
Dr. Carroll gave a few timely remarks on the necessity of
increasing the amovmt of the Sallie Southall Gotten Loan Fund.
Mrs. C. L. Coon, of Wilson, made an interesting talk on
''Our State High Schools and Their Part in Eural Welfare."
Following this, the Chairman of Health, Miss Elizabeth
SchWarburg, of Southern Pines, made her report. The report
contained congratulations from Dr. McBrayer for the splendid
work accomplished by the Federated Clubs.
Miss Kate Herring, of the Board of Health, explained in
what ways the State Board of Health could render assistance
23
to the Federation and asked for their cooperation. The most
important features urged by Miss Herring were: Baby week
campaign, Eed Cross seal campaign, clean up campaign, Eed
Cross first aid work. The State Board has no funds to offer,
but does have an abundance of free literature. Mrs. Stover
read a letter from Dr. McBrayer to Mrs. Lingle, commending
the interest taken by women 's clubs in health work.
Mrs. W. H. Jasspon, of Charlotte, Chairman of School
Gardening, made a most interesting and instructive address on
this subject. Dr. Claxton 's suggestion that a garden super-visor
for every one hundred school children be officially pro-vided
was heartily endorsed.
Miss Mary C. Shotwell, of Oxford, spoke most interestingly
on Mobilizing Eural Forces for Community Building.
A round table discussion on ' * How Has Your Club Con-tributed
to Community Upbuilding," was entered into heartily.
Among those taking part in the discussion were Mrs.
Miller, President of the Betterment Association of Gastonia;
Mrs. Forkner, of Asheville ; Miss Graham, of Raleigh ; Miss
Carroway, of Raleigh Betterment Association; Mrs. Gudger, of
Asheville; Miss Fries; Mrs. Justice. Dr. Carroll commended
the farmers' institutes and the work which the women are doing
in these organizations. Others taking part in the discussion
were Mrs, Chamberlain, Mrs. Monroe, and Mrs. Johnson. Miss
Cox advocated appointment of club extension committees. Mrs.
Gotten spoke in tenderest terms of her rural sister, and made
some timely suggestions as to ways and methods of working
with the women in the rural districts.
Mr. Young, State Fire Insurance Commissioner, was recog-nized
by the chair and invited to the platform. Mr, Young
spoke of the enormous waste of property and lives by inade-quate
fire prevention. It was noted that in one year 324 lives
were lost by fire in our state and of this number two-thirds
were women and children. Mr. Young stated that his depart-ment
stood ready to cooperate with the women's clubs in their
endeavor in this line of work. Motion was made by Mrs.
Chamberlain that a resolution be formulated to cooperate with
Commissioner Young and the fire department. Motion carried.
24
The convention adjourned to attend a garden party at the
home of Mrs. W. A. Erwin.
Wednesday, May 2_nd, 8.30 P. M.
The convention assembled in Craven Memorial Hall, Trinity
College, at 8:30, Mrs. T. W. Lingle presiding.
Mrs. T. D. Jones, President of the Durham Civic Associa-tion,
delivered an address of welcome to the convention, extend-ing
a most cordial welcome on behalf of the Durham Civic
Association,
Miss Pearl Bronson, musical director of Louisburg College,
charmingly rendered two vocal solo selections.
Dr. W. P. Few, president of Trinity College, extended
greetings of welcome on behalf of the college. He said it
was particularly appropriate at this time of national stress
to have the women 's clubs present, because they had a common
interest in the causes of mankind.
Mr. B. S. Skinner, mayor of the City of Durham, then
welcomed the convention on behalf of the city. The mayor
commented on the different conventions that had been held
in Durham during the last few years, but that none had more
noble purposes or higher motives than the Women's Clubs of
North Carolina.
Response to these cordial words of welcome was made by
Mrs. Clarence Johnson, of Ealeigh, First Vice-President.
Mrs. Thrash, President of the United Daughters of the
Confederacy for the State, extended greetings from that organ-ization,
assuring the Federation that the United Daughters of
the Confederacy are also United Daughters of our Glorious
Eepublie.
A telegram was then read from the South Carolina Federa-tion
of Women's Clubs, extending greetings to the convention
in session.
Following this was the address of the President, Mrs.
Thomas W. Lingle, of Davidson, who called especial attention
to the closing words of President Wilson's famous proclama-tion,
'
' The supreme test of the nation has come. We must all
25
speak, act and serve together. " " These words are particularly-appropriate
to us, the club women of the state," she said,
"because their appeal is directed to the women of the coiintry
as never an appeal was made before." Mrs. Lingle noted that
this test applies to efficiency as well as loyalty and that the
spirit of cooperation is of utmost importance in such an hour
as this.
Miss Gertrude Weil, of Goldsboro, submitted her report as
General Federation State Secretary. The audience was then
favored by another vocal solo by Miss Pearl Bronson.
Mrs, William Grimes, Vice-President of the Ealeigh Chapter
of the American Eed Cross, made a few timely remarks relative
to the importance of Red Cross work.
The audience was then favored by the reading of an original
poem by Mrs. Willis Peace, after which one verse of '
' The
Star-Spangled Banner '
' was sung. The convention remained
standing a moment in honor of Mrs. Robert R. Gotten, of
Bruce, Honorary President, who then delivered an address on
"The Council at New Orleans."
Mrs. Eugene Eeilley then addressed the convention on
'
' Ourselves and Others. '
'
Following this there was a reception in the Administration
Building, courtesy of Trinity College.
Thursday, May 3rd, 9:30 A. M.
The convention was called to order in the Administration
Building of Trinity College by Mrs. Clarence Johnson, of Ral-eigh,
First Vice-President. Invocation was offered by Rev.
W. L. Wells. Reading of minutes was postponed until Friday
morning. Telegraphic greetings were read by the Secretary
from C. W. Roberts, of Henderson, and Mrs. Lula R. Piatt, of
Asheville.
Mrs. J. R. Chamberlain, of Raleigh, submitted her report
as Chairman of the Committee on Legislation. Report accepted.
Mrs. Finger, of Charlotte, moved that the revision of the
constitution be taken up at this time. Motion carried. Mrs.
W. B. Waddill was requested to present the amendments. The
26
proposed amendments were read and after much discussion
they were adopted as follows:
Amend Article 10, Section 1, by adding, "In addition each
club shall pay 25 cents as the club's share of the dues of the
State Federation to the General Federation."
Amend Article 11 by adding Section 4. '
' On odd calendar
years, nominations for North Carolina Director of General
Federation of the Women's Clubs shall be presented by the
Nominating Committee at the same time state officers are pre-sented.
The Director shall be elected by ballot for a term
of two years, the name of the person receiving the majority
vote shall be presented for ratification at the next biennial con-vention.
By virtue of this office she shall be entitled to a
vote in Convention, Council and Board of Directors. '
'
Amend Article 11 by changing By-Law No. 7 to Section 5 of
Article 11.
Amend By-Law No. 9 (which automatically becomes By-
Law No. 8) as follows: "Standing committees on Finance,
Membership, Legislation, District Chairman and Presidents of
Districts shall be elected by the Board of Directors, The
elected chairmen of Standing Committees, District Chairmen
and Presidents of Districts shall be privileged to vote in the
meetings of the Council, Board of Directors and the Annual
Convention. '
'
New By-Law No. 9 : " The Chairmen of Publicity and
Bureau of Information shall be elected by the Board of Dir'ec"-
tors and shall be entitled to vote in the meetings of Council,
Board of Directors and the Annual Convention."
New By-Law No. 16 : "It shall be the duty of the District
Chairman to have general supervision of districts and, cooper-ating
with the District Presidents, arrange for annual meet-ing
in their respective districts. The duty of District Presi-dents
shall be to organize new clubs, to federate clubs in their
districts, and to organize county federations. They shall give
report of their work at the annual convention. '
'
By-Laws 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20, to become By-Laws 17, 18,
19. 20. 21.
27
By-Laws 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, to become By-Laws 22, 23,
24, 25, 26, 27.
The report of the Auditor, Mrs. O. Max Gardner, showed
the Treasurer's books of the Federation had been carefully
audited and examined and found accurate and complete. Eeport
accepted. The Treasurer 's report was then duly accepted by
the convention.
The report of Chairman of Finance was submitted to Mrs.
Sidney P. Cooper, of Henderson. The report was accepted
with thanks. Following this report, pledges were made towards
the completion of the Five Thousand Dollar Endovrment Fund.
Upon motion the convention adjourned to drive to Chapel
Hill.
Thursday, May 3rd, 1 : 00 P. M.
At 1 'clock the convention convened La Girard Hall, Uni-versity
of North Carolina, Mrs. Lingle presiding. Mrs. W. H.
Chase, President of the Community Club, of Chapel Hill, gra-ciously
welcomed the convention. An address of welcome was
then delivered by Dr. Edward K. Graham, President of the
University. '
' No matter where you live or what your inter-ests
are, '
' said Dr. Graham, '
' the State University is y<mr
University. '
' He referred to the similarity of the North
Carolina Federation of Women's Clubs and the State Univer-sity
in their endeavor to minister to the higher needs of a
civilized community. He commended the women's clubs for
what they had accomplished along this line, and made a plea
for the higher education of women. He complimented her
scholarly attainments in every department of the University in
which a woman has been a student. He regarded higher edu-cation
not as a matter of sex, but as a matter of Ufe, and
advocated education of the masses instead of the classes. He
also admitted that women are people. He said that this is
a man-made world and hoped he was not committing treason in
saying so. He referred to the many compliments which had
always been bestowed upon the "Pilgrim Fathers" without
ever mentioning the "Pilgrim Mothers." He asked the ques-tion,
"Do we really believe in higher education for women?"
28
and noted the fact that no notable contribution had ever been
made by any woman of the state along this line. He recom-mended
that they make such contribution or endeavor to get
other wealthy women to do so.
Dr. L. A. Williams, of the State Extension Bureau, made
a few remarks on the study courses provided by the University.
Miss May Davis, of Ealeigh, Viee-Chairman of Art Depart-ment,
read report of that department, in the absence of Mrs.
Busbee, Chairman. The report was accepted.
Miss Julia Thorns, of Asheboro, Chairman of Conservation
Department, gave a most interesting report. Report was
accepted.
Miss Hattie Berry, of the State Geological Survey, told of
some literature gotten out by this department and which could
be used to advantage by the women 's clubs.
Report of the Community Club, of Chapel Hill, was read
by Mrs. Mangum.
Report on Home Economics was read by Mrs. H. A. White,
of High Point, Chairman of that department. The report was
accepted.
Mrs. Chase extended an invitation on behalf of the Commun-ity
Club of Chapel Hill to luncheon in Swain Hall.
Then adjourned.
Thxjesday, May 3rd, 8:20 P. M.
Convention assembled in Academy of Music at 8:20 p. m.,
Mrs. Lingle presiding. Rev. C. J. Harrell invoked divine
blessing. A vocal trio then followed.
Mrs. John W. Petty, of Greensboro, Chairman of Civics
Department, presented her report.
Miss Anna Louise Brower, holder of Federation scholarship
at Salem College, rendered an instrumental solo in a pleasing
manner.
Miss Harriett Elliott, of Greensboro State Normal College,
delivered a very thoughtful address, full of inspiration and
helpful suggestions on Civic Art.
29
Miss Briggs, another young lady holding Federation scholar-ship
at Salem College, rendered a piano solo. Miss Alice
Hundley sang a song entitled '
' Sunshine.
'
Dr. Brown, of Trinity College, introduced Mr, K. L. Balden-sperger,
of the National Bureau of Prisons, who delivered a
most illuminating address on Prison Eeform.
Friday, May 4th, 10:00 A. M.
The convention was called to order at 10 o 'clock by the
President, Mrs. T. W. Lingle, in the Administration Building,
Trinity College. Invocation was made by Eev. H. M. North.
Mrs. W. A. French read her report as Chairman of Music, which
was accepted.
The report of Mrs. John W. Petty, of Greensboro, Chair-man
of Civics, which was read the evening before, was accepted.
Mrs. Cotten's motion that Miss Harriett Elliott's article
on '
' Civic Art '
' be published in state press or incorporated
in the Year Book was carried.
Miss Pearl Little, the successful contestant in the Music
Department, was presented the silver cup by Mrs. W. A.
French. Mrs. French explained that this cup was purchased
with money from the sale of the '
' Federation Song. '
' Miss
Little's piece of music which won the prize is entitled, "A
Child's Wish Granted." It was moved by Mrs. Gotten that
this loving cup be called the "Duncan Cup," in honor of Mrs.
E. C. Duncan, of Raleigh. Motion carried.
Final report of the Credential Committee was then made,
as follows:
Past Presidents present 4
Officers present 8
Chairmen of Departments and standing com-mittees
14
Sub-Chairmen of Districts 8
Delegates 179
Total 213
30
Motion carried to proceed with roll call.
Invitation was extended by Mrs. E. C. Duncan to the con-vention
to attend a musical festival in Ealeigh.
Mrs. Lay, "the incoming President of the Ealeigh Woman's
Club, on behalf of the Woman's Club, Chamber of Commerce
and Rotary Club, invited the next annual convention of the
Federation to meet in Ealeigh. Invitation accepted. It was
moved and carried that the President appoint a committee to
decide on the date of the next annual convention. The com-mittee
appointed was Mesdames Eeilley, Lay and Johnson.
Motion was carried to elect the delegates to the Biennial at
this convention.
Miss Bettie Windley, Chairman of Committee on Eesolutions,
made her report, submitting nine resolutions. After some dis-cussion
the resolutions were adopted.
After the roll call it was found that there were 169 present
who were entitled to vote.
Mrs. Chamberlain, Chairman of the Nominating Committee,
presented the following report
:
President—Mrs. Clarence Johnson, Ealeigh.
Second Vice-President—Mrs. M. C. Eobinson, Asheville.
Corresponding Secretary—Mrs. Joseph Hyde Pratt, Chapel
Hill.
Auditor—Mrs. T. D. Jones, Durham.
General Federation State Secretary—Miss Margaret Gibson,
Wilmington.
Director National Federation—Mrs. E. E. Gotten.
Mrs. Joseph Hyde Pratt withdrew her name as nominee for
Corresponding Secretary, and Mrs. W. T. Bost, of Ealeigh,
was nominated in her place. Mrs. Charles C. Hook, of Char-lotte,
was nominated as First Vice-President, and the Secretary
was asked to cast the ballot for officers as nominated. The
newly elected officers were invited to come to the platform and
Mrs. Clarence Johnson accepted the honor conferred upon her
in a most appropriate manner, complimenting the retiring
President upon her successful administration. Mrs. D. Y.
Cooper was recognized by the chair and extended words of
appreciation for the splendid work accomplished by the retiring
31
President, Mrs. Thomas W. Lingle. A rising vote of thanks
was then given the retiring President.
These expressions of appreciation were modestly acknowl-edged
by Mrs. Lingle in a few appropriate words.
Following this, the report of Miss Mary Eagan, Chairman
of Library Extension, was read and accepted.
In the absence of Mrs. J. S. Williams, Chairman of Social
Service, Miss Clara Cox, Secretary, read this report. Eeport
accepted.
Mrs. E. L. Justice, of Greensboro, explained the work of
North Carolina Children 's Home Society.
Mrs. Clarence Johnson announced that a telephone message
had just been received from Mrs. T. W. Bickett, saying she
was unavoidably detained and could not meet with the conven-tion,
and requesting Mrs. Johnson to bring before the con-vention
the matter of observing economy and preventing waste.
Mrs. Johnson read a letter from Mrs. Bickett in which she
stated that this policy would be observed by her and that only
the simplest things would be served at receptions at the
Governor 's Mansion.
Mrs. E. L. Gwyn, of Lenoir, read her report as President
of District No. 11. Eeport accepted. Mrs. C. L. Coon, of
Wilson, President of District No. 13, read her report, which
was accepted.
Mrs. Sidney Cooper, Chairman of the State Federation
Endowment Fund, reported that $403 had been pledged during
the convention for this cause.
Mrs. Hook, of Charlotte, started "The Star-Spangled Ban-ner,
'
' which was sung heartily by the convention assembled.
Prof. Wanamaker extended an invitation to luncheon on
behalf of the men's clubs—Chamber of Commerce, Eotary
Club, and Merchants' Association.
It was moved by Mrs. Gotten that a copy of the patriotic
resolution be sent by telegram to Governor and Mrs. Bickett.
Motion carried.
It was moved and carried that Mrs. Clarence Johnson, Presi-dent
North Carolina Federation of Women 's Clubs, be Chair-man
of the Emergency Service Committee. Motion carried.
32
Mrs. R. E. Gotten was then unanimously elected trustee of
the North Carolina Federation Endowment Fund for the term
of six years.
The Resolutions Committee was asked to present patriotic
resolution at night session.
Convention adjourned for luncheon.
Friday, May 4th, 2:30 P. M.
Convention called to order at 2:30, by the President, Mrs.
Lingle. The first business to come before the convention was
the election of delegates to the next biennial. It was announced
that nine delegates and nine alternates should be elected. Nom-inations
were then made frorii the floor. It was moved and
carried that the nine getting the highest vote be elected dele-gates
and the other nine nominated serve as alternates. After
election was concluded the tellers took charge of the ballots.
Minutes of the convention were read by the Secretary and
adopted. It was moved and carried that the minutes of today's
sessions be adopted by the Board.
It was moved by Mrs. Cotten and carried unanimously that
a contribution be made by the North Carolina Federation of
Women 's Clubs to the Susan Moses Graham memorial to be
erected in Chapel Hill.
The convention adjourned.
Friday, May 4th, 8:30 P. M.
The convention assembled in the Academy of Music at
8:30, Mrs. T. W. Lingle presiding.
Miss Bettie D. Windley, of New Bern, read her report as
Chairman of Literature, which was accepted.
Mrs. M. C. Robinson, of Asheville, whose poem was ad-judged
the best submitted by the contestants, gave a reading
of the poem. The poem was entitled, '
' At the End of the
Way. '
'
It was announced that Mrs. Oliver May had won distinc-tion
for doing the best research work.
33
The convention was then favored by a vocal solo by Miss
Eosa Warren, of West Durham, and accompanied by Miss Pearl
Little, the selection being "The Child's Wish Granted." The
music was composed by Miss Pearl Little, winning for her the
'
' Duncan Cup, '
' offered for the best musical composition.
Mrs. Piatt, of Charlotte, on behalf of Eesolutions Commit-tee,
submitted three resolutions, one of them of patriotic char-acter,
to be sent to Governor Bickett. The resolutions were
adopted.
The following resolution was directed forwarded to Mrs.
Bickett
:
"Eesolved, That we, the North Carolina Federation of
Women's Clubs, wish to express to Mrs. Bickett our apprecia-tion
of her messages and to assure her of oar hearty apprecia-tion
and support in every patriotic endeavor. It is the sense
of this convention that we will individually endeavor in every
way to follow the suggestions as to economy given in these
communications. '
'
Two resolutions of thanks were also adopted, one express-ing
appreciation for the courtesies of Durham, the other setting
forth the thanks of the convention for the pleasant day pro-vided
at Chapel Hill.
America was sung by the convention.
Delegates to the Biennial were announced as follows: Miss
Clara I. Cox, Mrs. T. D. Jones, Mrs. Sidney P. Cooper, Mrs.
Joseph Hyde Pratt, Mrs. M. L. Stover, Mrs. Gordon Finger,
Mrs. T. P. Jerman, Miss Bettie Windley, Miss Elizabeth
Schwarburg.
Alternates announced as follows: Miss Julia Thorns, Mrs.
E. F. Eeid, Miss Mary M. Petty, Mrs. A. H. Powell, Mrs. S. E.
Dilworth, Mrs. Walter Woodard, Mrs. Elmo Powell, Mrs. C. D.
Bradham, Mrs. Gilmer Korner.
An address was delivered by Prof. W. W. Pierson, of
Chapel Hill, on "The Study of Latin America."
A musical selection was then rendered.
34
Dr. Thomas W. Lingle, of Davidson, then delivered an
address on '
' The Latin American Peoples and Their Problems. '
'
The new officers were then called to the front, introduced to
the Federation, and installed.
The fifteenth annual meeting was then declared adjourned.
:{5
RESOLUTIONS
(With statement as to disposition of each.)
1. Resolved: That we endorse the policy of the Council
of the General Federation as formulated at the New Orleans
meeting for mobilizing the services of women for patriotic
duty in the present war.
(Emergency Service Committee.)
2. Eesolved : That the Federation of Women 's Clubs
endorse the name of Mrs. J. E. Chamberlain, of Ealeigh, for
a member of the governing board of the Home for Delinquent
Girls and Women, and request the Governor to appoint Mrs.
Chamberlain to that position.
(Corresponding Secretary send to Governor Biekett.)
3. Eesolved : That we advocate raising the standard of
motion pictures and urge that the club women create a senti-ment
in their respective communities to this end.
(Social Service Department.)
4. Whereas, the Woman 's Club, of Waynesville, has sent
in a resolution looking toward equalizing the inheritance rights
of husband and wife with respect to personal property; there-fore
Be it resolved: That these resolutions be submitted to our
Legislative Committee for their approval and revision, looking
toward submitting such changes in the statutes to the next
legislature. (Committee on Legislation.)
36
5. Whereas, Statute 222 passed by the legislature of 1915
is in force for the holding of juvenile courts and the enforce-ment
of juvenile regulations in towns; therefore
Be it resolved: That this convention strongly urges the
enforcement of this law by the towns; and it is further sug-gested
that the various clubs bring this to the attention of
their town authorities and work for its enforcement.
(Social Service Deparment.)
6. Resolved: That this convention endorses the work of
the State Board of Health and urges that health work, particu-larly
regarding children, be further extended in the rural dis-tricts.
(Health Department.)
7, Whereas, the State of North Carolina is losing annually
from $500,000 to a million dollars (the figures for 1916 being
$3,900,000) worth of marketable timber through forest fires;
and the undergrowth, which means our future supply of timber,
is being tremendously damaged by these fires ; and
Whereas, statistics show that the majority of these forest
fires are caused by burning the cattle ranges in counties which
have no stock law; and
Whereas, the free ranging of cattle and hogs in the non-stock
law counties has practically killed the longleaf pine in
eastern Carolina, thereby causing a loss to the state of millions
of dollars annually because of the elimination of the industries
dependent upon the longleaf pine, such as tar, pitch, turpen-tine,
naval stores, etc. ; and
Whereas, the free range cattle and hogs are scrub cattle
and hogs, having little intrinsic value, and their promiscuous
spreading of the cattle tick and diseases are a menace to the
growth of good stock; therefore
Be it resolved: That this convention endorses the conser-vation
and perpetuation of our forests and the promotion of
better farming and cattle raising in our state through the pas-sage
of a state-wide stock law.
37
Furthermore: We endorse the Trork of the Forestry Divis-ion
of the North Carolina Geological and Economic Survey in
the protection gi the forests from fire through the establish-ment
of a system of forest fire patrol and earnestly hope that
the legislature of 1919 will make this possible by such an
appropriation as will enable the state to take advantage of
federal assistance through the Weeks law in the establishment
of an efficient system of forest fire patrol.
(Committee on Legislation.)
8. Whereas, it is a well recognized fact that North Caro-lina
has splendid natural possibilities for the growing of sheep,
an industry which would not only be of great economic value
to the state, but which would tend to relieve a national and
international stress at the present time for raw materials; and
Whereas, this industry has been practically obliterated in
the state because of the lack of state control of sheep killing
dogs which serve no useful purpose and are a menace to health
and life through the spread of rabies; therefore
Be it resolved: That this convention favors the enactment
of a state-wide dog law, which would effectively control the
situation, and we suggest that our Legislative Committee bring
this resolution to the attention of the next legislature.
(Committee on Legislation.)
9. Realizing the importance to the state of the conservation
of our bird life both from an esthetic and economic standpoint.
Resolved: That we endorse the work of the State Audubon
Society and favor the establishment of a State Game Commis-sion
for the protection of the birds and wild animals of the
state.
And we urge the clubs of the state to take up a study of
our bird life, both through their own organization and through
the public schools, with the idea of not only enriching the
lives of the individual members through a knowledge of bird
38
life, which carries its own reward, but with the idea of edu-cating
our people to the economic value of our birds, and
thus creating a public sentiment which will insure the per-petuation
of this natural asset,
(Committee on Legislation.)
10. Eesolved: That the Federated Clubs of North Caro-lina
cooperate with the State Home Demonstration Work, by
the use of its products, aiding in the organization of the work
in every county in the state.
(Corresponding Secretary send to Mrs. Jane McKimmon.)
11. Eesolved: That the North Carolina Federation of
Women 's Clubs cooperate with every effort put forth by the
State Insurance Commissioner, James E. Young, for Fire Pre-vention.
(Corresponding Secretary send to Mr. Young.)
12. Whereas, President Wilson in his message to Congress
has urged the grave necessity of economy being practiced by
all the people of this nation.
We, the women of North Carolina Federation of Women's
Clubs, in convention assembled, do pledge our utmost support
and loyalty to our government, by living simply, by eliminating
waste and by conserving our food products.
(Corresponding Secretary send copy to President
Woodrow Wilson.)
39
RETIRING PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS
(Abridged)
'
' The supreme test of the nation has come. We must all
speak, act and serve together ;
' ' these are the closing words
and the keynote of the now famous proclamation of President
Wilson.
Never were a people called to patriotic service by nobler
words than these. As they were flashed by telegraph and tele-phone
and cable throughout our land and to lands beyond the
seas their worth was at once recognized. A sympathetic vein
was struck as is ever the ease when a timely appeal is made to
higher feelings and to nobler motives. They have been echoed
and reechoed by press, preacher, and orator; school children
have lisped out the sentences, and the well formed virile phrases
have become the despair of critics and the admiration of a
loving public. This proclamation is a document which will go
down into history with those few exceptional gems of English
which stirring events have called forth from our rulers.
These words are particularly aj^propriate to us, the club
women of the state, because their appeal is directed to the
women of the country as never appeal was made before to the
women of any land or time. Since war has at last shaken our
land with its fateful thunder, woman, the American woman, has
come into her own, almost into her very own promised land.
So near are we to the shores of equal liberty, that we speak
the language of that fair country, and we can afford to smile
at the cardboard barriers that are erected to keep us out, but
which the first wind of necessity will blow down.
The supreme test of the nation has come and with it the
test of the loyalty of every individual and of every organization.
The supreme test of our Federation has come. It is a test of
efficiency as well as of loyalty. Are we able to stand the test?
Is there in our organization that unity of purpose, that lack of
40
self-interest, that power to bring forth results and that spirit
of cooperation which shall stand the test in such an hour as
this? If not, we had better expend our time and our talents
through other channels.
Can the Federation stand the test of patriotism? Have we
learned to think in terms of world relations? Do we know that
patriotism that begins with allegiance to the family as the
social unit, that grows in breadth as it comprehends the com-munity,
the county, and the state, and, not stopping with the
boundaries of state or section, takes in national issues and
feels a pride in every building, ship and outpost over which
the stars and stripes fly triumphant? Aye, truly we know
the meaning of patriotism in these terms; but have we grasped
this new sense of world relations, has the new internationalism
entered into our concepts? If so, we know that we are going
into this great war with no hatred for the enemy, but for the
purpose that transcends the needs or ambitions of a single coun-try
or nation. '
' The world must be made safe for democracy, '
'
and our own democracy is unsafe until this is assured.
Can the Federation stand the test of efficiency? This ques-tion
could probably best be answered by a review of the his-tory
of the organization. What can be expected of the Federa-tion
can well be estimated by what it has already accomplished.
It would be interesting, indeed, if we had time for a review
of the fifteen years of the life and work of the organization
under the motto, '
' Unity in Diversity. '
'
We have been asked at this time, which marks the closing
of another of the two-year administrations, to give a review
of that which has been accomplished under the present officers.
This I shall refrain from doing. What has been accomplished
at once becomes a thing of the past and loses interest for us
whose eyes are centered on the present and whose hopes take in
the future. Better perhaps to tell of what we have failed to
accomplish, as such failure in nearly every case points toward
accomplishment for the future. It would also be more profit-able
to point out the weaknesses of the organization than in
any way to' boast of its ability, for by so doing we might best
strengthen the whole chain by renewing the weak links.
41
When in Goldsboro you elected the present officers, I was
oppressed, and at the same time attracted, by a vision which I
had received of the state-wide possibilities of the women of
North Carolina, To make of the women's clubs a recognized
state organization, taking its place with the most serious and
influential bodies within our borders, was no trifling ambition.
It has not been accomplished by sitting at home and dream-ing
about it, or by accepting only such invitations as suited
the convenience of time or purse. It was a self-imposed task,
one for which I was accountable to no one but my own con-science;
to me it stands out as the most worth while service I
have been able to render. With it has come a closer and more
helpful relationship with other state organizations and with
the departments of state.
Our connection, for instance, with the forestry department
and with the State Forestry Association has been cordial and
intimate and mutually helpful. We have made common causa
with those officials and lay workers who are seeking to pre-serve
for us and for our children the great natural resources
of the forest lands. It has become to us a patriotic duty to
plead for adequate fire protection appropriation and for the
enforcement of game and lumbering laws. Conservation is
no byword with us in the Federation. If your local club has
not grasped its meaning and learned its possibilities, I hope you
will not rest until you have gotten in touch with our state
forester, Mr. Holmes, of Chapel Hill, and have made out a
program for at least one meeting of the year on this subject
of vital importance.
We have gotten in closer touch with our State Bureau of
Health; the office in Ealeigh has often been too busy to coop-erate
with us in immediate and definite club undertakings, but
the promise of future active participation in our plans sounds
good. There is one department that has never failed to recog-nize
the latent power of the women of town, city, and county
for public health propaganda, Dr, McBrayer, of the Tubercu-losis
Department, has fitted into every plan we have made and
has helped to carry out the slogan of better health for all our
42
people. This is a work which is only just begun; as long as
the white plague stalks abroad in our land, claiming its victims
by the thousands every year, we need to cooperate with Dr.
McBrayer in the sale of Eed Cross seals and in the employment
of community health nurses. Probably our greatest oppor-tunity
for service along health lines lies in the observance of
baby week, which is celebrated all over the United States.
Along lines of social welfare we have had help and sug-gestions
from officials and from volunteer societies. Closely
affiliated with the Social Service Conference, our interest in sr.eh
social and civic topics as better motion pictures, mill and fac-tory
betterment associations, organized charity organizations
for cities, and community clubs for rural districts, has grovrn
apace.
One of the most pleasant features of our work has been
that carried on in cooperation with the State University. Presi-dent
Graham's lofty ideal of making the University the peo-ple's
institute of the state, and reaching, with its scientific
direction, all classes of students, supplies just the incentr\e
we are needing for scholarly work. With infinite care, a plan
has been worked out by which the club women may get the
benefit of expert advice and direction in literary and historical
studies.
To attempt to be your leader for a brief term has been
to me one of the richest experiences of my life. I feel like
saying, "Praise God from whom all blessing flow," praise
Him for the North Carolina Federation of Women's Clubs.
There has been a variety in the duties imposed that equals
those of the manager of a seven-ringed circus, and a demand
on one's native resources that makes the daily life of a lone
missionary on a barbarous shore seem tame and uneventful.
That it has been a strenuous experience I do not deny. There
have been obstacles in the way of the accomplishment of pet
theories; there have been difficulties to overcome.
At local club and district meetings it has been my pleasure
to meet hundreds of our women who never come to a Federa-tion
convention, and I feel sure that many of them are present
in with spirit with us at this convention. Surely we who are
43
present here in the flesh as representatives of our seven thou-sand
club women should feel ourselves strengthened and sus-tained
by the silent influence of their prayers and good wishes,
and in that strength should go forward to plan forever fresher
and nobler achievements.
President Wilson has given us the test of efficiency. He has
said the last word on '
' working together. '
' He has forever
defined cooperation. '
' We must all speak, act and serve
together, '
' not at some future, indefinite time, but from this
time forth. Who can estimate the power of the club women
of this state alone if our actual membership should carry out
such an ideal ! Supported with adequate finances, united with
common purposes and possessed of an unfaltering loyalty to the
organization and to the principles of democracy which govern
it, we should go forth to conquer, nay, perhaps to suffer for
principle's sake, regretting that we have only one life to 'live
for the good of our fellowman, only one death to die for those
whose lives are worse than death, and rejoicing that through
our Federation we have learned to think, to act and to speak
together, for home, for country, and for God.
44
ANNUAL REPORT OF OFFICERS
(Abridged)
RECORDING SECRETARY
Miss Clara I. Cox
The Federation has maintained a steady growth the past
year; thirty-three new clubs have federated and eight have
withdrawn, making a net increase of 25. At present the total
number of federated clubs is 161.
The Year Book was prepared during the summer, some pains
being taken to secure correct data, etc. Four hundred copies
of the book were published in the early fall at a cost of $180.50,
and turned over to the Corresponding Secretary for distribu-tion.
In addition to the regular correspondence incident to the
position of Eecording Secretary, report blanks were prepared
with the cooperation of Mrs. Lingle and the department chair-men
and sent out to all clubs. These reports were received
by your Secretary, who sent them to the several district chair-men,
after retaining such information as was necessary for
the Year Book.
The minutes of the annual convention in High Point have
been copied in the minute book, as have also the minutes of
the Directors' and Council meetings in 1915 and 1916. The
minutes of the Executive Board from 1914 to 1916 have been
copied in a separate minute book. The Federation scrap book
and other valuable material have been placed in the hands of
the Custodian, Mrs. Clarence Johnson.
45
TREASURER
Miss Adelaide L. Fries
CURRENT FUND
May 3rd, 1916, to April 23rd, 1917
Balance May 3, 1916 $ 121.62
Dues, 1915-1916 14.30
1916-1917, State dues, 124 clubs $495.58
General Federation dues, 124 clubs 31.00
Entrance dues, 31 clubs 81.30
607.88
Sale of Year Books 9.30
Total receipts $ 753.1
Printing and stationery $ 106.37
Year Book, printing and postage 190.22
Speakers ' traveling exp.. High Point and Morganton 47.55
Stenographer at High Point convention 18.00
Dues, State Federation to General Federation 34.00
Expense for postage, etc.
—
Officers $72.00
Chairmen 52.00
1*24.64
Total expenditures $ 520,78
Balance, cash on hand, April 23, 1917 $ 232,32
SALLIE SOUTHALL GOTTEN LOAN FUND
Balance, May 5, 1916 $ 201,17
Payments on loans 862.00
Interest received 17,14
Contributions 186.50
Total receipts $1266,81
46
Loans to seven girls 600.00
Cash on hand AprU 23, 1917 $ 666.S1
Outstanding loans to eleven girls 1708.33
Total value of fund April 23, 1917 $2375.14
ENDOWMENT FUND
Balance, cash on hand. May 6, 1916 $ 499.25
Contributions up to April 23rd, 1917 798.15
Payments on notes 150.53
Interest received 89.39
Total receipts $1537.32
Note bought 420.95
Cash on hand April 23, 1917 $1116.37
Pour outstanding notes, and one bond 1538.34
Total value of fund April 23, 1917 $2654.71
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY
Mrs. M. L. Stover
Your Secretary has sent stationery to 21 officers and chair-men,
letters of notification to 31 new clubs. Year Books to 25
new clubs, call to convention and credential cards to 167 club
presidents. In addition 57 invitations have been sent to Gen-eral
Federation officers and State Presidents, and 13 to presi-dents
of various organizations. The total number of letters
written were 102, the total number of pieces of mail 442.
84 Year Books were sold.
AUDITOR
Mrs. O. Max Gardner
I beg leave to report that the Treasurer 's books of the
47
Federation have been carefully audited and examined and are
in all respects accurate and complete.
GENERAL FEDERATION STATE SECRETARY
Miss Gertrude Weil
The General Federation State Secretary reports no clubs
having joined the General Federation during the past year.
The Eclectic Club, of Ansonville, has withdrawn, leaving nine
clubs in direct membership in the General Federation.
At the biennial convention in New York, June, 1916, the
North Carolina Federation was represented by a full delega-tion.
One of the most important constitutional changes made
at this convention was the enlargement of the Board of Direc-tors
to include a director from every state. This insures a
closer connection between General Federation and State Fed-eration
than ever before. Mrs. Thomas W. Lingle was elected
director for North Carolina at the convention and on resign-ing
was succeeded by Mrs. E. E. Gotten.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees of the Federation met on May 1st,
1917, with the following members present: Mrs. T. W. Lingle,
Mrs. E. E. Gotten, Mrs. D. Y. Cooper, Miss Adelaide Fries and
Mrs. S. P. Cooper.
The reports of the Treasurer and the Chairman of the
Finance Committee were read and accepted. The Trustees were
very much pleased with the reports and expressed the feeling
that the Treasurer and Chairman had handled the money of
the Federation in a capable manner. It was decided that efforts
to complete the Endowment Fund be completed.
There being on hand in the Endowment Fund a cash bal-ance
of $1116.37, the Board took up the question of investment,
considered the suggestions made, and directed the Treasurer
48
to purchase a good six per cent, note, secured by real estate
mortgage.
RESUME OF WORK OF EXECUTIVE BOARD
The Executive Board has held three meetings consisting of
nine sessions, since the last annual convention in High Point.
The first one was held in High Point on May 25th, 1916, mem-bers
present being Mrs. Lingle, Mrs. Johnson, Miss Fries, Mrs.
Hook, Mrs. Stover and Miss Cox. At this meeting the Finance
Committee was instructed to carry out the plans of increasing
the Endowment Fand adopted by the Federation in convention,
and Mrs. Clarence Johnson requested to act as advisory mem-ber
of the committee from the Executive Board. By general
consent the President was empowered to act for the Board, in
consultation with the District Chairman, in filling vacancies
which may occur among the District Chairmen.
The second, third, fourth and fifth sessions of the Board
were held in Winston-Salem at the residence of Miss Fries,
June 14 to 16. Members present were Mrs. Lingle, Mrs. Hook
and Miss Fries.
The resolutions adopted by the Federation in convention
at High Point were referred to the proper departments and
committees, and the acting Secretary instructed to send copies
of certain resolutions to prominent persons in the state directly
interested. Miss Julia Thorns was elected Chairman of Con-servation
in the place of Mrs. Wilson, of Chapel Hill, who
resigned. Mrs. S. L. Dill, Jr., was appointed sub-Chairman of
Education, in special charge of the loans from the Sallie
Southall Cotten Loan Fund.
It was agreed to subdivide each department into three sub-committees,
as far as this should prove feasible, the name of
the department chairmen and sub-chairmen to appear in the
Year Book.
An invitation from the Durham Civic Association to hold
the next annual convention in Durham, in May, 1917, was
received and accepted, through the Secretary, with thanks.
Consideration was given the action of the Finance Com-
49
mittee in their selection of the first week in November as Fed-eration
Endowment Fund Week.
It was agreed that under by-law 16, clubs that failed to
pay their dues before the meeting in May, 1916, but which
have not given notice of withdrawal shall be inserted in the
Year Book for 1916-1917, and if they fail a second time their
names shall be dropped.
Mrs. Lingle tendered her resignation as General Federation
Director for North Carolina, explaining how the unexpected
change in the constitution at the New York biennial had com-pelled
her to serve temporarily. Mrs. E. E. Gotten was elected
Director for North Carolina for the 1916-1918 term.
The invitation of Morganton for the mid-year Council meet-ing
was accepted.
The last four sessions of the Executive Board were held in
Morganton, November 15, 16, 17. Members present were:
Mrs. Lingle, Mrs. Hook, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Stover, Miss Fries
and Miss Cox. It was decided that uniform report blanks be
gotten out, the President and Eecording Secretary to arrange
form of blank. The importance of having an organ for the
Federation as a medium of publicity and communication was
thoroughly discussed, and a committee was appointed to have
the matter under consideration.
It was decided that uniform study programs be recom-mended
to all study clubs for next year, and that the special
topic for study for the winter of 1917-1918 be Latin-America.
Mrs. Lingle and Miss Windley were asked to arrange programs
in conjunction with the University Extension Bureau.
Miss Sallie Kirby was elected to fill a vacancy on the Com-mittee
on Legislation.
The Executive Board met by agreement in Ealeigh on Jan-uary
25. Owing to lack of quorum the meeting adjourned.
Mrs. Cooper, who had come to consult with the Board, told
of the work for Endowment Fund, and Miss Nellie Eoberson,
who had come to submit plans for the program on Latin
America, went over the program with the ladies present.
Further work of the Board was conducted by correspond-ence.
50
REPORTS OF DEPARTMENTS
ART
Mrs. Jacques Busbee, Chairman
Miss May Davis, Vice-Chairman
I had hoped and expected to make my report in person to
this convention. I discovered only last week that it was im-possible
to leave New York at this time.
Our report for this year is a continuation of last year's
program.
During the summer and early fall my committee and I
gave many demonstrations in basket making and also many
exhibits of native arts, including native-made baskets, pottery
and weaving.
Knowing in August that I was leaving the state, I worked
over time during that month, September and October on dem-onstrations,
even giving lessons between trains to several coun-try
clubs in Cumberland and Harnett Counties, the meetings
being held in the railroad stations.
Miss Davis, Vice-Chairman, has given lessons in basket
making, and talks wherever she has been invited.
Mrs. T. L. Bayne, of Manchester, has revised the art of
weaving in many rural districts of the state, and has stressed
our native arts wherever she has addressed a gathering. It is
interesting to note how favorably the work of North Carolina
weavers compares with that done by weavers from other sec-tions
of the country. There seems to be a huge demand for
hand woven table mats of colored linen, yellow and blue par-ticularly.
Since November I have directed our department through
correspondence, devoting an hour each day to the many letters
which have come to me from women in the state. I have
also endeavored in every possible way to stimulate interest in
51
our state's handicraft among the people of New York. I am
sure it will interest you to know that everywhere my collection
of baskets and pottery have been exhibited it has attracted
marked attention. It was admitted in the exhibition of the
National Art Club, the National Society of Craftsmen, the
Art Alliance of America, and it is now in San Francisco with
the exhibit of the National Society of Craftsmen.
Connoisseurs have examined and praised the craftsmanship
of the specimens in the collection, and several museums have
offered to buy the collection outright. Gift shops have clam-ored
for addresses so that they might secure consignments of
pine needle baskets, oak split baskets and, in fact, everything
in the collection. Our pottery is considered unique and there
seems to be a demand for handwoven fabrics of all kinds.
I have written articles for newspapers and magazines, and
have given interviews for several periodicals about our state
workers. From one article on '
' Front Door Handicraft for the
Country Woman," in Country Gentleman of January 27th, I
have had over one hundred letters from men and women who
wished to get in communication with the producers so that they
might purchase similar baskets. I am giving these facts so
that our club women may know that the outside world recog-nizes
our embryo artists, and unless we encourage and stimu-late
the boys and girls of our country to develop this phase
of art—the fundamental basis of an art loving people—out-siders
will come in and do it for us. It is a large mine of
wonderful resource, and I do not know of any work more neces-sary
to be done.
I have several quaint Indian wooden spoons in my collec-tion
of native handicraft, and I am interested to learn that
there is a huge demand for these very articles. They are
wanted by the hundreds of thousands, either made by hand
or on a lathe. The supply used to be made in Germany, and
no more can be gotten from there. The importer who called
on me about these spoons left his address A\-ith an earnesb
appeal for the cooperation of club women to develop this
industry. I shall be glad to furnish the gentleman 's name and
address, also addresses of gift shops who wish the same articles.
52
Shuck door mats and hearth brooms are wanted by the hundreds.
It is gratifying to note from the report of the art depart-ments
that the Fine Arts have not been neglected.
Mrs. Euth H. Moore, Chairman of the Raleigh Woman's
Club, reports a paper by herself on "The Basic Principles
Underlying Some of the Chief Eules for Painting and Picture
Making," and "On Interior Decoration"; also a lecture on
'
' Etchings, '
' with illustrations by noted etchers, and an exhi-bition
lasting two weeks, of original illustrations by Elizabeth
S. G. Elliott.
CIVICS
Mrs. J. W. Petty, Chairman
It is not possible in the brief space for this report to tell
of all the fine work that has been accomplished during the past
year by the clubs doing Civic work. It is no easy matter to
classify this work, as I find many of the smallest towns doing
some of the biggest work.
The Civic Department consists of the Chairman, three sub-
Chairmen, and a Civic Committee of 13—one member from
each district. Before the Council meeting in November I
asked for reports from this committee on contemplated work
for the winter and, now, at the close of the year, I find that
much more than was planned in many places has been accom-plished.
In looking over the year's work I am impressed with the
many kinds of work the civic clubs are doing; with the con-centrated
work accomplished by the three divisions of the
department; with the great interest given to the questions of
the day, to the city government, to the enforcement of the ordi-nances
and to the state laws, to the study of taxation, munici-pal
suffrage (for women) and other problems for women.
It has come to be concluded that the status of a community
is largely determined by its degree of physical cleanliness, for
this naturally leads to beautifying, to sanitation, to the pro-viding
of recreation facilities and the whole gamut of civic
53
betterment. Every club that has sent a report has had a clean-up
week, many with the mayor's proclamation, some cooperat-ing
with the chamber of commerce, some with the business
men's clubs, and others with the city council. Some towns are
having this year a clean-up each month, some tT\ice a year and
all are encouraging follow-up work.
Many clubs report good work on Home and School Garden-ing.
Some towns have a paid instructor, while others are
cooperating with the county demonstrator. Others are encour-aging
the Boy Scout movement and that of the Camp Fire
Girls to farm on vacant lots. The observance by many clubs
of Planting Day in April was another way in which civic clubs
encourage the planting movement. As chairman, I have spoken
to different groups of negroes and tried to impress upon them
the need and great importance of this work. In Greensboro
they have asked for an instructor in gardening as we have in
the white schools.
I find good cooperation between the county demonstrators,
the canning clubs and betterment associations. Community
week was well and profitably observed by some clubs. Other
activities have been the establishing and maintaining of pub-lic
libraries, rest rooms and drinking fountains; the care of
cemeteries; the beautifying of courthouse grounds; the planting
of flowers and shrubs on vacant lots; the holding of baby
weeks; county fair work; and the operation of a plant
exchange. Two of the greatest things accomplished were the
securing of a meat and milk inspection and the establishment
of a milk station, now turned over to the city department of
health, with the club women still helping to support it.
Under the auspices of the civic clubs throughout the state,
many addresses have been given on various topics, such as
Artistic Yard Planting, Milk Stations, Expert Tree Saving,
Sanitation, Fire Prevention, Fly Danger. One club reports
spending $120 on the public school grounds in their town and
another $88 on the streets. Several clubs have been respon-sible
for securing good lyceum courses for the town. Through
the betterment association of one county, open wells at school
54
houses have been replaced with pumps and at twelve schools
some playground equipment has been installed.
Much good work has been accomplished in the schools in
connection with the superintendent and teachers. Under this
comes the investigation of the lighting of the school rooms,
the sanitary conditions of the buildings and grounds, ventila-tion,
fire protection, the attractiveness of the class rooms, the
suggestion of good pictures and the making possible the secur-ing
of the same. Through this department, medical inspection
has been secured in some schools and a course in training for
citizenship added.
Early in the year a program for the use of junior civic
leagues was prepared, a number of which was printed and
sent to civic chairmen. Junior civic leagues have been organ-ized
in a number of schools. These have held meetings once
a month and interesting programs have been prepared, con-sisting
of readings, recitations, discussions and essays bearing
upon the topics suggested in the plan. Some of the junior
leagues have been interested in bird study and have made bird
houses. Arbor day has been observed with the planting of
flowers and trees. Many applications for copies of our pro-gram
have been received and answered. This has enabled us
to reach some schools which were not looked after by civic
chairmen. ^
A few clubs report fully equipped play grounds, and a
great many others report that they have placed a few pieces
of apparatus and are working for more. With very few excep-tions
all clubs have used vacant lots for flowers and shrubs and
are looking for playground sites. One notable accomplishment
has been the removal of objectionable billboards. Another
worthy of especial mention is the conversion of the school
grounds into a public playground. Why should a public school
groimd be closed to the public and the children allowed to use
it only an hour or two a day? With proper supervision it
should become a public playground after school hours. I trust
that the close of another year will find every club reporting a
playground in some place other than the street, w^here children
may play, and not only play, but learn team work.
55
Many hundreds of dollars have been spent throughout the
state by the civic clubs to promote some special line of work
or to create sentiment for some particular thing. Civic work
around railway stations has been accomplished in some towns
through the civic workers and the railway company has re-sponded
with more work.
Fly campaigns have been carried on in most towns where
there is a civic club or department, with good results.
Many letters have been received from unfederated clubs
asking for suggestions on civic work. More questions have
been asked in regard to the fly and how to get rid of him than
on any other subject. Many of these letters are from county
clubs. They have been answered and literature sent on the
subject. The stereopticon lantern has been used five times
this year and civic slides from Washington were secured for
two. I have spoken to a number of county clubs at the invi-tation
of the county demonstrator. These clubs all want help
along the lines of sanitation and efficiency.
More than 500 folders, prepared by the Civic Committee,
giving suggestions and recommending work, have been sent
to all clubs and to many unfederated clubs. I note that every
recommendation of this folder has been tried out by some club.
It is a well established fact that the most workable organi-zations
are those that gradually evolve their machinery as
necessity arises. Each town has its own problems to solve.
These must be met by persistent and ceaseless activity on the
part of the worker and the press. In the doing of civic work
there is an order which, when followed, means success:
1st. An intelligent survey of the situation.
2nd. A study of possible modes of procedure to remedy
or to produce a desired situation.
3rd. A consultation with those who have successfully solved
like problems.
4th. Securing the cooperation of all agencies and persons
touched by the project in interest or authority. Cooperation
is the magic M'ord. Do not forget that it makes club enter-prises
succeed.
Never before in the history of the women's clubs has there
56
been such an awakening and such interest shown in the civic
work of the state. Many movements started in a small way
and fostered by the civic clubs are now being turned over to
municipal control or to men's clubs or to the chamber of com-merce.
Knowing that public sentiment is always in advance of
the law, we consider this the very best sign of the times. We
are thus left free to take up other lines in untried fields, believ-ing
that greater work lies before us.
CONSERVATION
Miss Julia Thorns, Chairman
In the present year book there are only four clubs that
have conservation departments designated as such, but a
great deal of this work is covered by betterment associations,
community clubs, and civic departments of more than 67
clubs. Eeports have been received from only 18 clubs, but
we are sure this does not represent half the work the club
women are doing in the state.
Our conservation work locally is comprised under the heads
Forestry, Birds, Arbor Day.
Tree Planting
Tree planting on school grounds has been very general
over the state. Davidson, m addition, has planted 50 trees
at their station. Southern Pines has planted at the station
and along the railroad. Oxford and Lenoir have planted along
the streets.
Charlotte has made a specialty of native trees, mimosa, mag-nolia
and crape myrtle.
Chapel Hill protected and watered trees during the sum-mer
that were planted by the town.
Elon, illustrated lecture on tree and shrub planting and
beautifying home grounds.
Wilson planted 103 trees around playgrounds, streets and
cemetery.
57
Essay Competition and Exhibit
The effort to encourage interest in the subject of forest
fires through the essay competition and the state forestry
exhibits did not meet -with very general success. However,
Chapel Hill and Charlotte sent in essays written by the school
children, and Charlotte won the first and third prizes. Chapel
Hill also sent a collection of native woods to the State Fair.
Birds
Brevard offered prizes to the seventh grade for essays on
"My Experience in Attracting Birds." (A very promising
subject.) Brevard is also discussing the restriction of the
domestic cat, which is much needed everywhere.
Durham, under Mrs. Few, has worked up a splendid inter-est
in birds. With the cooperation of the manual training
teacher a bii'd house exhibit has been arranged.
Other towns have also had fine displays of bird houses
made by school children. Elkin 's was spoken of as magnificent.
Siler City, Goldsboro and Charlotte have also done splendid
work. Mr. Parker, the Secretary of the State Audubon Society,
said that Goldsboro 's was one of the best he had seen in
North Carolina.
Chapel Hill, enthused by Mrs. Toy, through the school and
the Boy Scouts, has formed three bird study classes; and four
bird basins have been placed in town.
Mrs. Toy also secured for Orange County an illustrated bird
lecture given by an enthusiastic University student at four
different places, and at the last place the little country school
house held 75 persons, some having driven five miles to attend.
A bird day was observed in several towns, notably Golds-boro
and Charlotte.
Arbor Day
Many of the club women assisted materially in the observ-ance
of arbor day, Salemburg, Southern Pines, Fayetteville,
Kernersville, Elkin, Elon, Siler City, Oxford, and Asheboro
doing good work.
58
Miscellaneous
Several clubs are making appeals to "spare the wild flow-ers."
Chapel Hill collects and preserves home grown seeds,
plants and shrubs to be exchanged among the members for
beautifying homes and town.
Oxford has an annual garden meet and rose fete, and on
their club program they include a paper on birds and berry
bearing shrubs for their food in winter.
State
Efforts were made to encourage legislation urging the pas-sage
of bills in the interest of forest and bird conservation.
At the request of Mr. Gilbert T. Pearson, Secretary of the
National Audubon Societies, some work was done in the inter-est
of the passing of the international migratory bird law.
Pressure is being brought to bear to secure a first-class
bird lecturer on the Swarthmore Chautauqua entertainment
series.
An Appeal
It is not too visionary to hope for a conservation associa-tion
in every county in the state—not merely a woman's club,
but a community organization.
Could not our railroad stations become more attractive with
crape myrtles and magnolias? Sometimes it would only take
a request to the authorities at the right time.
In the plant world we must be on our guard against a little
German bandit from abroad, the white pine blister rust, that
has alread infected all the New England States, New York,
New, Jersey, Pennsylvania, and other states, and can come to
us from there on currant and gooseberry bushes. It is an
undesirable immigrant that has too many children and is
enslaving and killing our white pine forests. The cure, accord-ing
to eminent foresters, is to quarantine against that kind
of nursery stock from those infected regions.
Eural roadside planting is another conservation subject full
of interest. New York State College of Forestry is issuing a
bulletin on the subject, and would like to refer to examples of
59
good rural roadside planting in other states. Some countiea
may be able to do this and if there are any examples in North
Carolina, the Conservation Department would be glad to know
about it.
Then there is the plea for some consideration to be given
to the picking of wild flowers. Who does not know of the
extermination of some very choice wild flowers in their neigh-borhood?
The rare Venus My Trap, spoken of so nicely by
Mrs. Finger last year, is in danger.
But let me make a last plea for the birds—they need our
help now. People who do not think, imagine that the birds
are taking care of themselves, but this is not the case. The
government says there are not ten birds now where there were
100 twenty years ago, and that every insectiverous bird is worth
its weight in gold. According to the Farm Journal, bugs
destroy a billion dollars worth of crops every year, and the
facts are astounding.
'
' In the Smithsonian annual report for 1915 is an article
on the value of birds to man, in which the author states that
although man imagines himself the dominant power on earth,
he is nothing of the sort, the true lords of the universe being
the insects. And that, through its predominating insect diet
and rapid digestion, the bird becomes the most indispensable
balancing force of nature. ' '
—
Charlotte Observer, Feb. 21,
1915.
But while the majority of the birds work continuously for
the good of mankind, and do nothing else, thousands come to
a tragic death by some boy's gun, or the cats and dogs. Then
there are our neighbors' cats—how many birds suffer by their
depredations
!
In the Arbor Day Manual Mr. J. J. Blair, of the Wilming-ton
Public Schools, says that 2,000 children in New Hanover
County belong to bird clubs, and, with the Boy Scouts, they
have been largely instrumental in protecting and bringing back
to North Carolina shores certain birds that had been almost
exterminated.
Mr. Blair says that not a child enters his school but be-comes
a lover and protector of bird life, and we would like to
60
see that become one of the cardinal principles of the North
Carolina Federation of Women's Clubs. "Arbor and Bird
Day 365 days in the year."
EDUCATION
Miss Daisy Bailey Waitt, Chairman
The organization of the Education Department has been
practically the same this year as last, with members from each
Federation district divided into sub-committees on Cooperation
with Schools, Illiteracy and Scholarships and Sallie Southall
Cotten Loan Fund. An effort has been made through the
district members of the committee to get in touch with all
the clubs of the state. Early in the year an outline, suggesting
lines of work along which clubs might direct their efforts for
education, was sent to district members of the committee and
they in turn passed it on to the clubs of their respective dis-tricts.
As a result, clubs report various lines of educational
activity, som.etimes in cooperation with school authorities and
sometimes work undertaken independently. Educational pro-grams
and lectures on education have been given under club
auspices, schools have been visited, courses of study observed,
needs of school bouses noted and recommendations made to
school committeemen. Prizes and banners have been awarded
for excellence along various lines. School Imieheons served.
Money has been raised both independently and in cooperation
with the school boards for various purposes, such as employing
an extra teacher, a county demonstrator, improving the school
building or grounds, buying supplies for the school for work in
basketry, etc.
Several clubs report work in organizing school betterment
associations in the county or in otherwise aiding the rural
schools. This is regarded by several clubs as their most impor-tant
work in the year. Work has been done in beautifying
the school grounds, plans having first been made by a land-scape
architect and then carried out by the club women. School
61
gardens have been planted. School attendance has been stim-ulated
by prizes and otherwise. Story tellers ' leagues have been
organized and maintained. Fire Prevention Day and Arbor
Day have been insisted upon and parent-teacher associations
have found club women among their most active members. In
Asheville the club women were instrumental in putting a fol-low-
up trained nurse in the public schools. Another club fur-nished
a room in the girls' dormitory of a nearby farm life
school. In several instances, in addition to making contri-butions
to the Sallie Southall Gotten Loan Fund, clubs have
made contributions to county loan funds or scholarships. The
clubs of Asheville maintain a scholarship at the Normal for
the benefit of one of their girls. The clubs of Pitt County
maintain a loan fund by which several girls from Pitt are
kept each year at the Teachers' Training School.
It is encouraging to note in connection with the educational
work that chairmen of committees report that the entire club
cooperates in most of their undertakings and not just a few
members of the committee.
One of the recommendations made to the clubs by the
chairman last year was that club women use their influence in
cooperation with the State Board of Education to create senti-ment
in favor of the legislation needed along educational lines.
During the session of the General Assembly letters were written
to the various members by members of the committee, and they
were urged to vote for various educational measures. Just how
effective this was it is hard to determine, but the constructive
educational legislation enacted by the General Assembly of
1917 is a source of gratification to all who are interested in
the subject.
The state institutions were provided for as never before.
A bill providing for a State Board of Examiners and Institute
Conductors was passed, and the Governor was authorized to
appoint a State Educational Commission, The age of com-pulsory
attendance was raised from twelve to fourteen. A six
months' school term was provided for. Provision was made
for teaching agriculture and home economics in the public
schools, physical examination of the school children of the
62
state was provided for at regular intervals, and other laws
enacted which mean progress in education. Legislation of
this type means follow-up work by club women of a much more
efficient type.
Those club women who have worked so tirelessly for the
moonlight schools during the past two years, felt especial
interest in the bill which provided twenty-five thousand dol-lars
a year for two years for the reduction and elimination of
illiteracy. They gave their efforts and influence to secure its
passage, and now that the appropriation is a fact they realize
that their work has just began. According to the bill enacted,
"To issue bonds of the State of North Carolina for the per-manent
enlargement and improvement of the state's educa-tional
and charitable institutions. The State Board of Educa-tion
duplicates out of said appropriation the sum of money
raised and provided by any county, any school district, or
community for the conduct of any school in said county, school
district, or community for teaching illiterates over fourteen
years of age for a term of not less than one month with an
enrollment of not less than ten." The bill further provides,
"That the State Board of Education is authorized to use
annually not to exceed five thousand dollars of said appropria-tion
for the organization and direction of said work of teach-ing
illiterates under the direction of the State Superintendent
of Public Instruction." This means that the sentiment for the
night school, or moonlight school, or whatever the school
for adult illiterates shall be called, must be fostered in the
community. The state will help those who help themselves.
How does your community stand in this matter? What are
the club women going to do about it?
A recent conference with the State Superintendent revealed
the fact that plans are in progress, although not yet completed,
which will give club women in every county in the state an
opportunity for service along this line. War does not lessen
the need for this fight against illiteracy, but rather increases it,
since in the unknown future before us, in which America must
play so great a part, the increased intelligence of every indi-vidual
is an essential factor.
63
The Committee on Illiteracy is thus encouraged to push
more urgently the fight—No Illiteracy in the State in 1920!
The third committee of the Education Department, that on
Scholarships and Sallie Southall Gotten Loan Fund, of which
Mrs. S. L. Dill, Jr., of New Bern, is club chairman, submits
the following:
$625.00 has been loaned to seven girls in amounts ranging
from $45.00 to $190.00.
One girl was forced to leave school on account of ill health.
The others are at the East Carolina Teachers' Training School
(five), and at the Normal (one). They are all preparing to
teach. Three expect to graduate this spring.
The Federation scholarship at Salem Academy and College
was awarded to a young woman whose application was endorsed
by the president of that institution. The two at the University
were already filled.
Bequests for loans amoanting to more than eighteen hun-dred
dollars were received. The greatest difficulty confronting
the committee was the elimination made necessary by the small
amount of money available.
The Treasurer's report will show a balance on hand of
barely enough to keep the girls on our list in school another
year. If the usefulness of the fund is to be enlarged, it is
imperative that it be materially increased. No work under-taken
by the Federation is more important, and if the mem-bers
could read the appeals for aid which come to the com-mittee
from all over the state, there would be no difficulty in
raising the desired amount.
Five new applications for next year are on file, and the
applicants are anxiously waiting, for unless the money is sub-scribed,
they are without hope of being able to attend school.
The responses to the questions sent out by the chairman
reveal various needs of the clubs along educational lines. The
chairman, therefore, makes the following recommendatious
:
1. That the various lines of work undertaken be continued.
2. That a Committee on Vocational Guidance and Educa-tion
be added.
64
3. That a Committee on Rural Education be added as a
sub-committee on Cooperation with Schools.
4. That folders containing outlines of work along educa-tional
lines be prepared for the use of the clubs and sold for a
nominal sum.
HEALTH
Miss Elizabeth Schwarburg, Chairman
The public health of the inhabitants of a state is without
doubt the largest single interest with which a state needs to
concern itself. Expressed even in commercial terms, it exceeds
all others. There are fifteen hundred millions wasted yearly
in preventable diseases. The conservation of the public health
is therefore the largest interest to which the state must give
its attention. This is one field of human endeavor in which
an ounce of prevention is worth many pounds of cure.
We are told that health education is health salvation. In
the matter of education, schools can be useful. Children can
be taught the essentials of hygiene and sanitation. What can
a child learn in school of greater importance than how to keep
well and strong? Then, too, the churches can do their part.
As leaders in the better tendencies of humanity and in most
of our altruistic activities, the church has a rare opportunity
to aid in the promotion of health work. Another factor is the
women of the community. What a great responsibility is ours
and how are we meeting it?
Tuberculosis claims one out of every three between the ages
of fifteen and fifty. Last year three thousand two hundred and
seventy-nine, or one hundred and forty-five out of every one
hundred thousand died in North Carolina of this dread disease.
Typhoid fever kills one tlwusand North Carolinians annually
and sickens ten thousand. One person out of three contracts it.
Do you work to get rid of the fly and his breeding places?
Our loss last year in the United States was about three
hundred thousand babies under one year of age, of whom at
least half would be living now had we as individuals and com-
65
munities applied those measures of hygiene and sanitation
which are known and available. Here is a vast and unmeas-ured
loss of infant life due solely to individual and community
or civic neglect. It is now agreed that the conditions which
destroy so many of the youngest lives of the community must
also result in crippling and maiming many others, and must
react unfavorably upon the health of the entire community.
Actual experience in medical school inspection has shown that
60 to 80 per cent, of school children are handicapped by physical
defects and disease. Only 36 out of the 136 clubs in the Year
Book reported to your Health Chairman answering the three
questions on the health blank. Of these, 31 reported concerning
the Eed Cross seals, 5 interest in better babies week and
contests, 13 have had lectures along health lines, and quite a
number either support a public health nurse or work toward
that end, and almost all interested in some way in the public
health. It is hoped that most of the clubs in the Federation
are indeed doing much for the health of their communities,
though they have failed to report it through this channel.
As you know, much of the effort of the health department
for the past year has been in connection with Dr. McBrayer,
of the State Sanatorium for Tuberculosis, at Montrose. Most
of the correspondence has been done through his office and we
trust that by our united effort the state's health has been
improved materially.
Dr. McBrayer, in summing up what has been accomplished
through our help, says :
'
' The increase in the sale of seals
for 1916 over 1915 was 50 per cent., the total sales for 1915
being $2,636.01, and for 1916 being $4,775.04, an increase of
$2,139.03. I am sure the work and interest of the women's
clubs had much to do with this increase. '
' The interest aroused
in public health nursing is nothing less than remarkable. The
Woman's Club of Ealeigh more than doubled their sale of
seals, with the particular object in view of securing a public
health nurse. This has been done and the nurse is now at work
ajid a new system of correlated jiublie health nursiug has been
inaugurated in Ealeigh directly by and through the Woman's
66
Club that will be an example in public health nursing to the
state and to the south, and perhaps over wider territory.
The clubs where they took action, and many of them did,
had a splendid influence on the General Assembly in regard to
the appropriation for this work. Duriag the last year clubs
have perhaps devoted more particular attention to the study
of tuberculosis and public health in general than heretofore.
Taking it all in all, I feel that the work of the health
department of the women's clubs throughout North Carolina
has been a great and grand success, and that if they have
accomplished nothing except what they have accomplished along
this line in the last year, the organization is well worth while.
For next year we ask the same general cooperation, par-ticular
reference being paid to the following things:
(1) Systematic study of the subject of tuberculosis.
(2) Systematic study of public health along all lines, not
forgetting the baby and all that pertains to his health and
welfare,
(3) Study of public health nursing, lending influence
wherever possible in securing additional public health nurses
or in the improvement of the service already had,
(4) Hearty cooperation in the 1917 Eed Cross seal cam-paign.
HOME ECONOMICS
Mrs. Henry A. White, Chairman
The Chairman of Home Economics has received an enlarged
vision of the scope of Home Economies by attending the
biennial and the Massachusetts conventions. Home Economics
stands for better homes, and everything that tends to improve
the home life of all the people is within its sphere. "Food
and its Preparation" is but one side of the subject. Women
should not neglect this, but '
' Child Welfare, '
' for instance,
is fully as important. Again we feel that many women ignore
'
' System in Home Finances, '
' and some part with their good
67
common sense and sometimes even their moral sense in the
matter of "Clothes."
An outline program of the various phases of Home Eco-nomics
was prepared and early in the fall was sent to all
clubs known to be doing work in this Une, and also to the
state papers, and since that time to many others on request.
The Chairman has helped various clubs prepare their pro-grams
and has furnished material on these topics to all
asking it.
Clippings on these subjects have been collected and classi-fied
and these with our loan library of Home Economics have
been lent in forty different cases.
Through the courtesy of Miss Jane Fales, head of the
Domestic Art Department of Teachers College, Columbia Uni-versity,
a part of the exhibit of the History of Costume shown
at the biennial was borrowed and at the Council meeting, held
in Morganton, in November, was shown on charming living
models, and the Chairman gave a talk on '
' Sense and Conscience
in Clothes. '
' Afterwards these costumes were borrowed by
the clubs in Charlotte, Wilmington, Lexington and Asheboro,
and in the last two places the same lecture was given.
Besides these talks, the Chairman has given five other lec-tures
to clubs and six to groups of non-club women on "Home
Decoration, " " Economy, '
' etc.
Miss Jamieson, a member of the Home Economics Com-mittee,
in her extension work under the agricultural depart-ment
of the state, has made a second visit to Anson, Moore,
Granville and Sampson Counties, where she demonstrated for
the clubs of farm women. In each of the following counties
she spent a week or ten days, demonstrating once or twice
a day: Gaston, Lincoln, Cleveland, Mecklenburg, Union, Ire-dell,
Guilford, Wayne, Edgecombe, Surry, She reports
greater enthusiasm and real interest than before in five years.
She has also demonstrated or lectured for seven federated
clubs. She everywhere urges closer cooperation between rural
home-makers and town women and often advises clubs of
country women to federate.
68
The weekly government bulletins have been received and
used where way opens.
The Chairman has kept in touch with Mrs. Gawler, Chair-man
of Home Economics of the General Federation.
The following report of clubs is necessarily incomplete, as
not all have returned their blanks:
No. of clubs reporting Departments of Home Economies . . 24
No. of clubs giving some time to subject 4
Approximate number of club women studying subject . . 758
No. clubs studying balanced meals 18
No. clubs studying food sanitation 18
No. clubs studying home economy 17
No. clubs studying or practicing extension tj
No. clubs studying or practicing child welfare 11
No. clubs studying or serving school lunches 9
No. clubs studying household employment 9
Graham and Greensboro demonstrate each month and serve
refreshments to those attending. Greensboro prints recipes of
everything demonstrated. Salemburg practices cooperative
cooking and serving of meals.
Greensboro, Louisburg and High Point emphasize Economy,
and Wilmington and Sanford have stressed Gardening.
Chapel Hill made $40.00 for a school piano and other funds
by helping run a tea room. Gastonia collected about a hun-dred
cups, saucers and plates for club use. Masonboro owns a
canning outfit which is lent to the different members.
Oxford had a butcher demonstrate at one meeting the actual
cutting up of a quarter of beef.
Ealeigh is about to establish a market day for the exchange
of commodities and ideas between country and city women.
At the request of the Whiteville Club the mayor ordered
grocery stores to be screened. Charlotte has secured an ordi-nance
requiring fruit to be screened.
Whiteville and Masonboro observe baby week.
Wilmington has established a milk station which it has
turned over to the health department, but the club still helps
in its support.
69
Wilson serves hot lunches in its public schools and has done
something toward simplicity in graduation gowns.
West End sent an exhibit of relative food values to the
county commencement, and Burgaw will have an exhibit at the
county fair.
A trained domestic science teacher, a member of the West
End Club, gives her services free in the school once a week
and Lenoir has a similarly well equipped woman who teaches
the older girls in school in a room fitted out by the club. In
Sanford the school board equipped a room for the demonstra-tions
of the Home Economics Department, which they hope is
a step toward establishing the teaching of Domestic Science in
the school. Ealeigh gives weekly demonstrations by capable
women, in the mill schools, which are appreciated by the
women of the mill village. Wake County Betterment Asso-ciation
has helped maintain Domestic Science class?s in country
schools where there were no funds for equipment. White-ville
is working for Domestic Science in the schools.
Charlotte served a dinner to teachers, which was financed
by the education department, and the same club has had a
number of special lectures.
LIBRARY EXTENSION
Miss Mary Ragan, Chairman
"Library Extension aims to supply to every man, woman
and child, either through its own resources or by cooperation
with other affiliated agencies, what each community, or any
group in any community, or any individual in the community,
may require for mental stimulus, intellectual recreation or
practical knowledge and information useful in one's daily
occupation. '
'
The Library Extension Department has endeavored to
arouse interest in Library Extension during the past year, and
has tried in every way to cooperate with the Library Com-mission.
70
Of the 139 clubs in the Federation, 45 are in towns with-out
a library. Early in October a letter was sent to each of
these clubs asking that they work along this line during the
year, so that the number could be reduced by the time of this
meeting. Few of them made any response to this. Only twelve
clubs are registered in the year book as doing work along this
line. The following clubs report libraries at work: Albe-marle,
Asheville, Salisbury, Lenoir, Asheboro, Canton, Kerners-ville,
Greenville, Washington, Farmville, Maxton, Gastonia,
Jamestown, Hickory, Winston- Salem, Enfield, Durham, San-ford,
Weldon, Henderson, Concord, Raleigh, Fayetteville,
Wadesboro, Carthage, Whiteville, Elon College, Nashville, Ox-ford,
Ansonville, New Bern, Warsaw, Faison, Fremont, Greens-boro,
Goldsboro, Waynesville, Smithfield, Burgaw, Tryon, Wal-lace,
Southport, Chadbourn, Rowland, Wilmington, and Salem-burg.
Four clubs have borrowed State Free Loan Libraries.
Over 21 of these libraries have from 300 to 12,500 volumes,
and 16 have over 1,000 volumes.
With the exception of Asheville, Raleigh, Wilmington,
Winston-Salem, Durham, Greensboro and Charlotte, which are
public libraries, the majority of the others are open to the
public through small subscriptions, and in most eases largely
supported by the women's clubs.
The Betterment Association, of Gastonia, decided that the
time was ripe for a free library, and a committee went before
the mayor and aldermen with a petition asking that sufficient
support be given to make a free library possible. It was
given without hesitation, and this library went on record the
day after as a free library, and it is hoped that $2,000.00 can
be raised during this year.
The Woman's Club of Albemarle has bought a private
library. This is supported by subscription, and is being oper-ated
with splendid success under the auspices of the Woman's
Club.
A woman's club and a town library seem to go hand in
hand. Nearly all the libraries in the towns and cities of North
Carolina have had small beginnings, and a large number of
them owe their origin to the efforts of the local women's clubs.
71
Libraries are usually a growth from a small collection of
books which almost any club can start. Consideration to a
public library project is complimentary to a community, as it
shows a sense of civic responsibility and a desire for future
progress. No town can hope to live up to its greatest possi-bilities
without a public library. The most valuable things
are usually obtained at some sacrifice, and the many advan-tages
to be derived from a public library are worth striving
for, A public library is a necessity—not a luxury. Every
community which realizes this, and establishes a library, pro-claims
itself an intelligent, progressive town and one worth
living in. There are many ways of arousing and increasing
interest in this movement. One of the most effective means of
conducting a library campaign is through the press, and mate-rial
for this may be secured from the Library Commission.
A very practical way to arouse interest in library work is
to secure a box of books from the Library Commission to be
circulated in the community. A few must take the lead, and
any community worth living in is worth improving; and any
community worth improving has in it wondrous possibilities
worth all the tediousness of development.
LITERATURE
Miss Bettie D. Windley, Chairman
In reviewing the work which the Department of Literature
has accomplished during the past two years, your Chairman is
convinced more than ever of the value of literary and study
clubs to the Federation and to the state. What an inspiration
it is, both mentally and spiritually, to have so many women
learning to know the great leaders of the world through their
thoughts and aims and ideals expressed in real books. It is
gratifying to see that the work of our department is steadily
increasing. This is shown in several ways; for example, the
number of literary clubs or departments in May, 1915, was 70,
while today there are more than 100, 23 of these being new or
72
newly federated this year. In the contest m short stories,
poetry, and research there were 29 entries last year and 62
this, representing respectively 4 and 11 clubs. This increased
activity of the clubs has naturally made new demands upon
the Chairman, for twice as many clubs have asked for assist-ance
with programs this year as last, and her correspondence
has increased 60 per cent.
The new method of having report forms issued by the Sec-retary
for all chairmen has brought good results in this depart-ment,
for 66 clubs responded. The three questions asked by
your chairman were: First, "What has been yoar subject of
study this year?"; second, "What methods of study have been
most profitable to your members?"; and third, "Of what real
value has your club been to your community?" The reports
received are most interesting, and also helpful to the Chair-man,
as by means of them she is enabled to pass forward good
suggestions from one club to another. One thing, however, was
lacking—few of the large clubs responded to the call. Many
of the reports show that the clubs are doing excellent work,
thereby stimulating the members to study and thought. Some
of the answers given to these questions are better than any
comment your Chairman can make upon the work of the
department
:
First, as to the subjects chosen. The tendency of modern
thought to know its own age is distinctly and emphatically
shown here, for purely literary programs were chosen by not
half the clubs. Of these subjects, Shakespeare was most
popular and American literature next. Other subjects were:
Browning, Modern Drama, English Literature, Women Writers
of the Nineteenth Century, North Carolina Writers, and Bible
as Literature. Next in number to the literary subjects are
those upon current events, the most popular being: Latin
America, Our Own Country, the Countries now at War. All
of the clubs taking these subjects report much information
gained and much interest manifested. The charms of history
have not been overlooked, for sotoe clubs have programs
entirely historical, those on our own state taking the lead.
Oxford Woman's Club took its own town and county. Among
73
the miscellaneus subjects, one on "Our Native Birds" adds a
new phase to our work.
The answers to the second question, as to the most popular
method of study, show that the tendency now is to change
from the formal papers to informal discussions, supplemented
by readings, talks, occasional papers and lectures by noted
people whenever possible. A response to roll call with quota-tions
or items of interest is also recommended. The Bay View
and Chautauqua reading courses are proving helpful to new
clubs and to those m towns without large libraries.
In considering our last question, '
' What is the real value
of a literary club to your community?" we reach the heart
of our subject. So many women are interested in this phase
of club work and give this department such an important place
in the Federation that they must consider literary study worth
while. Some leaders report that their clubs have accomplished
direct and concrete results; some feel that the results, though
indirect, are strong and widespread. For example, many say
that the community has become interested in the topic of the
club's study. Among the direct results mentioned are, medals
given in schools for essays, magazines distributed, libraries
organized and assisted, pageants presented in several places,
help given Eed Cross, Travelers' Aid, and other social work,
musical advantages given in two small towns, while Green-ville
is helping to educate girls in the East Carolina Teachers'
Training School. These are some of the good results which
can be seen by all, but more potent still are unseen forces
which make for stronger character, more enlightened woman-hood,
and better citizenship. Let me give you a few quota-tions
from the reports :
'
' Our club has rested, entertained and
instructed us, thereby making us better members of society. '
'
"Our club has developed our members both in speaking and
writing." ""We feel that the study of the world's best lit-erature
is always a definite gain to any community. " " Our
club has been an inspiration for deeper, broader study and
given confidence to the members that they are capable of and
will enjoy literary attainment." "Our club has developed in
our members the ability to think clearly, speak with ease and
74
act with good judgment upon matters pertaining to the welfare
of our community."
The study of our elubs, their needs, and how to answer them
has been a means of education to be greatly valued, and the
opportunity of working with the women in our Federation has
been and will continue to be an inspiration and joy to me.
Our work, with the University of North Carolina assisting us,
should grow more and more helpful to us as individuals and
through us to our community.
MUSIC
Mrs. William French, Chairman
The valuable aid which the music clubs of the State Feder-ation
are giving to all movements tending towards the uplift
and bettering of music conditions in their respective communi-ties
is of great significance. The community club spirit is
being strongly developed through musical activities, no less
than through civics and other departments.
The music clubs as a whole have done excellent work this
past year. Four new clubs have been added, 2 clubs have with-drawn,
making a total of twenty-five music clubs in the State
Federation.
Following are extracts from some of the club reports:
The Treble Clef Club, of Charlotte, has studied the history
of music this year. It has presented to the public one organ
recital and a North Carolina singer in concert. This club also
sent a delegate to the National Federation of Music Clubs
which met in Birmingham April 10th.
The Euterpe Club, of Greensboro, has studied Italian
opera; they have been most active in securing visiting artists.
This is one of the largest and most active music clubs in the
Federation.
The Woman's Club, of Ealeigh, studied musical forms inter-spersed
with splendid programmes and lectures illustrating the
various forms. This club assisted in bringing to Ealeigh sev-eral
celebrated artists, among them Paderewski and Maude
75
Powell. An Annual May Music Festival has been made an
assured event through the cooperation of this department.
The Music Department of Sorosis, of Wilmington, studied
American music, beginning with the aboriginal period, and
presented visiting artists in concert. This department fur-nished
a delightful programme at the ninth district meeting,
and has recently purchased a victrola for use of the entire club.
The MacDowell Club, of Statesville, studied opera and gave
a request programme and a sacred concert at Sherar Music
Hall for the public.
The Music Department of the New Bern Woman's Club
has studied American music. They have presented exe-ellent
programmes of American composers.
The Book Club, of Wadesboro, devoted six meeting to the
study of opera, with musical selections from the different
operas.
The Music Department of the Woman's Club, at Albemarle,
studied German opera. They have organized a boys' choir and
have recently organized a chorus of women's voices.
The Woman's Club, of Dunn, reports good work for the
Music Department. Opera was the subject of its first year's
work.
The Woman 's Club, of Henderson, has been most active in
choral work. This club has given one sacred cantata.
The Goldsboro Woman's Club reports good work done by
its Music Department. They have studied American music and
composers. Through their efforts a very interesting piano
and violin recital was offered to the public. They promoted a
community Christmas tree and composed a chorus which sang
Christmas carols.
St. Cecilia's Music Club, of Laurinburg, rendered a sacred
cantata given at Laurinburg and at Flora Macdonald College,
Red Springs.
The Music Department of the Woman's Club, of Oxford,
has done fine work their first year. They have arranged several
recitals, promoted the community Christmas tree, and during
the national week of song gave an interesting programme of
76
old songs, illustrated with living pictures; also a recital of
folk songs presented by Mrs. Wade R. Brown, of Greensboro,
Many of the clubs have well organized choruses; some have
promoted the annual community Christmas tree. The common
aim of all of the clubs is the desire to awaken their communi-ties
to a full knowledge and appreciation of music by afford-ing
them an opportunity to hear good music.
Some of the clubs in the Federation have no music depart-ment,
but have a music committee which provides music as
a part of each club program. In several of the clubs these
music committees provide one or more musical meetings during
the year.
Your Chairman has endeavored to be of every assistance
possible to all clubs seeking aid or suggestions. She has made
one talk in the interest of music; this at the ninth district
meeting at Wallace. She has kept in close touch with the
music scholarships at Salem Academy. One of these scholar-ships
has recently been awarded for use next year, and the
other will be awarded in the next few weeks, application having
already been made.
Your Chairman has labored to bring before each club the
duty of becoming familiar with our Federation Song. Ten
dollars is the sum realized from the sale of the club song this
year. This sum, together with funds secured by former Music
Chairmen, has made it possible for the Music Department to
offer this year to the Federation a silver loving cup, to be
known as the Federation Music Cup. This cup will be awarded
each year to the winner of best music in the original music
contest. Miss Pearl Little, of Hickory, was the successful
contestant this year.
The following suggestions are made for next year's work:
(1) To specialize on American music from its beginning.
(2) To make the music legends, folk lore, and history of
our state a study.
(3) To interest local public libraries in having well selected
musical work for reference study.
(4) To encourage original music compositions.
(5) That all clubs devote one programme during the year
77
to the consideration and study of music as an influence in
the work of all other departments.
Galilei said: "Music is not simply the occupation of a
few learned men, but belongs to the whole world ; '
' and we
would say that music does not belong to our department, but to
the whole Federation.
SOCIAL SEBVICE
Mrs. J. S. Williams, Chairman
"Low aim, not failure, is a crime." This is why your
Chairman, sub-chairmen and members of the committees are not
criminals. We aimed to do many things that we failed to do.
One goal we hoped to reach was to establish a travelers'
worker in some of the larger towns where there are none. Any
local travelers' aid can be conducted under any auspices
desired—Y. W. C. A., King's Daughters, or any denomination.
The Chairman of the Travelers' Aid Committee made an effort
to have the Social Service Departments provide a special trav-elers
' aid program, and in many ways tried to interest them
in this work. Some were interested, but nothing definite accom-plished,
though there is a crying need for this service.
Your Chairman and sub-chairman spent much time in
trying to procure better motion pictures for children and young
people. The sub-chairman in her report says that two things
are pressingly needed: First, films free from sensational evil;
second, special films for young people. Not a system of censor-ship,
but a state board of publicity could effect a change iu the
demand for better pictures. The Federation, by means of pub-licity,
should preach good films and cooperate with the pro-ducers
and managers in their effort to secure the best pictures.
The establishment of an Industrial Home and Training.
School for Delinquent Girls and Women has been of uni-versal
iuterest. Not only the Social Service Department of
the Federation, but the Social Service Conference and many
other organizations and individuals have contributed their
share of labor to this cause, and were successful in their efforts.
Much splendid work has been done this year by the Social
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Service Departments of the various clubs. Reports have been
received from 22 clubs. The following items are gleaned from
some of the reports: Jails visited; Christmas cheer provided
for inmates of county home; baby bags provided for newly born
babies to be used by nurses of the Associated Charities; many
shut-ins cheered ; Christmas baskets sent to the needy ; aid given
Belgian relief; hospital supplies sent to Europe; aided in
improvement of conditions at county home; attended trial of
boys; provided privacy for women prisoners; established rest
room for country women and children; nurses, both white and
colored, supported and directed in doing settlement work;
pleasure club organized among mill girls; advice given negro
mothers; community Christmas tree provided; bought motion
picture machine for graded school; used influence to secure
Industrial Home for Girls; Thanksgiving dinner furnished
inmates of county home, and visits made during the year;
provided surgical operations for children who were defectives
or invalids. One organization has placed more than 20 children
in homes and schools. One club mentions assistance given in
organizing woman 's ekib for negro women. Another men-tions
creating a desire among the negroes for better health con-ditions,
thereby protecting their own race and prev