Se RF PORTE T RENE SEA a : en keoeeigashenae pa eeeceraahteREaesRT eRe TCs s Exeressaeeges Stes Tes: ip ete DARI 9 ee actos ee SER AE TEER SS PERETET SS = aE E SR pels tcag abe abbeake l= Vk | : = Mi | 3: | 2) ee 7 || | ie € IEE SIRES WI op apne erste - - 7 : — . . “ : — . . — _— : se Seem se FS = - sta a Sa ES IER amen aia : , a ae ; « ; 4 * i Segal Hm 5 5 ADAMO As BetnB- 8 m0 8 Son rales That » ; : =e: me mo. OO tee, Brenas = sc apt : 4 mS Brae - REE me tg ONS TE Ele NaS a bet IE y bigs FEDERATION OF WOMEN’S CLUBS HISTORY OF THE NORTH CAROLINA FEDERATION OF WOMEN’S CLUBS 1901-1925 BY SALLIE SOUTHALL COTTEN RALEIGH EDWARDS & BROUGHTON PRINTING COMPANY 1925 COPYRIGHT, 1925 BY THE NORTH CAROLINA FEDERATION OF WOMEN’S CLUBS CHAPTER i i, iid. LY. Y. yi. Vit, Vill. IX. XI. BAS Adil, XIV. XV. XVI. XVII. XVIII. b.E B.S XX. XXI. AAI, XXII. XXIV. Se AXVI. XXVII. CONTENTS The Awakening of Womanhood PAGE State Organization First Convention Second Convention Third Convention Fourth Convention Fifth Convention Sixth Convention Seventh Convention Eighth Convention Ninth Convention Tenth Convention Eleventh Convention Twelfth Convention Thirteenth Convention Fourteenth Convention Fifteenth Convention 10 13 15 19 21 25 29 34 39 47 55 68 Les 87 100 Sixteenth Convention 117 State and General Councils 129 Seventeenth Convention 135 HKighteenth Convention ae 148 Nineteenth Convention Twentieth Convention 158 170 Double Council Meeting Twenty-first Convention 172 Twenty-second Convention Twenty-third Convention ............ 186 2 History oF WomEN’s CuLuBs for more knowledge, more culture, and a demand for universal education. From the Garden of Eden to the present day the Tree of Knowledge has allured her, and her persistent application of her knowledge to the bet- terment of human life has contributed much to the onward march of civilization. When the Woman’s Movement began to express itself, Knowledge and wider experience were her great- est needs, and intuitively she sought more education. Fortunately it was the least offensive to old ideals and she was not hindered in her pursuit of Knowledge until now almost all barriers to her advance have been removed. Educated womanhood is absolutely essential to de- velop “the female of the species” into proper mates for educated manhood, and for the fulfillment through them of God’s law of evolution which forever calls for higher types. Reproduction is not evolution, for evolu- tion means gradual and permanent improvement of the race, which can only come through higher spiritual types of both men and women. Only together are they one. ‘The restrictive conventions of her isolated indi- viduality gave to the women of the past what would now be called an “inferiority complex,” which was simply the habit of sex-submission, from which she will ultimately be emancipated. Many sex discriminations continue to exist, in the law, and in the social life but they will ultimately be removed, as many have already been removed by man’s voluntary action. Individual security has yielded to the call for race progress, and in that progress woman is a large factor. SERESUR DRS CRS ees 6 History or Women’s CiLuss At that New York meeting the General Federation of Women’s Clubs was formed, composed entirely of individual clubs, which continued to be organized in many states, though the work was sporadic rather than concentrated, and no one had even dreamed of such a thing as a State Federation of Clubs. The first clubs were literary, but all eventually evo- luted into broader lines of service. Women felt the need of higher culture and broader experience. Club life taught them discretion, self-control, self-reliance, forbearance toward others, eliminated the tendency to gossip by supplying something better to do, and laid the foundation for a sisterhood of women in the future. Maine has the honor of having first had a vision of greater strength from local union, and in September, 1892, formed the first State Federation of Women’s Clubs, which immediately joined the General Federa- tion. Utah was next to follow and then Iowa with 45 clubs in membership. Like an epidemic the State Federation idea spread from state to state. In six years, thirty State Federations were formed and all joined the General Federation. Naturally some con- fusion resulted as the Constitution only provided for individual clubs, and the respective representation from single clubs and State Federations necessitated thought and changes in the Constitution of the National body. Problems were solved as they developed and finally every state was represented in the General Federation by its own State Federation and the individual clubs. Possibly the most outstanding recognition of the value of Women’s Clubs, in those early days, was when the P 5 f i ir i ah i an ns ti rh nen tn amend < taste CHAPTER III FIRST CONVENTION WInsToN-SALEM—1902 All history is divided into periods and the annual Conventions naturally punctuate the work of the North Carolina Federation of Women’s Clubs. The pioneer work was arduous and discouraging but the new officers met the emergencies with zeal and fidelity and the movement grew gradually. The first Convention was held in the Chapel of Salem Academy in October, 1902. The 25 delegates were welcomed by Dr. Clewell in appropriate words. The number of federated clubs had increased from 7 to 17, each vying with the other in activity and zeal. The chairmen of Departments had aroused interest in their lines of work, and new vigor stirred the ener- gies of the women. A Department of Art and Music was added. Mrs. Martha Orr Patterson, President of the South Carolina Federation, made an address, ex: plaining the work done in that state and giving words of encouragement. Greetings from other states, and one from Mrs. Denison, President of the General Fed- eration, were read. Miss Poppenheim was present and explained the work of the General Federation. The General Federation at that time was a Federa- tion of individual clubs and the rapid growth of State Federations caused some confusion and necessitated many changes. Before the development of State Fed- erations, a woman in each State, named by the General [10] CHAPTER V THIRD CONVENTION (FOLDSBORO—1905 The third convention was necessarily postponed until May, 1905, which caused the change of date for the Convention from October to May, which has since become permanent. The Goldsboro Woman’s Club had already estab- lished itself in well equipped Club Rooms, and when the President, Mrs. Patterson, called the delegates to order in those rooms and declared the Third Convention assembled, all felt that North Carolina womanhood was coming into its own. Twenty-nine clubs were reported with a member- ship of 550 and a voting strength present of 35. The broadening of view and the inevitable broadening of effort were apparent and great harmony prevailed. Words of welcome from Colonel Joseph Robinson of the Argus, which left no pleasant adjective unused, and from Mrs. Hollowell, President of the hostess club, were responded to by Miss Gibson of the Wilmington Sorosis. Then followed an address by Dr. Benj. Sledd on North Carolina Literature, and one on Club Work for Women by Mrs. R. R. Cotten. Later an address was given by Dr. A. J. McKelway on Child Labor. Those [15] Aa a | 5 . | it | | 24 History oF Women’s Ciuss own General Federation Secretary, who was to do the duty formerly done by a committee. Miss Gertrude Weil was elected to fill the new office. The other of- ficers elected were President, Miss Margaret Gibson; First Vice President, Mrs. Eugene Reilley; Second Vice President, Miss Mary Petty; Recording Secretary, Miss Sallie Kirby; Corresponding Secretary, Miss Rebecca Watkins; Treasurer, Mrs. Thomas Maslin; Auditor, Mrs. E. F. Reid. Ihe meetings were all held in the Masonic Temple where each day delightful luncheons were served, thus promoting fellowship among the delegates through social intercourse, and economizing time for business. A reception by Sorosis at the residence of Mrs. R. W. Hicks, a trolley ride to Wrightsville Beach, a trip down the historic Cape Fear on the steamer Wilmington where delightful social functions were enjoyed by all. Redan Stem, ame: ae S qa tg sg ‘ 606L NAWOM, ‘joudeg Jo sdeig uO HO NOLLVdHdaY WNIIO uVQ HLYON ei Sie: 44 History oF WoMEN’s CLUBS Blows” were rendered and enjoyed. It was before the days of silver cups, but the writing of original music was being stimulated. The Thursday morning session was promptly con- vened, and after prayer by Rev. Clarence Reynolds, business progressed rapidly consisting principally of reports. The report of the Nominating Committee was called. for, and the following submitted, after the appoint- ment of tellers. President, Mrs. R. R. Cotten; First Vice President, Mrs. Palmer Jerman; Second Vice President, Miss Grace Jones; Recording Secretary, Mrs. G. W. Whitsett; Corresponding Secretary, Miss Mary Irvin Bridgers; Treasurer, Mrs. B. K. Hays; Auditor, Mrs. W. J. Conrad; General Federation State Secretary, Mrs. M. L. Stover. The report was ac- cepted and nominations from the floor called for. Miss Gertrude Weil was nominated for General Federation State Secretary by Mrs. E. C. Duncan. Mrs. C. C. Hook was nominated by Mrs. F. L. Stevens for the same office. Miss Weil declined to allow her name to be used, which left two candidates for this office, Mrs. M. L. Stover and Mrs. C. C. Hook. The ballot showed Mrs. Hook elected. No other nominations being made, the report of the Nominating Committee was accepted and the names presented, with Mrs. Hook as General Federation Secretary were declared elected, and the meeting adjourned for luncheon. A drive to Biltmore filled the afternoon. The Friday morning session was filled with reports from 53 clubs and a few chairmen. Trento CoNnvENTION 49 The Board of Directors met in the afternoon. The opening session was most appropriately held at Salem College, where the Federation was organized in 1902. The invocation was made by the venerable Bishop Rondthaler. The clubs of Winston-Salem, of men and of women, the U. D. C., and the D. A. R., the Twin- City officials and Salem College itself, all united in such hearty welcome as made the occasion a genuine home-coming for the clubs. Their thanks were beautifully expressed by the Vice President, Miss Grace Jones, after which all united in singing the Federation Song. Each Past President then gave a resumé of the events of her administration, which showed the growth of the work. Mrs. Patterson in her own unique way told of the trials and vicissitudes which characterized her efforts to lead North Carolina women “in the way they should go” by inducing them to join the new Federation. Then followed a beautiful tribute to Miss Candler, the first Secretary of the organization. Mrs. J. T. Alderman, the Second President, was un- avoidably absent, to the regret of all. The next incumbent, Miss Margaret Lovell Gibson, took up the story and related the activities of her ad- ministration. Mrs. Eugene Reilley followed with many facts of interest which filled her term of office as Fourth President. Mrs. Robert Cotten, Fifth President, represented the present time. She had no reminiscences to offer but told of the status of the work and prophe- sied future greatness for the organization. 4 ne Bie 4 € an 4 ieee hy iq aa i I : ae i he } i | Hu j Bie i a a ig 3 a. Rin a 4 Hie 5 ii A i Fit Hie: iY Bi ails TSS SSE. £1 7 ETON 555 Saaenae Sasa eae aE 54 History oF Women’s Cruss mention. It was the use of a beautiful automobile with its attentive chauffeur dedicated solely to the use of the President. Decorated with sprigs of pine tied with blue and white ribbon, and labeled “The Presi- dent’s Car,” it stood each day at her command, to take her to and from the meetings, to expedite errands, or transport business messengers as was needed, always at the President’s command, and always a great joy and very useful. Thus after a retrospect covering a decade of growth, the North Carolina Federation adjourned determined to crown its worthy past with a more active future. It had been born of a desire to unite women for mutual helpfulness, and nourished by the loyalty, aspi- rations and work of its members. Thus born and thus nourished its destiny is to grow in strength and useful- ness and to produce fruits worthy of the civilization of the future. ELEVENTH CoNVENTION 61 ning number in the Music Contest to be “Cradle Song” by Miss Janie Patterson of Concord who rendered the song and to whom the gold medal was presented. The contest in the Literature Department had become a permanent feature, and Mrs. Gordon Finger of Char- lotte was announced the winner in the contest. She read her story “Across the Sauratown” which was fol- lowed by a song “‘Carolina Hills” composed by Mrs. A. D. Glascock, and sung by Miss Janie Patterson. The prize poems “Limitation” and “Echoes” were both won by Mrs. Charles Ives of New Bern and read by Miss Mary Hendren. Thursday morning was filled with fine reports from Clubs and from Departments. The details of all Fed- eration history can be found only in the individual clubs and only the general outline of progress can be given at Conventions. The Finance Committee reported nearly $1,000 on hand for the Endowment. Before the New Bern Con- vention closed the amount was largely increased and the Federation was rapidly attaining a “business basis.” The report of the Chairman on Legal Status of Women was of special interest. She gave the details of the codperation between the Teachers’ Assembly and the Federation of Clubs. She recounted the handi- caps encountered in getting the bill through the Legis- lature enabling women to serve on school boards. After being killed twice, it was introduced the third time and passed. In reply to a personal letter from the Presi- dent, Mrs. Cotten, the clubwomen bombarded the legis- lators with letters and telegrams while the bill was ELEeveNTH ConveNTION 65 First, Mrs. Cotten presented Miss Royster, Chair- man of the Committee on Legal Status of Women, who took charge of the meeting. Miss Royster after a few words introduced Mrs. Sol Weil of that Commit- tee who told of the struggles to secure progressive legis- lation for women. Miss Royster then introduced Judge Clark who gave an elaborate and illuminating address of the status of women—past, present, and prospective. He probed into the past when women were chattels and playthings. He showed their development in mentality and strength in the present, and prophesied citizenship and con- tinued development in the future. The address was forcible, logical, and eloquent. An ovation was given him by a rising audience after which Miss Hendren led an investigating discussion. Question after ques- tion pounded the Judge from the floor, all of which he answered cheerfully and to the point. Many clubwomen made short talks and many seeds of legal truth were left to germinate in the brains of the women. The meeting adjourned to continue the exchange of ideas at the reception given by the Chamber of Commerce of New Bern. The final business session of the convention was called to order by the President, Mrs. Cotten, in the Elks’ Temple, promptly at ten o’clock Friday morning. After an invocation the reading of club reports was continued. The Credentials Committee, through its Chairman, Mrs. W. G. Rogers, reported a voting strength of 111 present. The Nominating Committee through Miss Margaret Gibson, reported the following 5 70 History of WomeEn’s CLUBS In May, 1914, the Twelfth Convention of the Federa- tion met in the historic town of Fayetteville, named for the celebrated Frenchman, and heir to the facts and traditions of the exile of Prince Charley, and the ro- mantic history of Flora McDonald. The Council met in the home of Mrs. W. T. Brock, President of the hostess club, the Civic Association. It was followed by an elaborate luncheon where the re- union of co-workers created an atmosphere of happi- ness felt by all present. The Board of Directors met in the afternoon at Hotel La Fayette where the Council joined them and the appropriate business was accom- plished. Such meetings would often continue indefi- nately but for the faithful clocks which record the passing of time, and the Board adjourned in time to permit hostess and guest to become acquainted and for both to don suitable dress for the evening. The evening session opened promptly. The new President, Miss Fries, had a reputation for promptness and efficiency, and all knew she would sustain it. An invocation and the Federation Song opened the meeting on the evening of May 5. Addresses of welcome from the city and from the club were responded to by Mrs. E. K. Graham for the Federation. The President’s address, delivered with her characteristic poise and grace was full of sane advice, business acumen, friendly counsel, and ambi- tion for the work she represented. Every woman pres- ent was proud to follow so sane a leader, and gave generous applause. Mrs. Pennybacker, President of the General Federation, who was to be the special guest CHAPTER XV THIRTEENTH CONVENTION GoLpsBoro—1915 STATESVILLE Councit—1915 When the Goldsboro Woman’s Club invited the Fed- eration to hold another convention in Goldsboro, it defied an old superstition, for that convention was to be the thirteenth. No one was daunted; the women of that club were too intelligent to yield to any time worn superstition. The invitation was accepted in the same courageous spirit. Every one felt sure of wel- come and pleasure. The Council had been held in Statesville in January. Sickness in her home prevented the attendance of the President, Miss Fries. In her absence Mrs. B. F. Long presided at the meetings and introduced the speakers with her always sweet manner. Many officers and chairmen were present, and many visiting clubwomen from nearby towns. Greetings, receptions, luncheons, music, and business, were all successfully intermingled. Several interesting addresses featured that meeting and it was most gratifying to see the number of men who attended each evening session. They seemed anxious to learn more about clubs and an opportunity was given them to gain such knowledge. Mrs. Reilley talked about “The Woman of Today” and Mrs. Cotten gave many reminiscences of the early days of clubs, and told how the “Woman of Yester- day” had shown courage and evinced faith in the [77] in seh a tide Ni Smell li nein 78 History or Women’s Crvuss “Woman of Tomorrow” by her loyal club spirit when clubs were unpopular. Mrs. T. W. Lingle made an address on the true meaning of Social Service. It was a clarion call to all women for their duty to society. Statesville women had conceived the happy idea of having one day of the Council Meeting as a District Reciprocity Day, thus bringing a number of experl- enced workers in close personal touch with their co- workers in the Federation. ‘The effort was a great success and many derived benefit. ‘The premonitory rumblings of the World War began to be felt, and a special prayer for Peace, and many talks on that sub- ject characterized one session, and the women returned home in a more serious frame of mind. The Thirteenth Convention of the Federation of Clubs convened officially on Tuesday evening, May 4, 1915, in the Wayne County Court House, the President in the chair. The usual invocation followed by the Federation Song opened the exercises. The welcome was generous. Mrs. D. R. Kornegay spoke for the Woman’s Club; Col. Joseph Robinson, the all-time friend of Women’s Clubs, spoke for the city. Mrs. Clarence Johnson responded for the Federation. She said “the clubwomen of this State have had a dream of empire which should embody a victory over igno- - rance and disease,” and prophesied they would not cease from effort until that dream becomes reality. EigHTEENTH CoNnVENTION 145 known as Chairman of Districts, while the woman who managed each District was to be known as District President. Mrs. Cooper made her report as District Chairman, whereupon Mrs. Hook requested Mrs. Cooper to pre side while the reports of District Presidents were read. This has become a regular custom. Eight districts reported. Dr. McGeachy made an address on the needs of Samarcand Manor. Luncheon followed at the Country Club, by the D. A. R. The afternoon session was crowded with inevitable reports which represented the inner life of the Fed- eration and were of interest to all. Miss Gibson of Wilmington extended an invitation from Sorosis to the Federation to meet in that city the next year. The invitation was accepted. The Convention then adjourned to attend a Garden Party given by the U. D. C. at the home of Mrs. A. L. Smith. Time was insufficient for the Charlotte people to include all they desired to do for the Federation, so there were necessarily several “side lines” pursued out of the regular sessions. One was a delightful buffet supper given by Mrs. Hook at which all the women had the pleasure of shaking hands with her husband, and of seeing her mother with all the charming grace of old Southern hospitality, pouring tea and coffee, while Rosalie Hook and her cousin, Ida Patterson, served the guests. It was a delightful affair and could have lasted all the evening but that the evening session was calling to the women. 10 . enna caatemeeiaerees a aa a 5 hace ian eects dn 152 History oF Women’s Cruss Mrs. Cotten moved that the scholarship be made permanent and the necessary money taken from the treasury. Mrs. R. W. Hicks moved that two scholar- ships be established. Mrs. Cotten then withdrew her motion for taking the money from the treasury. Motion was then amended and carried, that money for one scholarship be taken from the treasury and the other made up by voluntary club subscriptions. Sub- scriptions handed to Mrs. Hicks amounted to $104. Mrs. A. H. Powell, Chairman of Finance, was absent but her report was read by Mrs. W. T. Carter of Winston-Salem. She also read a letter from Mrs. Powell urging that the Endowment be increased. Mrs. Hook made a special plea in behalf of an increased Endowment. Mrs. Carter moved that the Endowment be increased from $5,000 to $10,000, and $1,200 was promptly pledged toward the desired $10,000. During the afternoon session reports were read and Mr. Frank McNinch made an inspiring address on Community Service. Dr. Hamilton of Wilmington spoke on “Health Conditions Relative to the Welfare of Mother and Child.” The meeting adjourned to at- tend a Garden Party at the beautiful home of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Parsley on Masonboro Sound, where sup- per was served, through the courtesy of the Colonial Dames and the U. D. C. Automobiles met the delegates at Wrightsville and conveyed the guests through beauti- ful wildwoods to the home of the Parsleys, and later took them on to Wilmington to attend the “Pageant of the Cape Fear.” It was rendered on the banks of the Cape NINETEENTH ConvENTION 157 State papers at the beginning of the Session of the Legislature spoke in a very frivolous vein of the bill, making the comment that it was not likely to carry much weight. The reporter and many others were compelled to change their minds before the Legis- lature was over for it has been stated by those in close touch with the Legislature in times gone by that few measures have created more widespread interest. The moving picture people, themselves, feeling the bill of such importance, sent to Raleigh a powerful lobby. This lobby was led by Rev. Thomas Dixon, one of North Carolina’s most brilliant writers and motion picture producers. Mr. Dixon spoke before the Legislature for the moving picture people, bringing into play his brilliant wit and fine satire. The Censorship Bill was championed by Hon. Isaac Meekins, and in his defense of the bill he seemed to meet every argument of Mr. Dixon’s with a keener wit and a more biting satire. The bill was lost and since that time the motion picture people have so successfully combatted the idea of cen- sorship that it is probable that it may never be taken to the Legislature in the same form again. However, the moving picture industry does not yet satisfy all those who at one time felt that censorship was advisable. “The producers’ only test seems to be the cash box. Some day there will be better movies for better people. Edwin Booth in Shakespeare’s plays and the Bowery Melodrama drew big houses in New York at the same time, but not the same people. Meanwhile there are things that the average movie audience tolerates be- cause it cannot help it, not because it is wild about them.” 160 History or Women’s Cuiuss Mrs. John Gilmer, Chairman of Districts, presiding. Miss Kelly made an address on Community Codpera- tion, which she had found much needed in her work against adult illiteracy. Luncheon was served in the Woman’s Club cafeteria, after which the women departed for their homes. Chicago boasts that no train ever passes through that city because the traveling public always must change trains there for all points of the compass. Perhaps that explains why Greensboro is called the Gate City, because it is the Gate to Everywhere, and through those gates from Everywhere in North Carolina, club- women gathered on May 2, 1922, to hold the twentieth Convention of the North Carolina Federation of Women’s Clubs, in response to an invitation from the Greensboro City Federation of Clubs. Fourteen years had elapsed since Greensboro had entertained the Fed- eration. The city had grown large and prosperous. So had the North Carolina Federation and they were ach anxious to renew and strengthen the old ties. When the Federation was organized in 1902, Greens- boro had sent delegates from five clubs, and now a City Federation of ten clubs was ready to welcome the clubwomen. The new O. Henry Hotel was named as headquarters. The delegates had grown fond of “being together, in all sorts of weather” under the same roof, so the O. Henry was crowded. Mrs. Clarence Johnson had been elected ~~ ‘ ‘ She GAG we, TWENTIETH CONVENTION 163 Through the generosity of Mrs. Cooper, the Presi- dent, the evening session witnessed an unique scene. Mrs. Bonnin, a full-blooded Sioux Indian Princess from Dakota, a direct descendant of Sitting Bull, was present in her native Indian costume. She made an interesting address on the subject, ‘“Americanize the First Americans.” It was a plea for the ballot to be given to the Indians, as it had been given to Negroes, aliens, and women, only the “first Americans” being without the privilege of a vote. Mrs. Clarence Johnson moved that a resolution be adopted pledging the codperation of the Federation in securing the ballot for Indians. Mrs. Henry White, of High Point, Chairman of Education, made her report and then introduced Dr. Howard Rondthaler of Salem College, who made an address on “Certain Educational Problems.” Mrs. John Gilmer, Chairman of Districts, then made a report in which she recommended that the State Federation of Home Bureaus. be admitted to the Fed- eration as an affiliated organization. Mrs. Jane Mc- Kimmon, head of the Home Bureaus, spoke of the wisdom of such action. Motion was made and carried. It was a happy and progressive step, bringing into close relation the clubs of the Federation and the rural clubs of the Home Demonstration work; giving to each set of clubs a new feeling of sisterhood and codperation, each capable of helping the other. The resolution em- bodied the plan for affiliation and was as follows: CHAPTER XXIV SOUTH EASTERN COUNCIL NORTH CAROLINA COUNCIL PInEeEHuURST—1922 A largely attended and very interesting Midwinter Council Meeting was held at Pinehurst in December, 1922. The North Carolina Federation had joined the Southeastern Council, and that organization met at Pinehurst at the same time, thus bringing representa- tives from seven southern states together for discus- sion and friendship, while holding separate meetings. 30th organizations were well represented, each State having its President and some delegates in attendance. A new and unexpected experience had come to the Fede- ration. It had been blessed with many splendid presidents but none had ever presented it with a baby girl for a mascot. This Mrs. Cooper had done and the baby was at Pinehurst, in proof thereof. She was born on Election Day, November 7, 1922, and on De- cember 7, Mrs. R. R. Cotten presented her to the two organizations, as “the most precious gift life can be stow” because a girl baby embodies all future possi- bilities. She was at once enveloped in an ovation of good wishes. She was promptly elected an honorary member of the Southeastern Council, and presented with a silver cup by that organization. She was for- mally adopted as the Federation Mascot, and Mrs. John Gilmer, Second Vice President, presented a silver bowl, [170] CHAPTER XXV TWENTY-FIRST CONVENTION WINSTON-SALEM—19295 Here’s to the Royal Twin City, The city of Progress and Peace, Where the men are as gallant as witty And courtesies kind never cease. Our hearts we leave with the women, Our bills we leave with the men, Good-bye! and if ever you ask us, We'll certainly come back again. So sang the Federation Bard, Mrs. Al Fairbrother, when the 1912 Convention in Winston-Salem ad- journed. In fulfillment of her prediction, and in response to the invitation from the Twin City clubs, the Federa- tion did “come back” again” for another Convention in 1923. Anniversary meetings are like family re unions. They bring the clubwomen back home, and strengthen “the tie that binds,’ both in heart and service those who strive together for a better world in which to live. The Twenty-first Convention of the North Carolina Federation opened on Wednesday, May 2, 1923, with the Executive Board meeting at the home of Mrs. Frederick Bahnson, who also entertained the Board at a beautiful luncheon. The Trustees and the Directors met in the afternoon in the Orangerie Room at the Robert E. Lee Hotel. Those meetings were followed by a drive over the city and’a visit to Reynolda. [172] 176 History or Women’s Criuss old daughter of the President, had loaned to the Federation a North Carolina Bond for $1,000, to be used by the Loan Fund Committee without interest for fifteen years, and then revert to the donor as a nucleus for her own education. Mrs. Cotten then presented the Mascot to the Con- vention which was giving her a rising vote of thanks, which she received in a calm manner, without saying a word. Perhaps she thought Mrs. Cotten would talk for her. The splendid report elicited a rising vote of thanks for Mrs. Land, after which generous pledges of money for the coming year were added to the Fund. Mrs. B. H. Griffin, Chairman of Membership, re- ported 54 new clubs had joined the Federation. Many of them had delegates present, who were welcomed by their co-workers, and a rising vote of thanks given Mrs. Griffin for bringing in again the largest number of clubs ever admitted in one year. She had excelled herself. It is wisdom to flavor business with a dash of pleasure. This was exquisitely done at a luncheon to the Federation Past Presidents (by Mrs. Reilley dubbed “the Exes”) given by Miss Fries, “one of them,” at her home on Thursday, May 3. The decorations and table settings were all in blue and white, Federa- tion Colors, and each “Ex” was presented with a tiny gold “‘X”’ enameled in blue and white and arranged so it could be attached to the Federation pin. It was a dainty souvenir of a most delightful occasion. Thursday evening was Fine Arts Evening, always interesting, for every one wishes to know who won each NNR