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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
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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]
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.
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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 resum� 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.
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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.
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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
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Twenty-First ConvENTION 183
woman, who yet serves the public so well, thereby hon-
oring all women.
After the applause subsided Mrs. W. T. Bost, Presi-
dent of the Raleigh Woman's Club, gave a most allur-
Ing invitation for the Federation to hold its next meet-
ing in Raleigh. This was cordially endorsed by Mrs.
Josephus Daniels. Asheville and Wilson both gave
invitations for the same convention, but Raleigh's
Star was in the ascendant, and Asheville and Wilson
withdrew in favor of Raleigh.
An invitation from Hickory for the next Council
Meeting was also accepted. Then Mrs. Winter took a
hand in the administration of "surprises" which had
characterized the Convention. Acting for Mrs. Cooper,
the retiring President, she presented to each Past
President of the North Carolina Federation a gold bar-
pin bearing the words, Past President North Carolina
Federation of Clubs, with date of service, and on the
reverse side the name of the recipient. It was a grace-
ful acknowledgment of their loyalty and codperation.
After the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" by the as-
sembly, the meeting adjourned to attend a reception
at the Robert E. Lee Hotel, courtesy of the Woman's
Club and the Winston-Salem Sorosis.
One would suppose the delightful reception was a
suitable "'end of a perfect day," but after many had left
the ball room and were retiring, the hotel was reported
on fire. Much smoke was on the upper floors, and a
near panic ensued. Many had not retired but lingered
in the lobby talking over the pleasures of the Conven-
tion. Still in their evening gowns those who lingered
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188 History or Womern's CiLuss
Some minor routine business was transacted and the
Courtesies read.
An elaborate reception that evening at the home of
Mrs. K. C. Menzies closed a delightful meeting. Many
social features kept the business from being monotonous.
One feature was the drive to "Jugtown,' when the
delegates and hostesses, escorted by the Kiwanians,
drove over to the Jugtown potteries. It was a revela-
tion to many to see the potters at work, moulding the
native clay into beautiful shapes with their skillful
fingers. Each delegate received a "little brown jug"
of perfect shape, as a souvenir. While not full of
"Mountain dew," they were full of good wishes and
in many homes will long be reminders of a very pleas-
ant occasion. A gavel made of hickory wood, and
Hickory walking sticks will long recall the meeting at
Hickory.
The courtesy of the Rotary Club took the form of a
dinner to which the Council was invited: President
Henry Holbrook extended the greetings of the Rotarians
and expressed the hope that the meeting would be
mutually pleasant and profitable. He then turned the
meeting over to Mrs. Carrie Gamble who presented
other speakers. Mrs. Jerman spoke of the desirability
of codperation between all clubs, and advised the Ro-
tarians to follow the precepts and example of the
Women's Clubs.
Mrs. Cotten congratulated the men on the improve-
ment in their clubs. She referred humorously to the
men's clubs of by-gone days, which were not as con-
TWwENTy-sEcOND ConvEeNTION 193
need by girls for aid in securing education has no limit,
so the chairman was left free to add to that fund
when assistance should be proffered.
Miss Fries offered a resolution that the Loan
Fund Committee, by action of the Directors, be made
a Standing Committee instead of a subcommittee of
the Education Department, and that the Directors
elect the chairman along with others, and that the
resolution be acted on promptly so the change could
be incorporated in the proceedings when the Year
Book is published. The President called a meeting
of the Board of Directors immediately after adjourn-
ment to act on the resolution.
An amendment to omit the word "Auditor" wherever
it occurs in the Constitution, and thus dispense with
the services of an Auditor, because the books of the
Treasurer are always submitted to an expert account-
ant was carried.
The afternoon session was given over to reports of
the District Presidents, Mrs. Thomas O'Berry, Chair-
man of Districts, presiding. ,
The meeting adjourned to enjoy two teas in honor
of the delegates and visiting clubwomen. One tea
was at Wakestone, the home of Mrs. Josephus Daniels,
presided over by her husband, Hon. Josephus Daniels,
and her daughter, Mrs. Jonathan Daniels. Another
tea was at the Woman's Club House, where Mrs. Jer-
man presided with joy and pride over the home she
had helped to build for the Raleigh Woman's Club.
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198 History or Women's Cross
Mrs. R. R. Cotten, Honorary President, presided.
Mrs. Frank Harold, President General of the U. D. C.,
was an honor guest. She expressed great pleasure in
meeting the North Carolina Clubwomen, many of whom
were also Daughters of the Confederacy, and she knew
their value.
A group of Raleigh club members put on a "home
talent play" depicting a club meeting 25 years ago,
which added much hilarity to the occasion. The cos-
tumes, program, and procedure "then and now" made
it very interesting but somewhat grotesque because it
showed such a contrast between clubwomen and their
ways, "then and now."
At the close of the dinner, the meeting adjourned
to the State Theater, where Mrs. Helen Gardiner,
U. S. Civil Service Commissioner, made a most in-
teresting and instructive address on "Women in Gov-
ernment Work." She was introduced by Hon. Josephus
Daniels. Mrs. Gardiner is well known as an author
and lecturer, and was the first woman appointed to
high governmental position. She urged women to ac-
cept Government work, and declared they were needed
in many ways. She was much applauded. The newly
elected officers were then presented to the audience, and
the evening session adjourned.
The final session of the Convention was held in the
ball room of the Sir Walter Hotel, on May 9, 1924,
with the President in the chair.
The meeting opened with assembly singing.
CHAPTER XXVII
TWENTY-THIRD CONVENTION
PineHuRsT-1925
Hieau Pornt Councir-1924
The autumn Council Meeting which preceded the
Pinehurst Convention, met at High Point, October
23-24, 1924. The Executive Meeting was followed by
an elaborate luncheon at the home of Mrs. Owen Smith.
At two o'clock Mrs. Thomas O'Berry presided over a
Conference of District Presidents.
The Council proper began at four o'clock at the
Sheraton Hotel, with Mrs. H. D. Sears, President of
High Point Woman's Club, in the chair. The address
of welcome was given by Mr. T. Wingate Andrews,
and responded to by Mrs. F. R. Perdue of Raleigh.
The State President was then formally presented
by Mrs. Sears, after which Miss Lavinia Engle, of
Baltimore, Md., made an address on "Legislative Pro-
grams and Methods."
On Thursday evening the Council members were
the guests of the High Point Woman's Club at the
presentation of the opera "Don Pasquale."
Friday was strictly given to business. The discus-
sion of the work of the departments was featured by
the presentation of more practical outlines for work,
free from theory and giving definite concrete programs
for each department. It was a most encouraging out-
look for the work of the winter.
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TwEntTy-THIRD ConvVENTION 203
Dining-room. The Trustees met in the Dutch Room,
followed by the meeting of the Directors in the ball
room.
In a private dining room at 6 p.m., the Past Presi-
dents' dinner was served, with only five Past Presidents,
Miss Fries, and Mesdames Cooper, Alderman, Hook,
and Cotten, present to enjoy it.
At 8 p.m. in the ball room of the Carolina, the even-
ing session opened the Convention. The invocation was
followed by the singing of the Club Woman's Hymn.
Hon. R. N. Page gave a welcome from the Sand
Hills. He loves them-they are his native heath and
his beautiful heartfelt tribute to them easily convinced
all that the unusual power and ability of the Federation
President was due to the fact that she herself is a
daughter of the Sand Hills, with power to bring suc-
cess to all she attempts.
Then followed a welcome from the Fifth District, ex-
pressed by Mrs. R. W. Allen, and from the Hostess
Club by its President, Mrs. Charles R. Whitaker. The
response was made by Mrs. Thomas O'Berry, the
Second Vice President of the Federation.
Then came the President's address, full of vigor,
enthusiasm and inspiration. She recounted the achieve
ments of the Federation to the present time, portrayed
with clear vision the possibilities of the future, and
filled each woman with a desire to meet and develop
those possibilities. She stressed the great need of a
more highly developed political consciousness and tried
to impress on her hearers the power dormant in the
ballot, which is useless unless used. She named the
208 History or Women's CLuBs
After the usual assembly singing, Mrs. E. E. Ran-
dolph, Chairman of Music made her report and an-
nounced the awards as follows: The Cooper Cup to Mrs.
Charles Wagoner setting to music of Kipling's poem
"When Earth's Last Picture is Painted." The Duncan
Cup was also won by Mrs. Wagoner for "At the Cir-
cus." Both numbers were rendered by Mrs. Wagoner.
Mrs. Rufus Gwyn, Chairman of Art, reported and
announced the awards in her department.
The Robert Lamar Beal Cup was awarded to Mrs.
J. L. Graham of Winston-Salem, with honorable men-
tion for Mrs. Nellie Sandborn.
The best display of hand-painted china was a vase
of original design, made and decorated by Mrs. J. A.
Spiers, and won by the Wilson Woman's Club. By
request the vase was presented by Mrs. Cotten to the
President of Wilson Club, whose new club house was
awaiting the beautiful vase.
The $10 gold piece, given by Mrs. Sidney Cooper
for the best sketch in oil, was won by Mrs. G. D. B.
Reynolds of Albemarle.
Then Mrs. Randolph presented the Pfohl Orchestra,
with its seven instruments and composed of the family
of Rev. and Mrs. J. Kenneth Pfohl of Winston-Salem,
to demonstrate what music can mean in the American
Home. It was exceedingly entertaining, unique and
artistic. Each instrument contributed a solo, and
many numbers in unison, the harp being exceedingly ad-
mired. From the young director, Master Donald Pfohl,
age eight, to the mother at the piano and the father
with his "cello" the entire performance was exquisite,
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Twenty-rurrp Convention 213
by Dr. Sloop, after which every one enjoyed the dinner
and the social intercourse it permitted.
The regular session followed the dinner, opening
with the Club Woman's Hymn.
The speaker of the evening, Mrs. Ida Clyde Clarke,
of the Pictorial Review, was introduced by Mrs. W. T.
Bost. The subject was "A New Woman Looks at an
Old World." An accomplished speaker, a deep thinker,
an adroit actress, she kept her audience in convulsions
of laughter by her witty sallies and her accidental (2)
hits at things we all know exist yet cannot cure. It
was a masterpiece of witty sarcasm veiled in a camou-
flage of innocence and hard sense. Nothing was ever
more enjoyed.
An invitation from the Men's Clubs and Women's
Clubs of Asheville to hold the next Convention in that
city was presented by Mrs. J. W. Huston. Mrs. W. J.
Brogden brought an invitation for the next Council
meeting to be held in Durham and both invitations
were accepted with thanks. The Courtesies were read
by Mrs. J. M. Brown after which the new officers were
presented.
Just as Mrs. Jerman was about to bring the gavel
down and declare the Convention adjourned, she was
interrupted by the appearance on the platform of Mrs.
Sidney Cooper, youngest of the Past Presidents of the
Federation. In a few well chosen words she welcomed
the retiring President into her inevitable place in the
Past Presidents Club and presented to her a Past
President's Bar Pin similar to those given to the other
Past Presidents at Winston-Salem. Then Miss Fries
MAN Mee ye aL
JOYNER
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