The herald., 1895-03-17
THE WOMAN'S
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
PRESS CLUB


presiding officer of an auxiliary associa-
ton. &
Immediately temporary organization
was formed in Los Angeles. monthly
meetings were held in the apartments of
Misses Kelso and Hasse, who kindly
placed their rooms at the disposal of the
branch or auxiliary, and on the 18th of
March. 1894, permanent organization was
effected and annual election of officers fol-
lowed.
Meetings were held each month there
after, except during August and Septem-
Der: and although only about twelve
names were enrolled at the first meeting
last March, the end of the first year
showed membership of over thirty
Business meetings have been held tho
first Monday afternoon OF each month;
and since May, 1894, social has been
given the third Monday evening of each
month in the homes of the different men,
bers, which have been we'll attended. Liter
airy and musical programmes were pre-
pared for these latter meetings, and light
refreshments served. all of which has
| gone toward promoting sociability, and
that. in turn, has been conducive to
more informal acquaintance among the
members.
| Corresponding secretaries were APP
pointed soon after organization was
effected, in the following counties: Ven.
tura, Sanra Barbara, San Diego, River
side and San Bernardino. The duties of
these secretaries were to look up the
writers in their respective counties, re.
port them and their work to the branch
here, cndeavor to interest them in the
association and, if practicable, to
arrange for local auxiliary meetings.
few weeks after organizing, the
branch assumed the responsibility Of en-.
training delegates from the National
Woman's Press Association who visited
Los Angeles on route to the Midwinter
Fair in San Francisco. A reception was
given the guests, in which the mems
Press Club co-operated. and several trips
were taken to pionts of interest on the
days following.
For the first time the women writer's
of this vicinity took their proper places
when litterateurs of note from other Sec
tions were visiting the city-a fact which
could hardly have been accomplished but
for the existence of cooperative organi-
cation; and it is the intention of this as
ISOLATION to entertain literary women
whenever, in future, they visit Los An
geles.
Owing to non-residence or non attend
ance of some of the members, the labor
of arranging for the convention of the
past week fell upon eight or ten people.
Mrs. Marshall, the president, who has
been indefatigable in working for the
branch, removed to Oakland two months
ago. She was necessarily absent during
the prelminaries, and returned only in
time to preside. 1t is. therefore, espec-
ally commendable and quite surprising
| that. under the circumstances, the first
annual convention was so successful and
the Branch Press Association is to be con-
graduated upon having made so credit
able showing. 1t was a work worth do
ing, and it has been well done.
Among other business transacted at this
| convention, steps were taken toward a
formal withdrawal of the branch from
the Pacific Coast Association for various
reason.
1.-The branch is no longer branch, but an
independent trunk. which will be firmly
rooted and carefully propagated by the
thirty or more earnest women who compose
its fbers. 1t has labeled itself the South
ern California Woman's Press Club, and
will graft onto it's main stalk as rapidly
and Systematically as literary shoots ap-
pear on the horizon of letters here and
hereabouts.
The name "Press Club will be taken
in it's wider senes. Not only newspaper
women but all professional women writ
ers whose value, aim to excel in any
line of, and who are recognized in literary
work, may join. The newspaper of today
is so diverse in the matter which it
prints. that it encroaches largely on the
province which was formerly considered
only that of the magazine; and the mag
azine in turn donates much space to the
questions of the day; therefore writer's
either special or on the staff of either are
felt to be eligible to an association such
as this is to be.
An associate membership will afford
those who are literary in their tastes, but
who do not rank as professional writers,
an opportunity to join the ASSOCIATE; n,
and thus share it's benefits; being de-
prived only of voice in its business
management or the holding of Office.
The field of literature is a wide one and
offers ample opportunity for very many
to delve in its rich soil. In an associa-
ton such as this, the interchange of
thoughts, ideas and knowledge is an in
valuable factor in the success, not only of
the individual members, but of the or
ganization itself. and will keep them in
touch with the world of letters, promote
their acquaintance with publishers and
publications; and to the active members
will disseminate a knowledge of not only
the best plans to market their produc-
lions, but also of the rates paid for such,
and the class of articles desired by the
various periodicals.
The officers of the Southern California
Womans' Press Club for the ensuing year
are:
President, Mrs. NJ. Bur!o Williamson,
First vice president, Mrs. Mary +. Hart.
! Second vice president, Rev. Ada c. Eowles.
| Reco riding secretary, Mrs. Mary NJ. Bowman
Corresponding secretary, Mrs. Clara Spalding
Brown.
Treasurer, Mrs. Alice Moore McComas.
Auditor, MS. Sarah A. McClees.