New-York tribune., 1899-07-09
OMAHA WOMAN'S CLUB.

A SOCIETY ACTIVE IN CIVIL. PHILAN-
THRoPIC AND EDUCATIONAL WORK
To the Omaha woman's Club. organized six
years ago. belongs the honor OF being the first
club OF its kind in Nebraska. There was many
uououng Thomas" who predicted It's failure be-
cause II proposed to do something entirely con-
trary TO the work Of previously organized associa-
tions OF women
II was 10 be broader IN scope than missionary
or charitable organizations or temperance unions.
and more democratic IN its administration OF af-
fairs When the club was organized the critics
said this society would not be a success because
women OF different creeds and conditions could
never be brought into harmonious and sympathetic
relations; Jealousies would surely prevail and fads
flourish. and the whole affair would end prema-
turely In ingorous defeat
All these dlrefu predictions have failed. The
club now numbers s27 women working harmoni-
ously together. and proving themselves capable OF
conducting public and business affairs with sue
cess. The club keeps its annual dues at g. so that
no woman sympathizng with It's object shall be
eebarred because OF undue expense. A rigid rule
requires that all dues shall be paid in advance
The club last entered generously into the
Omaha Exposition responsibilities carrying It's
share cf hospitality and entertainment It continued
the travellers aid the railway station. II made
Its annual contribution OF 80 as usual 10 the State
travelling library thus helping 10 provide books for
clubs out Of reach Of public Libraries II forwarded
q monthly stipend to the Rescue Home for Women
in its city. which is conducted by the Salvation
Army. keeping IN touch with the work there
through visiting committee. OF which Mrs G. W
Damon Is chairman. II placed 10 the credit OF the
Museum Committee IN March. 1895. the sum OF 800
70 be used In the interests Of public museum the
directors of the pLblic library moving In the same
direction little.
Relations were established with them and through
united effort the city now has the beginnings OF
collection OF articles Of scientific and historical
value
The City Improvement Committed directed by
Mrs. Blanche l.. Mckelvey, conducts a work indl-
Gated by its name Its chief effort heretofore has
been in the direction OF rousing civic pride by
means OF lectures mass-meetings and work In the
schools.
OF course. In so large a club there is great d.
versty Of taste and this Is provided for by permit
ting any five or more women TO form a department
for study Each department elects its own leader
chooses It's course Of study asks the Library Com
mittee for such text books II needs and has
representation on the Board OF Directors through
Its leader or some member.
In accordance with this Arrangement there now
exist fourteen departments. Three OF them are
composed OF students Of English German and
French history; there Is French conversation
class; also a department OF philosophy and ethics
oratory education, household economies, parlla-
mentary drill. art and current topics. Nor Ia
the social side Of life disregarded During the last
year the Social Committee claims to have enter
taned the most noted women OF the country.
The club is supporter OF the State Fed
Grafton OF Clubs and a member Cf the General Fed
Grafton. claiming special honor from the fact that
OF its members is serving a second term the
directory OF that body.