The true northerner., 1900-12-28
The Work of the Michigan State
Federation of Women's Clubs

The question is often asked, "How does
the state federation benefit the local
club?" While those in touch with its
work, following closely its benefcent
plans for usefulness, feel that it is OF
immeasurable value, they find it difficult
to give a satisfactory expression OF the
really vital and potent agencies by which
it's results are achieved. Realizing their
broadening, ennobling influences, they
realize also that they work silently
voicelessly This year, however, through
the considerate thoughtfulness of one
woman, and the generosity of another,
a convincing answer is given to this
quite important query. As a member
of the household economic committee of
the state federation, Rev. Caroline Bart
lett Crane of Kalamazoo was asked by
the president, Mrs. Belle Nj. Perry of
Charlotte, if she would be willing in the
interest of her department, to give her
new lecture, "The Evolution of the
Housekeeper, in a few places, for her
expenses. Most generously Mrs. Crane
attested her loyalty to the federation
and to her committee by an affirmative
response, asking only that "she might be
assured of good audiences, as she wished
her lecture to be the means of etfecting
beginning in some practical work" +"
With other messages of holiday cheer,
the mails have been bearing these glad
tidings TO clubs, carrying also the sug
gestion that this be made gift day by
invitations to "house- mothers" outside
the clubs, who would not otherwise hear
this helpful address, thereby emulating
the thoughtfulness and generosity that
has made this great pleasure possible. In
large places plans for reciprocity day"
(which in the club vocabulary means an
exchange of good things) include the
bringing together of resident organiza-
tions TO listen to the able presentation
of this important topic. BY this adher
ence to the plan proposed, how far reach
ing may be the results! Deepened interest
in home life and It's development, a
wider knowledge of its requirements,
with increased reverence for its sacred
responsibilities. Progressive clubs are
not slow to recognize this opportunity
to negative the oft made assertions that
club-women are not home makers, and
that the state federation is of no benefit to
the local club. With a thorough know
ledge of federation work will come an
appreciative acknowledgment of its val
ue. Along all lines of advanced thought
and practical endeavor, it is making its
presence felt through the different de-
partments to which are committed the
interests, indicated by them, as legisla-
tive, industrial, educational and econom-
ic. The state forestry commission ad-
dressed to the womens clubs an appeal
for aid; this year a new committee-of
forestry-has been added to the list, un-
der the leadership of Mrs. Martha f..
Root of Bay City. The aims of the
state federation are wholly noble; rightly
interpreting its unessage, we shall rise to
the stature Of moral greatness. 1t asks
not of the elegance of your wordrobe,
or of the gold in your coffers-but, what
are you worth to this body of earnest,
unselfish toiiers in the great work of up
lifting humanity? What can you bring
as a solution of the worlds vexing prob
lens, what amends for the mistakes of
the past, what relief for the miseries of
the present, what prevention against a
recurrence of the mistakes and miseres
in the future? As we answer these per
tinent interrogatives, whether with mex
cusable selfishness and vacillation, or
with singleness of heart and integrity Of
purpose, shall we lose our force as an
honest factor in its work,-or become
an element, slight tho it be, in that per
manent regeneration which is to make
in each life, the highest-potential.
IMoGENE Nj. BURK.