Los Angeles herald., 1909-03-10
Women S Clubs


The Minnesota Federation of Wom-
ems clubs has prepared leaflet
which will be circulated through the
state urging women's clubs to federate.
1t speaks of the organization of the
state federation in Minneapolis in 1895
by fifty delegates representing fifteen
clubs, and of the 176 clubs with q
membership of 1868 which are in the
federation today. The work of the
organization is briefly outlined in the
circular. 1t says:
1t was the federation that secured
the library commission and the travel
ing libraries which are now sent to
every part of the state. The state art
commission was also secured through
the work of the club women. The
commission is doing a great deal to
educate, public opinion on art. 1t holds
annual exhibitions in different cities OF
the state where the works of Minnesota
artists and designers are shown, ana
where prizes are given. 1t organizes
arts and crafts societies in various
parts of the state, where instructions
are given in metal work, weaving and
lace making; and employs noted speak
ers to lecture on art. 1t has travelling
picture galleries, which it loans to
clubs and schools to illustrate their
studies, and it has a growing influence
on the kinds of buildings that are being
erected, and the statues that are being
placed in cities and towns.
The federation was foremost in edu-
eating public opinion which secured the
state and national forest reserves and
yet maintains an enthusiasm for bet
for forestry laws, as urged by ex-
President Roosevelt in his recent mes
sage. The federation has always CO.
operated with the state forestry board
and has been more or less influential
in shaping it's policies.
Through the untiring work of the
club women a law was passed by the
legislature providing for a separate in
dustrial school for girls and the women
are now working for an increased ap-
preparation for the new school at Sank
Center.
Scholarships to aid young women in
acquiring a higher education have been
established; by the federation reci-
procity bureau club women are aided
in programs and studies, and through
the enthusiasm aroused at the meet
ings of state and district the women
are taking UP such practical subjects
as public hygiene, forestry, town and
country improvements, civil service re-
form, pure food and other public and
educational problems.
|. The pamphlet shows the Importance
of federation work and asks unfeder-
ated clubs to join the federation and
assist in carrying on the various
projects for the public good.
50
Dallas, Tex, affords an admirable
illustration of what club women can
do along civic lines. The Dallas
Women's forum, through it's nine de-
partments, has inaugurated an annual
chrysanthemum show, the first lhav-
ing netted $1400 which is to be divided
between three of the city charities.
The civics ard philanthropy depart
ments supply a police matron, the sec
rotary OF the United Charities of the
city and the president of the woman's
auxiliary of the National Anti-Tuber-
culosis league. They have recently pro-
vided and posted 500 placards calling
attention to the city ordinance prohtb-
iting splitting.
The Shakespeare club of Dallas has
recently presented the city two stan
dard bronze lamps to be placed at the
front of the city library. These lamps
cost the club $125O, and the money was
all raised among the members.
The Dallas federation has inaugur-
ated an annual tag day. Last spring
it realized over $4,000 from this source,
which was divided between the day
nursery, the Fairgrounds and boys
industrial school, The federation en-
ployS a probation officer and super
visor of Fairgrounds, at a salary Of
$100 a month, and has fitted up two
Fairgrounds. 1t has secured the cleo
ton of women on the city school board
and has recently installed police mat
ron and provided a sum of money to be
used by her in the interest of girls
who, come under her care.
The Wednesday Current Events club
of Denver has planted tree on the
grounds of the state capitol in honor
of Mrs. Sarah Plat Decker. The tree
is a beautiful Norway pine and is the
first to be planted in Denver in honor
of a woman. The presentation address
was made by the president of the club
and Mrs. Decker responded in accept
ance of the honor.