The Washington times., 1914-06-18

by mNS. EklLA j. hAh1 SnONN.
While the eyes Of all club women
are turned westward to the BIZ
ennial convention of the General
Federation Of Women's Clubs in Chi
cago, it is fitting to give brief
outline of the aims and purposes Of
that great organization of women.
represented by forty-eight States,
Alaska, the Panama Canal Zone, and
clubs from foreign countries. num-
bering over 1900 clubs and over
100000 women.
Sorosis never dreamed of the tre-
mendous results of her birthday
party. so happily thought of by
Jennie June (Mrs. Croly).
Twenty-Five years have elapsed
since that memorable gathering. We
look back upon these pioneers in
the work with respect and venera-
ton: for what club woman does not
recall Mrs. Ella Dietz Claymer. now
Mrs. Webster Glynes, of London;
Mrs. Julia Ward Howe, of Massa-
chusetts: Mrs. Jennie c. Croly, OF
New York: Mrs. May Wright Sc
wall, of Indiana; Mrs. Lucinda II.
Stone, of Michigan: Mrs. Mary Z.
Mumford, of Pennsylvania, and
others. many of whom have passed
on to their reward.
As a result of that first gathering,
an organization was perfected which
includes women's clubs, State feder-
ations. territorial federaticns and
kindred organizations.
In addition TO the officers Of the
general federation, eight directors
are elected to the biennial conyen-
tons, which together with the GAL
eral officers. constitute the board OF
directors.
Its Departments.
This district covers Virginia.
West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware
and the District of Columbia. The
director is Mrs. W. Z. Andrews,
former president of the District
Federation. Biennial meetings have
been held in eleven cities. Begin
ming with Chicago in 1892. followed
by Philadelphia, Louisville. Denver.
Milwaukee. Los Angeles. st. Louis.
st. Pc III, Boston, Cincinnati, and San
Francisco and again in June. at Chi
cago.
The first president was Mrs. Char
Jersey. who has been succeeded by
Mrs. Elem Henrotin. OF Illinois.
Mrs. Rebecca Douglass Lowe. Of
Georgia, Mrs. Dimies r. s. Deni-
son. OF New 1Ork, MIS- Saran -
Plat Decker. of Colorado. Mrs.
Philip y. Moore, of Missouri. and
Mrs. Percy V. Pennybacker. OF
Texas, the last mentioned being the
present incumbent.
Eleven departments represent the
work of the federation. viz-Art,
Civics. Civil Service Reform, Conser-
yation. Education, Household Eco
nomics. Industrial and Social Condi-
tons, Legislation. Literature and Lii
brary Extension, Music and Public
Health. Each committee has its
chairman ami 4 membership Of from
twelve to twenty women. reprent-
ing as many different States, the
Chairman reporting at the biennial
meeting tho work accomplished by
her committee during the TWO inter-
vening years.
A council meeting is also held
every two years. between biennials;
composed of boards of directors.
presidents of State federations, Of
territorial fcderations of clubs and
kindered organizations. chairmen of
committees and general federation
State secretaries, for the purpose Of
considering and promoting the in
tercsts of the general federation.
State Activity.
Each State has its own federation,
and. in addition to the usual list Of
officers. elects a general federation
State secretary, who conducts the