The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1914-07-16
Maine Clubs Work.
A Report by the President OF the State
Federation of Women's Clubs.

A Report by the President OF the State
Federation of >Women's Clubs.
Maine club women will read with in
terest brief report which the presi-
dent of the Maine State Federation of
! Women's clubs, Mrs. +. P. Abbott of
Saco, gave before the recent Biennial of
the General Federation of Women's
clubs in Chicago. 1t was as follows:
! The Maine Federation of Women's
clubs, Incorporated, begs to report the
celebration of its 21st birthday at Lewis
| ton, in September, 1913. Five Past
| Presidents took part in the special pro-
gram, reviewing the past and looking
| into the future. Of special interest was
the story of it's early days, given by the
founder of the federation, Mrs. George
C. Frye of Portland. Much pleasure
was taken in the cordial letters OF greet
ings and congratulation sent in by Mrs.
Penny backer, president of the General
Federation and many State presidents:
Having attained ma ority, in the pride
and dignity of full womanhood, with
clearer vision and deeper faith, we have
consecrated ourselves anew to our work,
not only in our own State, but In the
broader fields of activity.
INCREASING INTERESTS.
We may report no clashes struck
from midnights," but steadily increas
ing interest and efficiency. We have 142
clubs with a membership of approx
mately 5000. Several applications for
membership await our next meeting.
Our committees, corresponding with
those of the general, are strongly organ
lied and doing excellent work along their
! various lines. The outlook was never
brighter.
A mighty wave of civic pride has swept
| our State. "Clean up and paint up
days are being vigorously prosecuted.
! Unsightly dumps are no longer taken for
| granted, but have received due notice.
The clubs of one town have undertaken
the task of Transforming one particular
ly obnoxious dump into park, by having
it covered with loan and planted with
native trees and shrubs.
1.-The Develop Maine Movement, Or
ganized by a number of Jealous public
spirited men, graciously made our presl-
dent one of their vice presidents, and
placed number of our prominent club
! women upon its advisory committee.
This utilization already promises of good
results. 1t has awakened a spirit of CO.
operation so necessary to great achieve
ments.
The men of Presque Isle will tender a
reception to the Federation women at
the annual meeting in September. TIE
Business Mems association of Biddeford
have invited the federation to be their
guests at the annual meeting in 1915.
| These are good omens truly.
GOOD HEALTH IDEA.
The good health idea has taken firm
root in our State and is putting forth a
vigorous growth. Many clubs are main
tanning district nurses. In some cases,
combined to share the expense. A con-
siderable amount of money has been
raised through the sale of Red Cross
stamps for Anti-Tuberculosis work.
Flies and garbage are being looked after.
1t is a pleasure to report increasing
interest and progress along educational
lines. A closer cooperation between the
parents and teachers in both rural and
urban districts. Many dull school-rooms
have been renovated and frightened and
books and pictures contributed. Several
women of one city demonstrated the fact
that schools could be kept clean for less
money than is generally expended, and
so more frequently scrubbed.
The ''Social Center" idea does not de-
velop to any appreciable extent, owing
to the fact that more comfortable quar-
tiers are obtainabIe in most places and
the lighting question being drawback,
but the incompatibility of the full-grown
figures to the dimensions of the ordinary
school seats and heir fixed habits, is nat
urally encouragement.
The scholarship committee report three
teachers doing good work. An attractive
book plate marks the books given to the
various schools. Money has been con-
tributed for a scholarship in Mason in
istitute.
CONSERVATION.
Active, forcefu work is being done TO:
conservation Our women have heartily
endorsed the work of the fire commission,
not only on account of the forest timber,
but the natural beauty and to assuage
the unthinkable destruction of bird life
particularly at the nesting season. Mum.
erous lectures with illustrations have
been given, where school children, Camp
Fire girls and Boy Scouts have been spe'
cial guests, and the conservation of rare
flora, ferns, shrubs, ct cetera, have beer
urged. Field days are becoming more
frequent.
A strong spirit OF reciprocity is mani.
fest throughout the State. The door Of
true hospitality stands invitingly open.
Unfederated clubs, and many not belong
ing to clubs, have been guests at many
club functions. We have not been un.
mindful of the lonely ones in the outlying
districts, and we hope to interest the
younger ones.
Art and literature, as always, hold
prominent places on our programs, We
are particularly happy at present in this
respect, the chairman being young
woman of rare culture. Arts and crafts
work grows in interest and grows better.
Its scope, too, is widening.
Our committee on Home Economics
has done excellent work, having gotten
out fine outline for study with biogra-
ply and many lectures.
Our publicity committee has given ex-
ceIlent service. The efficient chairman
is on the regular staff of one of Names
largest newspapers. All matters of in
terest from the federation and local
clubs, and many notes from the General
Federation have been graciously received
| BY the press, including all biennial an
nouncements and have promptly appear-