The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-04-01
MOTHERS FEDERATION
ENJOYS TAlkffST
Gemmell, Second President of
Organization.
HER PORTRAIT is UNVEILED.
Was THE Mother of the Mothers
Room''-C1ub Historian Reads In
teresting Chronicle OF FederaIon's
Achievements.

The general meeting OF the FEEDER
alton OF Mothers Clubs and Parent
Teacher Associations of Richmond and
Virginia, held yesterday evening in the
mothers room in the School Admin
istrative, building, was in the nature
Of an innovation as well as an ova-
ton.
1t is uncommon for any one to be
so honored during their lifetime as
was Mrs. William Gemmell. second
president of the federation. by the I'M
yelling OF her portrait in the mothers
roCm. in the presence of large num-
Der OF members OF the orga nization
and their guests The likenesses OF
other presidents will be given an nom
o"ed place on the walls of this room.
IN days to come. but the Installation Of
IRIS Genme!l's portrait was purposely
made untqIs affair, for Il IS to her
individual lshors that this federation
owes it's dearest pOssession-the
mothers room in the School Admin
istration building, secured in 1911, at
the close Of her administration. from
the school authorities, but too late for
her occupancy IN the executive chair,
as falling health prevented her con-
ttnuation in office.
Instead Of waiting until Mrs Gem
/ melIs demise TO express it's feelings,
il was at the ciamorous demand Of the
executive board that at this first meet
ing at which the general historical
features OF the work should he sum-
married, the likeness OF The Mother
OF the Mothers Room" as she has
: been affectionateiy termed. should be
thus installed. The retiring nature
j OF the guest Of honor was forced to
Yield. and the result was most pleas
] ing to all who attended and listened
/ TO the carefully prepared program,
/ The president. Mrs w. A Burrows,
/ introduced the hostess Of the DAY. Mrs.
III L. Whitocl1, historian. who, IN we'll
+ chosen words formally presented The
federation with the collected data OF
+ it, ten wears existence, in q limp
Morocco binding. suitably inscribed A
/ letter was read by Mrs. J. D. Craig.
| r. from Mira E L Lindsay. first
president OF the organization, and also
an eA-pre>ident of Central tRuffner)
Club. now residing in Philadelphia.
This contained some most interest
I ing recollections of the early days OF
+ Abe organization. and was warmly APP
/ plauded. Mrs. Whitlock then called
the roll az the clubs, and received re-
/ ports Of work done from representa-
/ dives OF 1JearlE every individual body
i'm the federation. Mrs J. -. Spiers
/ thea read a semi-hlogra phical and
semi historical paper. entitled our
Presidents" which the historians had
asked het 70 prepare as having been
a member Of the executive board under
every executive other sketches, sum
marizing the work OF some Of the old
Is, and most active members Of the
board were read by Mrs Jos. kessnicf
! and Mrs Whitlock. after which the
portrait OF the guest Of honor, Mrs
William GemmeU second president OF
he federation. and honorary FIRST vice
president Of the executive board, was
unveiled by Misses Louise GeWmel
and Dallas Burrows. after "r4e'
speech of presentation by Mrs. Bur
rows Refreshments were served.
As the next active work Of the fed
GRAFTON viii he the holding OF It's an
nua} flower sale. Nav -. a. Which
funds for the promotion 81 its better
baby work wifi he solicited. Mrs, Gem
nell provided pretty ard aopTo
~ te finale q the occasion ~ ore
sentjue a large bouquet OF carnations
10 Nus T Bowen. At whose suCS"s'
Il Il this metho4 Of replenightay the
i ,roaSu,! rad Teen inauguratef.