The Leavenworth echo. [volume] (Leavenworth, Wash.) 1904-current, 1917-02-23
Club Women of Washington

Mrs Scion Shedd, president Of the
Washington State Federation Of
Women's Clubs writes Interestingly OF
women's club work. She says: II any
wall now divides the study clubs Of our
state from those organized for social or
civic activities that wall runs very low.
widespread and deep-seated is the
conviction that woman's club is not
worthy the name unless in some way it
makes its own community better and
gives helping hand TO efforts for the
public good. Working together is the
very natural results Of studying together.
Mrs. Winter, our retired chairman,
expressed this thought in her definition
of club papess. They are" she said,
the device of clubs for securing unity
Of intention and action, through unity
OF information and opinion" We are
all beginning to see this and to realize
that the purpose Of the study club is
not the culture Of the individual
member, much less to store minds
with information. The ultimate purpose
is to fit the membership for harmonious.
intelligent action.
The study element in our programs
serves a double purpose. Often the
topic studied or the papers read suggest
nearby need. One circle read to-
gether. 'The Spirit of Youth and City
Streets" Out of the knowledge gained
and the sympathy aroused by Jane
Adams experiences came a plan to
start public Fairgrounds and the plan
was worked out to successful
achievement.
Reading iona Gales delightful story
Of the community Christmas has been
the inspiration OF scores Of community
tress and celebrations, every one Of
them rich in blessed results.
We have said that the hours given
to study OF literature serve double
purpose. Suppose that the members
of club see eye TO eye and have an
earnest desire to lend hand in favor
Of definite movement. 1t may be
public library or city beautiful, county
hospital or a community Christmas, the
encouragement Of public dances or
steps to Americanize immigrant
foreigners. getting manual training into
the schools, securing police matron,
or any other Of the splendid tasks be
done before on earth as in heaven"
is realized.
There is one best way to do each Of
these things and there are a dozen
futile and expensive ways. Not only
earnest but intelligent action is needed.
It is good to know the successes and
failures of those who have attempted
the same thing in other places. Read
ing is an absolute prerequisite to wise
action. Not even the most original
mind is to be depended on; the most
observant globe traveller may not be
safe leader. The literature on that
particular line of work is treasure-box
of suggestions.
What a wise chairman Of civics is
our Mrs. Wilson. She has shown it by
her insistent recommendations Of The
Woman Citizens Library" AS rule
the one who reads most knows most
and the club that studies will as rule
l.ata hold OF its chosen line Of work
with enthusiasm and intelligence.
Mrs. Hassell, chairman Of the COM
mittee on literature in the state feder-
alton says: Frequent letters come from
club secretaries to this committee tell
ing of boxes or packages of reading
matter sent to Monroe. Just as
frequent are the acknowledgements
from Superintendent Olson. In his re-
cent report to the board Of control ne
speaks OF the substantial help given to
the work Of the reformatory by these
supplies. The superintendent would
be glad to receive more and visit to
the institution will convince any one
that it is put to good use. There are
three hundred men and boys with
necessarily many idle hours on their
hands.
Miss Janet Moore says Tell the
clubs not to forget the girls at Grand