Evening star., 1926-04-25
NORTHCAROL|NA
SOCIETY ACTIVE
Carries Out No Set Program,
But Is of Benefit to
All Members.
BY MARGARET B. DOWNING.

II is more than SO years ago since
The local residents of the Tar Hee
State began to meet for social pur
poses and to promote the interests oi
North Carolina in the National Capital
and at hcme. But these gatherings
were in a way casual and not after
any concerted program or determined
line of action. Usually the meetings
were held when some distinguished
citizen of the State came to Wash
inston. or for a new Senator or a
particularly outstanding member of
Congress. One of the most impressive
entertainments given by the older
society was when Zebulon Baird
Vance. after serving two terms as
governor, was elected Senator and
came with Mrs. Vance to Washington
TO enter on his duties. This was in
December. 1876, vet there are several
members Of the North Carolina Club
who recall this event as though 1t
were but yesterday. In return for
this compliment, Senator and Mrs.
Vance. during their 90 years residence
in Washington. were unfailing in their
efforts to sustain the State society and
they gave several of the most notable
fetes in it's annals. inviting all North
Caroinians within the city gates as
well as those who had become en-
rolled in the association.
Like nearly all the other state So
cieties. that of North Carolina fell on
inactive days during the early 19O0s.
After a period of quietude. the organ
iZation was revived about Is years
ago and is now among the virile
forces of the Capital. However. II Is
only within the past year that the
North Carolinians have adopted
CT fIrf ON 111i1 ina ~
policy. Representative Alfred l.. Bul-
Wrinkle from Gastonia. who was presi-
dent of the society last year. was
much interested in this constitution
which was drawn principally because
the old constitution was obsolete
under changed conditions
For All Benefits.
Though for social intercourse
mainly. the North Carolina Society is
for the benefit in any form of all
residents of the State residing at the
National Capital and also to promote
the interests of those at home or any
one who has left the State to seek
fortune elsewhere or for any once
resident though not of actual birth
or citizenship, but still loyal to North
Cardinals welfare. One item in the
constitution forbids the discussion of
politics or the bringing forward of
personal affairs by any member to
another member or guest present.
SO that when the Tar Heelers hold a
reunion they leave behind dull care
and cast every consideration to the
winds except that of having a good
time and looking over the interests Of
the State after the program announced.
This new constitution was adopted at
the January meeting held at the
Mount Vernon Methodist Church
under the new president, DR.. Wade
Hampton Atkinson.
AS d constructive program, the
North Carolinians have sponsored
weighty movement now under con-
sideration by every chamber of CON-
merce in every sizable town of the
State. to have a North Carolina cham
her of commerce located in Washing
ton and this apart from the fact that
every important municipal center
in the State is affiliated with the
United States Chamber of Commerce,
that beautiful white marble building
which occupies the site of the old
Corcoran house. But the local
society believes that vast prosperity
will ensue for the State, If its mar
velous productions and advantages
were better known at the seat of |
Government and to the tens of |
thousands of visitors who annually |
inspect an Washington has to offer. |
The project is to have a worthy build |
ing which will answer all the pur- |
poses of a chamber Of commerce and |
vet combine a social center for North |
Carolinians in Washington and afford !
a place TO display all that could tempt /
one seeking a new home to try the |
advantages OF this State.
No Set Social Schedule.
Since its reorganization some Is |
years ago the society has not adopted |
2 hard, fast social schedule for the
Winter. AS in the old days in the |
10s and sos. reception is given |
when occasion dictates, the visit of |
tho governor or the presence of dis |
residents in Washington |
for business or pleasure. Two meet /
ings and the annual business meet
ing already have been held. But the |
supreme effort of the season and the |
last assembly will be on May 20, when |
the 151st anniversary of the signing !
nf the Mecklenburg declaration will |
be cOmmemOrated and at fhe sa,,,a