New Britain herald., 1930-10-16
'. VIC. 4. OBSERVES
 10TH ANNIVERSARY
Birthday Program Carried Out
 With Nautical Setting


 With Nautical Setting
 The goth anniversary of the New Britain Y. w. c. A. was celebrated last night in the clubs gymnasium on Glen street in nautical atmo sphere. The program which wa. opened at 6:30 with prayer by Mrs White, chaplain, went along ship. shape with a diversity of entertain. ment which kept the large gather. ing interested throughout the eve. ming.
 A delicious supper which had been prepared under the supervision oi Mrs. William H. Judd was served The Melodian orchestra, group oi high school musicians, provided the music. They were dressed in sailor regalia, motif carried out through. out in general dress and decorations Mrs. Duncan Shaw, chairman of the committee of decoration, had secur- ed a number of signal pennants from the naval sources and the gym appeared much like ship. All the members who were present wore white caps and all speeches and songs were of a nautical nature. The program cards, which were listed as Ships Log" carried a cartoon of a sailor girl and named the officers: Skipper, Mrs. George w. Traut; Quartermaster, Mrs. Maurice Pease and Ships Chaplain, Mrs. Marcus White.
 Besides the history of the 20 years of the local Y. w. c. A. club, which wa, recounted in five year laps by different members, the program was interspersed with songs and dances and stage performances, Miss Jes- Mrs. John Chaplain rendered a vo- cal solo, accompanied by Miss Gladys Day. Miss Gertrude Eos sette dressed in a sailor suit, danced A quartet composed of Mrs. Helen Smith, Miss Robert Chapman, Miss Katharine Clark and Mrs. Lawrence Humason, and accompanied by Miss
 
 painted sailor posters with only their heads and arms visible and sang several catchy songs.
 The program closed with a play let which was symbolic of the Y. w. c. As past, present and future. This was a Shakespearian burlesque en- titled Much Ado About Ducats. " o{ To1rrrnio Miss Cahill; Dame Macbeth, Mrs. Gerda Fay; Portia. Miss Marjorie Recor; King Lear, Miss Louise Noble; Juliette, Miss Jessie Farquhar; and Ophelia, Miss Mona Yochem. The playIet was presented in three acts.
 There were 150 members present last night, and when the charter 20 were counted.
 A summary of the history of the w c. A. prepared by Miss Rogers follows:
 The Y. W. C. A. has been a growing organization ever since Its beginning on September 2S, 1910. The first officers were: Mrs. Charles E. Wetmore, president; Mrs. Ben- iamin W. Labaree (Mrs. F. G. Platt), vice president; Mrs. Elbridge Wightman, secretary; Mrs. Frederick s. Chamberlain, treasurer.
 "The first board of directors in- cluded also: Mrs. William c. Hunger ford, deceased: Mrs. Frank J. Por- ter, Mrs. William F. Brooks, Mrs. Charles B. Parsons, Miss Mary E.. Ward, Mrs. Justus A. Traut, de- ceased; Mrs. Frank E. Rackliffe, Miss Louise F. Platt (Mrs. Stanley Goss), Miss Florence B. Andrews, Miss Mary E. Rogers, deceased; :; Miss Elizabeth R. Eastman, de- ceased; Mrs. Harris B. Humason, Miss Helen H. Talcott (Mrs. Philip Stanley), Miss Laura Chaloner. Of these directors, several continue to take an active part in the work of the association.
 'The first directors found their task a large one, and appointed ten efficient committees to take charge of the various lines of work which included lunch room, boarding home, educational classes, physical education, social activities and re- ligious meetings. The work started promptly in the Hungerford house, which has continued to be the head quarters. Some rooms in a nearby building were rented for boarding home, and a store served as gym nasium, Several hundreds books were donated for a loan library, and were circulated widely. Much wisdom was used in the planning from the beginning, as is shown by the fact that most of the activities and de- partments of work have continued although the leadership had gradu- ally changed.
 "The work Of the Travellers aid was added to the work in 1914. Many strangers from foreign lands were met at trains, welcomed, and helped. This was continued until 1926 when the Welfare association was able to undertake it.
 "The year 1915 stands out as be- ing the time when a first class gym nasium with swimming pool was erected. The activities of the health education department broadened and many took advantage of the new opportunities. In Is years. thousands of young women and girls have been members of the classes in swimming and in the gymnasium, or have come for plunges.
 With the death of Mrs. Sarah Strong in 1917. came the first sub stantial bequest. This was follow ed by bequests from Mrs. John B.. Talcott, Miss Alice Tuck, Mrs. Ben jamin Hawley, Miss Elizabeth East man, Mrs. Charles Mitchell and Mrs.