294 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) CHAPTER XXIII WOMAN'S WORK THROUGH ORGANIZATIONS All religious, social, beneficial and public work can be most successfully carried on, and the greatest efficiency accomplished by organization. The meeting of minds, the free expression of opinion and sentiment, and the diffusion of knowledge individually acquired is an educational advantage which the busy woman can obtain -in no other way, Few have the time to undertake the laborious task of delving into all the subjects which should be understood, and with which we should be familiar in order to get the best there is in life. The primary object of all women's organizations, except those of purely beneficial character, is the intellectual development of its members, and the organizations that aim at the highest ideals and work unceasingly for their accomplishment will not only stimulate its members to a greater growth intellectually, but its influence for good will be felt throughout the community. Refinement, culture, a clearer insight and a closer touch with the great minds of the past and present, love of art fa n d a better appreciation of the beautiful, are the inevitable consequences of such organizations. The life, character, thoughts and aims of each individual member in all such organizations are broadened. Women have not confined their organized work to these purposes alone. Realizing the necessity for organized effort on behalf of the poor and unfortunate, and appreciating the strength of organization, especially in work of a beneficial nature, many societies and clubs have been formed for this purpose. The women of Sandusky were among the very first to fully appreciate the advantages of organization. They have been leaders in this movement. In 1876 some ladies of our city organized a reading circle which was in existence many years and was the source 'of great pleasure and profit to its members. In 1881 the Congregational Reading Circle was organized, having for its object the intellectual and social culture of its members. This is one of the oldest literary clubs in Ohio. Through all the intervening years it has kept up active work and is still one of the most influential clubs in this city. In February, 1899, a meeting was called in -the assembly room of the courthouse to take steps toward forming the women's Organizations of the city into a federation. The presidents of the various clubs were appointed to draw up a constitution for such an organization. Later in HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 295 the same month a constitution was adopted. The object of the federation is to bring into communication the various organizations of women for united effort along lines of general interest and improvement, and for the betterment of existing conditions of our city. In furtherance of its object and purposes it has given its support to many measures, both of state and local importance. Following is a list of the federated clubs, all doing a splendid work along their respective lines : The Monday Literary Club, the Study Club of the Presbyterian Church, the Sandusky Fortnightly Club, the Catholic Woman's Study Club, the Nineteenth Century Club, the Coterie, the Twentieth Century Club, Woman's Christian Temperance Union, the Art Study Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, Santa Clara Auxiliary No. 9, United Spanish War Veterans, Department of Ohio, the Civic Club, Woman's Relief Corps, St. Anthony's Aid Society, Modern Priscilla Club, the German Ladies' Sewing Society, Circle of Mercy, the Grange. THE WOMEN'S BUILDING AND REST ROOM ASSOCIATION By Mrs. Alice K. Hertlein The most interesting and successful work done by an organization of women in Sandusky has been the establishment of a rest room. For some time the need had been felt of a place downtown where women, especially shoppers from out of town and women in business through the day, might have a clean, comfortable and quiet place to rest, to meet appointments and to secure a wholesome lunch. An attractive location where a sitting room, lunch room and toilet room might be established was the first problem to claim attention. The plan to equip such a place originated in the Civic Club. The first thing to be considered was the securing of desirable quarters, A committee for this purpose was appointed. Their appeals to the county commissioners and to the city council for a room in the courthouse or city hall were not favorably received. At length, however, a woman whose interest had been aroused by the cause offered the second and third floors of her building in the heart of the city for the nominal rental of $10 per month. The rooms required complete overhauling before they could be made available. The problem of raising money to equip the quarters and to defray running expenses was next to be met. Various plans were discussed. Finally the president proposed that a woman's edition of a daily paper be issued. The proposition was approved by the club. The president and a committee from the Civic Club now set forth to enlist the help of the women of the city and county generally in getting out the edition. Response to this appeal was hearty from every quarter. The copy for a 24-page paper was furnished entirely by the women and ' covered a wide range of women's interests. Within four weeks one edition of the Women's Endeavor was published and $1,059 was realized from the sale of the copies and the advertising at 10 cents a copy. 296 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY The thirty women on the editorial staff were divided into three committees, viz. : The business committee, who negotiated with the newspapers of the city for terms, entered into contract with the lowest bidder, edited the paper and transacted all business connected with the printing; the advertising committee, who solicited advertisements ; the circulating committee, who received subscriptions and sold the issue. The president of the Civic Club now appointed seven women to work with her as a board of managers. Afthr the expenses of printing the paper were paid, the funds proved sufficient, with the addition of a few voluntary contributions, to repair and furnish a comfortable rest room, to install a sanitary toilet and to equip simply a lunch room and a small kitchen. The board then engaged a matron. At first tea, coffee, milk and sandwiches were daintily served for a small charge. Demands were soon made for a greater variety of menu, so that in three months the matron and her assistants served soup, meat, vegetables, salads and desserts. These home-prepared meals became so popular that it was often necessary to turn people away. A room on the third floor was then remodeled and equipped for classes in dressmaking, millinery, cookery, arts and crafts, embroidery, crocheting, etc. In these classes work was planned and finished under trained supervision. A small tuition helped defray expenses, so that instruction in various branches was available in day or evening classes by any woman or girl at a nominal cost. The work progressed steadily for about four years . Meanwhile the title of the property changed, and could not be re-leased, so that it became necessary to seek new quarters. A desire to own a building with dining room space on the first floor had long been in the minds of the members of the rest room board and others interested in the cause. In order to bring this about a larger and permanent organization was required. A note was sent to the Daughters of the American Revolution, inviting them to co-operate with the Rest Room Board in the industrial department. The request was met with a hearty response. A committee was sent to assist in the work. To help financially, a colonial ball was given on the night of the wedding anniversary of George and Martha Washington. Later the City Federation of Women's Clubs assisted by donating a part of their funds, giving a picture show and appointing a committee to help in the work. On January 22, 1912, a meeting of the various committees was called to consider ways and means for an association. A permanent home for the work was discussed, resulting in appointing a -committee on association and one to investigate prices and a suitable location for an available site. An association not for profit, whose object shall be the social, educational and general welfare of women, was incorporated- under the laws of the state. Seventeen regulations govern the corporation. A board of fifteen women are elected as trustees annually by the active members of HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 297 the association. Any woman over eighteen years of age may become an active member by paying an annual fee of 50 cents. Any person may become an associate member by paying $1 annually. At a public meeting held in March the building committee reported that the Mackey property, on Columbus Avenue, could be bought for $9,950. The building was inspected and found, if remodeled, to be well adapted for the purpose for which it was to be utilized. The first election of officers was held in August. The ways and means committee reported that it had raised enough money from contributions, to which the public in general responded generously, picture shows, lawn fetes, and the help of the Rest Room Board, to encourage the purchase of the property. On August 30th the Mackey building was bought and $5,000 was paid on the purchase price. The board of trustees then borrowed $6,500 to cover the remaining cost of the building and the necessary improvements. By receipts from a bazaar, a dance, an illustrated lecture on Mexico, entertainment by jubilee singers and donations coming in, the association was helped much in its early history. There is an old adage which runs, "Those who help quickly help doubly." The adage proved true in this case. Two merchants' label contests were entered and a piano and a sectional bookcase containing three sets of books by good authors were won. The association established a memorial gift roll in which gifts in loving memory of persons who have passed away may be properly entered. Two names have been placed upon this roll : Mrs. George B. Perkins' gift in memory of her grandmother, Mrs. Oran Follett, and Mr. Charles B. Lockwood's gift in memory of his wife, Marion Pierce Lockwood. From the beginning the Rest Room Board of Managers and Trustees of the Women's Building and Rest Room Association have given their services free. The establishment has always been self-supporting. The first annual report, dated May 16, 1908, showed a cash balance of $468. Besides paying $525 on the debt, the last annual report, dated January 12, 1915, showed a cash balance of $257.66. The first year nearly 17,000 lunches were served, last year nearly 74,000. The first year nearly 2,000 persons visited the rest room. Last year the number was too great to count. Revenues for expenses and paying the debt are obtained from the receipts of the dining room, renting the rest room and third floor for meetings of other organizations, tuition and membership fees, checking parcels, sale of articles in rest room and donations from those who contributed and are desirous of making payments covering a period of years. May 16, 1908, the rest room was formally opened to the public. Five years one month and one day later the Women's Building and Rest Room Association had a similar opening. Both these affairs were attended by hundreds of public-spirited citizens. Previous to June 17, 1913, the date of the opening of the women's building, the Rest Room Board of Managers turned over all its money 298 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY and equipment to the Women's Building and Rest Room Association, Thus an enterprise started without means has, through the efforts of the Civic Club and the response of the women of the town, developed into a self-supporting institution of permanent and far-reaching good to the community. NATIONAL SOCIETY DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION By Mrs. John T. Mack Martha Pitkin Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, was organized in Sandusky, Ohio, April 29, 1897, by Mrs. Jay Osborne Moss, with fourteen charter members. It was chartered in the national society June 15, 1897, the chapter number being 338. The objects of this society, as stated in its constitution, are to perpetuate the memory of the spirit of the men and women who achieved American independence by the acquisition and protection of historic spots and the erection of monuments ; by the encouragement of historical research in relation to the Revolution and the publication of its results; by the preservation of documents and relics and of the records of the individual services of Revolutionary soldiers and patriots, and by the promotion of celebrations of all patriotic anniversaries. To carry out the injunction of Washington in hi/. farewell address to the American people, "to promote as an object of primary importance 'institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge," thus developing an enlightened public opinion, and affording to young and old such advantages as shall develop in them the largest capacity for performing the duties of American citizens. To cherish, maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom, to foster true patriotism and love, of country, and to aid in securing for mankind all the blessings of liberty. The charter members were Mrs. Fannie Griswold Boalt Moss, Mrs, Fannie E. Griswold Boalt, Mrs. Annette Fitch Brewer, Miss Mary Elizabeth Cooke, Mrs. Helen Hall Sloane, Mrs. Sarah Maria Carswell Cooke Sloane, Mrs. Spencer Newberry, Mrs. Sakie Emeline Prout Merz, Mrs. Alice R. McKelvey Melville-Milne, Mrs. Caroline Curtis Moss, Mrs. Mary Foote Mack, Mrs. Cora Mack Robinson, Mrs. Alice Davenport Mack, and Miss Frances Whittlesey Cogswell. Mrs. Elroy M. Avery, of Cleveland, was the second state regent of Ohio, and it was through her interest and under her instruction that the Martha Pitkin Chapter was organized. Mrs. Jay Osborne Moss having been appointed organizing regent by the national board, a meeting was called at her home on Wayne Street and the following officers were elected: Regent, Mrs. Jay Osborne Moss ; vice regent, Mrs. Rush R. Sloane ; historian, Mrs. Isaac F. Mack ; registrar, Mrs. Curtis Brewer; secretary, Mrs. James E. Melville-Milne ; treasurer, Miss Mary E. Cooke. The work of the chapter has been varied and one little realizes how much has been ,accomplished until they search the records of the past eighteen years. HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 299 The committee on locating the graves of Revolutionary soldiers buried in Huron and Erie counties and also in verifying the records of these soldiers has had a long and arduous task, but it has been one of pleasure and varied interest. Under Miss Harriet West's regency of the chapter seven of these Revolutionary soldiers' graves were marked with bronze markers. In the line of patriotic education we have given largely to the school of emigrants, also to the mountain schools of the South where many of the children are descendants of Revolutionary soldiers. Martha Pitkin Chapter is now supporting a scholarship in one of these schools. We have given largely and generously to the public library of this city for books on genealogy, and to the Ohio Alcove in the library in Manila for books for the use of the United States soldiers. Work along the lines of conservation of the home and welfare of women and children has been well maintained by this chapter. One of our patriotic works is to prevent the desecration of the American flag and to teach that proper respect be paid to it and to bring out the real meaning of citizenship and its responsibility. A series of papers have been written by members of the chapter during the past year on reminiscences, traditions and local history both of the city and county. These papers have been typewritten and are being compiled by the historian, Mrs. Roy H. Williams, and will be kept in book form. Ohio Daughters of the American Revolution have contributed $10,965.89 to the building of the beautiful Memorial Continental Hall in Washington and to the furnishing of the Ohio room in this hall. Martha Pitkin Chapter has contributed its full share. This organization for years supported a splendid chapter of Children of the Republic under the able direction of Mrs. T. M. Sloane. The thirteenth annual state conference was held in Sandusky, October 25 and 26, 1911, by invitation of Martha Pitkin Chapter. Mrs. Frederick P. Zollinger, the regent, gave the address of welcome. Mrs. Thomas Kite, of Cincinnati, state vice regent, responded. A splendid program followed, giving a fine account of the work of the Daughters of the American Revolution of this state. The chapter tendered a luncheon to all visiting Daughters, also a beautiful reception was given at the home of Mrs. Rush R. Sloane. A tea was another feature tendered the Daughters of the American Revolution by the Daughters of 1812 at the home of the state president, Mrs. John T. Mack. During the Perry Centennial celebration the members of the chapter boarded the steamer Alcott, with other patriotic organizations, and with martial music and banners flying, sailed to the mouth of the bay to escort the good ship Niagara, which after a lapse of 100 years entered our bay for the second time. Later in the day a beautiful loving cup was presented the Niagara from the chapter by the regent, Mrs. John T. Mack. In the evening eleven automobiles trimmed in the national colors, filled with the members of the chapter, took part in the procession. A splendid loan exhibit was held during the week of the Perry Cen- 300 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY tennial by the chapter, bringing together relics not only of the War of 1812 but of earlier times. On the evening of February 14, 1915, the members of the chapter took part in a peace centennial service in Grace Episcopal Church, the chapter flag being carried in the procession. President Pierce, of Kenyon College, gave a fine address on the 100 years of peace between English' speaking nations. On the one hundredth anniversary of the ratification of the treaty of Ghent between Great Britain and the United States, twenty members of this chapter addressed the various ward schools on this subject. Martha Pitkin Chapter will soon erect in the vestibule of the public library of this city a bronze tablet with the names thereon of the Revolutionary soldiers buried in Erie County.