Celebrate
the Past...
Shape the
A Future
Gy Asst
BPW/usa
By Betty O’Connor,
Historian
BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN'S CLUBS (giz ILC OOL I ML
FEDERATION MISSION STATEMENT
BPW/USA promotes full participation, equity,
and economic self-sufficiency for women.
FEDERATION OBJECTIVES:
To elevate the standards for women in business
and in the professions.
To promote the interests of business
and professional women.
To bring about a spirit of cooperation
among business and professional women
through education along lines of
industrial, scientific,
and vocational activities
“The struggle of today is not altogether for today,
it is for a vast future also.”
—Abraham Lincoln
2 BPW
FOREWORD
Anniversaries are milestones! BPW/NYS's 75th Anniversary,
1919-1994, is indeed a very significant milestone. We did not
reach this milestone without the efforts of the dedicated women
who labored so diligently on our behalf. As we celebrated our
75th Anniversary year, we reflected on our accomplishments,
challenges and our vision for the future.
When a history is compiled embracing 75 years, it is impos-
sible to credit and acknowledge each contribution made during
this period to our Federation by the State and District Officers,
the Board of Directors and our members. Our thanks to each
and every one of you.
We “borrowed” from the following:
Brief History of the NYS Federation of BPW, Inc., published
May 1939, prepared and presented through the BPW Club of
Syracuse ... Facts and Faces, 1919-1959, BPW/NYS, Inc., a
publication compiled and composed by Dorothy L. Titchener...
The 60 Years of BPW/NYS, produced by Ann I. Costello and our
state magazine, NIKE.
Thank you to our 1993-1994 State President, Audrey B.
MacDougall for asking me to prepare this cumulative history.
Thanks too to the State Historians who had faithfully chronicled
BPW events, and State Executive Secretary, Joyce R Pflieger,
for preserving the records in our State Office. Thanks to
Maryann Kelly, my typist and “sounding board.”
Avery special THANK YOU to my Editor, Catherine “Cay” H.
Raycroft and her husband, David; their expertise, dedication
and commitment brought this project to fruition.
This history was compiled for the enjoyment of all BPW mem-
bers. Our accomplishments and dedication to women and their
concerns is the constant thread binding us together. The scroll
in our Federation emblem is a symbol of achievement, showing
our past accomplishments ... waiting to record our future BPW
triumphs!
Betty O'Connor, Historian
BPW 3
New i.
York ~*
State 4
Presidents
1920-1922 » New Vary sAtfomey-lu
* New * Attorney-Judge.
ION BOOTH KELLEY
1922-1924 * New York City + pote Leader Ry
LILUAN BACKUS (ALL DR. LENA MADESIN PHILLIPS : oe =
1927-1928 » Rochewer« berber Coeater HY Savings Bank eo HELEN CURTIS SMITH
--Lecturer-Author : :
The pictures of the above Presidents are not available. Professions Founder of the National and F Rochester
International Federations Musicion-Civic Leader
‘ADELINE ZACHERT MARION. BROCKWAY :
1919-1920 i
Ubrarlan-Founder Rochester Club 1924-1926 DR. NATHIEYN f, SIABBUCK
Associated with the Saratoga Springs
‘Metropolitan life Insurance.Co, Secretary of Skidmore
Professor of Law al Skidmore
JESSIE LEE HALL
1926-1927 tt ie
New York Cit
now SI tlencn of preteen
lew York Commu tal : rector Home Departmen
4 BPW See 7 Dairymen's League:
VERA McCREA (SEARLES)
Brooklyn, 1936-1938
Business Execullve-Civic Leader
GRACE MILLIGAN
1931-1933
foun! Vernon
Principal ofthe
Edison Vocational and Technical
High School Mount Vernon
GRACE LeGENDRE
1935-1936
Rochester
Audilor-Office Manager-Real Estate
MIRIAM ALBEE SCHINDLER
‘Kbany
poy, New York s
Joint wsuktaive Commitee ‘Sranking
BPW 5
6 BPW
y
ESTHER CORWIN
1940-1942
Oswego
Educatorlinguist-Author
Executive
Wester Union Telegraph Company
MARJORIE C. SMITH
1948-1950
acuse
Jean of Wom
Syracuse University
FRANCES MARLATT
1942-1944
Mount Vernon
Atlomey-Author-Cilc Leader
CAROLINE SLOCUM
15-1948
Newark
secretary and Office Manager
Electrical Tesling Laboratories
DOROTHY TICHENER
1950-1952
Binghamion,
Radlo-TV Commentator
DR, MARGUERITE FISHER:
1952-1954
Syracuse
Avthor-Lecturer-Assoclate Professor
‘Maxwe pal Sohoctol Clzerse
racuse University
MARGARET BARNARD
1954-1956
Director of Public Assistance
NYS Department of Social Welfare
MABEL PURDY
1956-1958
elle
Executive Secrotary
Fist Distiict Dental Society
PEARL LOWERY
1958-1960
Moun! Vern
Educator - Freelance Writer
KATHERINE T. KING
1960-1962
Rochester
Teacher - Chairman Business Education Dept.
£, rondequolt Central School
RUTH STURM
1962-1964
to
Alfoiney ~ Author
BPW 7
LOnETIA if SEAGER
The Supervisors & ‘etnine ators ecco
Acrnintraley & Businos Managem
LUCILE M. KINNE
1964-1966
Lockport
Regislered Nurse =
Specializing In Gerontology
MILDRED By Bo EREEMAN,
LORRAINE M, ROUGET
1967-1968
Mount Vernon
Teacher ~ Moun! Vernon High School
Touche Steeot ot
freeman Business School
CAROLYN E, DE LAMATER MARGARET MAROHN
1969-1970 1970-197)
jumnpike fone
Traffic Costs Supervisor Cost Accountant ~
k Fashion Coordinator - Buyer
8 BPW New York Telephone.
CLARE T. GARRITY
1971-1972
Cosmopotiian = Manhattan
Ailorney-al-Law
KATHRYN 7 KARL
1973-1974
Albany
Agsistant Vice President
State Bank of Albany
HELEN L, CARMODY
17s 76
Enplonpon! interviewer
Employment Service
MARY LOUISE MORRISSEY
Now Rochal
Admin Secretary
Consumers Union,
AUDREY | E LP NEARE
Solnam,
Supervising Secretary
Partner, Syska & Hennessy, Inc.
LOIS BIRCHER
1976-1977
st
Design ~ Sales —
parca Yiatens & Bieter Balers
BPW 9
MARIE E. CREEL
1977-1978
Alban)
sistant Cashier Credit Do}
Notional Sormerci Bank & Must Ges of Aba
DOROTHY M. ROSEKRANS
1979-1980
Easlwood
Chiropractor
DR. MERYL GRAYER
1981-1982
N.Y, League
Insurance
10 BPW
HELEN M, OLSEN
1978-1979
Banker ~ Accountant
LOUISE SIENKO.
1980-1981
Hancock
Accountant
DOROTHY MANGANO
1982-1983
Sliver Creek
Antique Shop Owner
LEONA B. FREY
1983-1984
‘Amsierdam
Social Services
GLADYS WEDRICH
1985-1986
Rochester
Offlce Manager
BEITY LOMONACO
1987-1988
Tip Gilles
janking
JOYCE R, HART
1984-1985
ny
Insurance Agency Owner
DIANE BERGMANSON
1986-1987
TSA
Xerox Corporation
JEANNETTE BURROWS.
1988-1989
Syracuse
Retail Buyer
BPW
11
12 BPW
1989-1990
BETTY O'CONNOR
Lake Ge
Resor! Owner
ic
BETTY DRISLANE
1991-192
White Plains
Pharmaceuticals
AUDREY MAC DOUGALL
1993-1994
Rome
Social Work
TONI GROSS!
1990-1991
NY League
Investments
WomanPower Works
1910-1004
How it all began
The First World War had come to an end and in
April of 1919 a group of business and professional
women (many of whom had been recruited during,
the last days of the war by the Secretary of War,
Newton D. Baker) met to discuss forming a
Federation of Business and Professional Women.
Sparked by Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips, Mrs. Jean
Norris, Mrs. Marion T. Brockway, Mrs. Jane
Johnston Martin, all of New York City and Miss
Adeline Zachert of Rochester... these women met
at the Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City to
draw up permanent plans for a National
Federation. There were in existence many
organizations of business and professional
women that had grown ‘like Topsy” but were not
unified under any banner nor particular cause. It
was due to the vision of these early pioneers, who
realized that “in unity there is strength,” that today
we enjoy the benefits, companionship and the joy
of sharing that which has come to exemplify the
New York State Business and Professional
Women.
Clubs from five cities formed the nucleus for
that first meeting representing many widely
divergent tastes and talents. All were willing to
coordinate their specialized interests for the
greater good, Our Original Constitution...
The original constitution was short and to the
1, To unite organizations of Business and
Professional Women in order to come to a better
knowledge and understanding of their conditions
and needs in different sections of the State,
2. To secure more equitable treatment and just
recognition for women in business and the
professions,
3. To gather and distribute information- relative to
vocational opportunities and to bring about a
greater solidarity of feeling among women
throughout the State.
The following organizations were present:
Business and Professional Women’s Club of
Brooklyn
Filing Association of New York
Newburgh Women’s City Club
New York Industrial Nurses’ Club
Leaglie of Advertising Women of New York City
Business and Professional Women’s Club,
Niagara Falls;
Rochester Business Women’s Club
Fellowship Club, Buffalo, New York
Wall Street Women's Club, New York
New York League of Business and Professional
Women
Association of Personnel Workers, New York
Home Economics Association, Greater New York
Home Economics Elementary Schools, Brooklyn
Since the impetus for the foundation of the
National Federation of Business and Professional
Women’s Clubs stemmed from New York City it
was natural that the New York State Federation
came into being as an immediate outcome of that
first historic meeting, Miss Adeline Zachert a
librarian from Rochester, New York, was elected
President but resigned during the first year of her
term of office to take a position in the Virgin
Islands. Judge Jean Norris of New York City was
then appointed to the Presidency.
In the early days it was possible for individuals,
who were engaged in either a business or a
profession to become members of the New York
State Federation as well as for organized clubs to
do so. The dues were nominal:
1, "Each club belonging to the Association shall
pay annual dues of $2.50 for club of fifty members
or less, and 50¢ for every additional one hundred
members up to a maximum of $10.00,"
2. "Individual members shall pay $2.50 a year.”
1919 - 1920
Adeline B. Zachert - Rochester
During the years 1919-1921, when the first
recorded minutes are on file, the records are
vague, consisting mostly of penciled notes on
yellowing paper. The National Federation had its
first Convention in July 1919 in St. Louis with.Dr,
Lena Madesin Phillips presiding, and in May 4,
1920 the New York State Federation met at the
Hotel Pennsylvania, New York City, for its first
Convention. The following clubs formed the
Federation in those early days:
Association of Personnel Workers, Brooklyn;
Brooklyn Bar Association*; Central Branch
Business Women’s Club, New York City;
Friendship Block, Buffalo; Filing Association, New
York City; Home Economics Association, Greater
New York; Home Economics Elementary Schools,
Brooklyn; League of Advertising Women, New
York City; Newburgh Women's City Club; New
York City Women Lawyers; New York League;
BPW 8
New York State Industrial Nurses’ Association;
Niagara Falls Business Women's Club; The
Woman Pays Club, New York City; Rochester
Business and Professional Women’s Club;
Westchester County Business and Professional
Women’s Club Tarrytown; Women’s Civil Service
League of United States.
“(Note that the minutes contain this Organiza-
tion so named, It is to be presumed that it was a
“Women's ‘Bar Assoc.,” for to the best of our
knowledge. women were not permitted member-
ship in a Bar Association at that time.)
1920 - 1921
Jean H. Norris - New York City
‘The Second Annual Convention was held at the
Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City on May 7,
1921 with the women of the Wall Street Women's
Club as hostesses at the banquet. The meeting
was called to order by the President, Judge Jean
Norris at 10:30 A, M.
There were 26 registered delegates. The dues
were as follows:
“25¢ per member up to 100 members and clubs
over 100—20¢ per member.”
The New York State Federation found it difficult
to conform to the National requirements that all
members of a club be members of the National
Federation and therefore did not have any elected
Delegates to the National Convention in
Cleveland... The New York League raised
$506.00 for the Madame Curie Radium Fund and
the State Federation sponsored “The Chautauqua
Press Home Reading Course,” whose slogan
tead: “Don't read at random. Read twenty minutes
per day." ...Forty public schools in the City of New
York were inspected and the membership was
shocked at the report of their condition. It was
suggested that the Federation incorporate under
the Membership Corporation Law of New York
State. The banquet was attended by 202 persons
and the State went into the red by some $118.00,
1921 - 1922 .
Jean H. Norris - New York City
In April of 1922 the New York Federation
received a. communication from the National
Federation, signed by Lena Madesin Philips, who
was then the National Executive Secretary, which
read in part—
14 BPW
“the National Federation has greatly appreci-
ated the splendid cooperation which clubs have
given in meeting the increased dues of this year,
We have thus been able to place your organiza.
tion upon a much more stable and dignified basis
and believe that the future is indeed full of
promise.”
The Third Annual Convention was held in the
Hotel Pennsylvania, New York City, on Saturday,
May 27. In presenting the slate of officers the
Chairman reported:
“There was great difficulty in persuading
candidates to allow their names to be used and no
conditions have been imposed upon them.”
However, a full slate of officers was presented,
In the outgoing President's report, she stated
that there had been thirty-two Executive Board
Meetings during the year.... Three issues of
“Federation Notes.” (There were no copies in the
file... Three new Clubs—Westchester, Hornell and
Batavia and there was a balance of $10.00 in the
treasury. There was discussion on the floor
concerning the matter of Accident Insurance for
‘men. It was voted that
“It must be equalized and made available to
women or women would have to die to be
Tecompensed for injury.”
In October of 1922 the exciting invitation
artived to hold the Fourth Annual Convention in
_ Rochester:
“After a general discussion in which the interest
of the upstate clubs and the possibility of sending
a delegation from New York City were brought out,
the motion to accept the invitation was carried, It
is safe to say that $40.00 will cover fare and
Convention,”
The minutes contained the first mention of
coordinated newspaper publicity. Membership was
the chief topic and one report mentioned the
difficulty of reaching one upstate locality as:
“It has only a general store and a railroad
station.”
1923 - 1924
" Marion Booth Kelly - New York City
In lilac time all roads led to Rochester and the
Fourth Annual Convention.
The Program Committee Chairman, Miss Ida
Mason, had prepared a printed sheet of events...
Delegates from seven Clubs gave reports, as well
as the Officers and Board Members. Miss Adeline
Zachert was the banquet speaker and Miss Helen
Curtis (Smith sang the “Golden Key." A report was
made on the study of the possibility of a National
Headquarters in Washington, D. C. President,
Mrs. Kelley, told of her trip through the wilds of
upper New York State which produced no new
clubs but
“Several rare political stories... Finances are
sadly depleted, with a drought in New York State
the sum total is extremely low indeed and we
need financial rains.” She announced at the close
of the business session, “Miss Orel Adams will
meet all delegates not familiar with the location of
the banquet hall and escort them on the trolley
car.”
The first Working Conference was held at the
Clubhouse of the New York League of New York
City on November 3, Emphasis was placed upon
women being Intelligent in regard to government
and not emotional, A first Legislative Chairman for
each Club was suggested. National dues were to
be used to pay for copies of the “Independent
Woman.” Upstate was to form an Advisory Council
which was to meet on the same dates as the
meeting of the Executive Board in New York City.
Membership Chairman urged that Clubs “replace
chronic kickers with workers.” For the first time
National Charters were given to individual Clubs.
Membership - Several Clubs had dropped out...
lists and lists were compiled but actually there
were but six Clubs now active in the Federation
with a total of 578 members. The Federation was
having difficulty stabilizing.
1924-1925
Marion T. Brockway - New York City
In January of this year there was grave concern
cover the dwindling membership in the Federation.
National dues had been raised to $1.00 inclusive
of a subscription to “The Independent Woman.”
Nationally there were 525 Clubs with a total
membership of 135,000, However, in New York
State the Membership Chairman reported
“Some plan must be devised whereby the ends
of this large State can be brought together...
Individual Clubs are doing good work, each in its
‘own corner, but working in the dark without
personal contacts it is easy to stumble into a
veritable hornet's nest with disastrous results.”
Actually the existing “hornet’s nest” seemed to
be that there were only six clubs remaining
faithful.
The Fifth Annual Convention was held in
Tarrytown with the National Treasurer as the
banquet speaker. This was done with a purpose
for the great hue and cry was over the National
Dues and what New York State received for its
membership in National. There had been talk of
withdrawing so that “as a separate body a more
constructive job could be done.” Thirteen
Delegates and eight Alternates were registered.
* Alt Resolutions presented by Miss Helen Curtis of
the Rochester Club were carried. In brief, they
allowed individual Clubs to affillate with State
Federations for two years before joining National;
and secondly, they allowed those clubs affiliated
with both State and National to have full voting
power at National Conventions irrespective of
other Clubs in the State. The Federation was
beginning to have growing pains.
In September, they were involved in a study of
the National and State By-laws with ways and
means of coordinating them. One new Club,
Conference Club of New York City, was added.
Club Presidents were invited to “sit in on the
Executive Board Meetings.” There was lengthy
discussion on the changing of the name of the
“Independent Woman" to a more representative
name.
Membership May 25, 2925: 7 clubs, 923
members.
1925 - 1926
Marion T. Brockway - New York City
Again in January we find that MEMBERSHIP is
THE topic under scrutiny. The new Membership
Chairman, Jessie Lee Hall made a systematic
attempt to pull things together, An alphabetical
and geographical list of State Membership was
made, application blanks were printed and a
Committee began to spread out over the State
telling the story of B.P.W. An article under the title
of “The Human vs. the Business Side of the New
York State Officers” appeared in “The Independent
Woman."... A State Banner was purchased for
$40.00... Convention cards for Delegates to
Conventions were supplied and a motion was
passed to “charge a registration fee of $2.00 for
both Delegates and Alternates, said money to be
divided equally between the hostess Club and the
State Federation Treasury.”
April 7, Federation Day, was celebrated by all
Clubs in order to promote membership. The
BPW 15
|
\
'
i
expenses to State Convention of the State
Recording Secretary were to be paid. The
Program was to include for the first time Round
Table Discussions designed to stress membership
and assistance to both women and younger girls
engaged in business and the professions,
At the Sixth State Convention, May 23, 1925 at
Niagara Falls, the President expressed the hope
that “Scholarship shall be a rotating loan or fund
or the giving outright of financial assistance to a
young woman or girl to enable her to properly fit
herself to take her place in the business world."
And thus the State Scholarship Fund was born.
‘The proposed Resolution in support of the
enacting of the new Child Labor Law lost by one
vote... The Treasurer reported that “our income for
the year does not equal our expenses.” It was
tough going in those early days and quite regularly
the members had to dig down into their own
pockets to pay the bills. It is also interesting to
Note at this point that the Executive Board
Meetings were held EACH MONTH in New York
City as well as several held in Upstate New York.
1926 - 1927
Jessie Lee Hall - New York City
{n March of 1926 an Executive Board Meeting
was held in Buffalo, and the Buffalo Club was
accepted into membership with twenty-five
members, Each member of the Federation was
“furnished with a mite box into which they can
drop pennies and dimes to raise money for the
Women’s Exhibit.”
The Seventh Annual Convention was held in
Brooklyn and the first order of business was to
amend the Bylaws so that the Treasurer would be
the only officer who could serve more than two
consecutive terms. The voting at this time was by
the means of the Secretary casting one vote for
the proposed slate of Officers when read. Two
important resolutions were passed:
1. That Lena Madesin Phillips be considered as a
candidate for the National Presidenoy.
2. “That National Conventions be held every two
years beginning in 1928."
An Ethics Committee had been appointed and
presented the following:
“To be fair and conscientious in our work
To give value for value received
Be fair minded
Tell the truth
16 BPW
Be honest.”
In other words, ‘to be a sportsman and Play the
game,”
The Treasurer, Grace LeGendre suggested that
we must “build on a sounder basis and that the
dues should be raised from 25 to 50¢ per
member.” This was carrled. Junior memberships
Were discussed and the motion passed ‘that clubs
do something for the woman who has been forced
into business through changed living conditions,”
For the first time the New York Federation was "an
articulate and integral part of the National
Convention in Portland, Maine, having 47
Delegates and Alternates present, “
{In her report on the exhibit of women's arts and
industries, Helen Curtis Smith said in part - "There
were women who had done unusual things that
‘even a man would not have thought of, and they
are making such progress that members of the
sterner sex are now their pupils.” Due to the
depleted treasury and a proposed $2,000 budget
it was suggested that each club be assessed
$2.00 per member and that a cash prize of $100
be given to the first Club to reach its quota, This
was not kindly received, The Publicity Chairman
was to receive $40 for her services,
1927 - 1928
Lillian Backus -Brooklyn
In the minutes of these early years one finds
‘constant mention of rummage sales—penny
auctions—bake sales, candy sales, etc,, all the
known ways and means of reimbursing the
strained treasury. Contributions from both Clubs
and individuals were numerous if not sizable and if
ithad not been for this generosity the Federation
would have literally “starved to death.” Now, for
the first time, we find mention of a State Program
Chairman to be appointed as “a permanent
Chairman for two years to. plan a constructive
program for the State which could be followed by
the Clubs and so eliminate the loss of time and
break in plans caused by getting new machinery
in motion.” An Interstate Meeting was held with an
attendance of 107 with 28 clubs represented, This
was a new venture in Federation life and most
successful,
The Eighth Annual Convention in Saratoga
Springs was notable in that there was no
federated club there at the time of the meeting.
(Saratoga came into the Federation in 1926.)
There were eleven Officers, thirteen Delegates,
and four Alternates present. An attempt was made
to have each Club pay 50¢ per capita dues and to
make local Club Presidents members of the
Board, Both fost. Mount Vernon and Schenectady
Clubs received their Charters from the National
President, Lena Madesin Phillips. The report of
the Membership Chairman, Helen Curtis Smith,
was most complete and showed a rise in total
membership to 794 members with nine clubs. A
Membership Trophy for the greatest increase in
membership was awarded to Brooklyn. The
finances were in better shape with the selling of
space for the Exposition of Women's Arts and
Industries successful and seeming to point the
way to more substantial income.
A course in Parliamentary Law was organized
which included the pledge to “read the daily paper
of your city or town.” The question of the
advisability of the National Federation discontinu-
ing membership in the Women's Joint Congres-
sional Committee brought down the house.
‘Twenty-two organizations had already withdrawn
because of the socialistic policies of the
Committee... Therefore the following resolution
went to the National Federation: ‘The New York
State Federation of Business & Professional
Women’s Clubs strongly opposes the policy of the
Women’s Joint Congressional Committee and
recommends that the National Federation give the
subject of its withdrawal its serious consideration.”
The instigation of the Birthday Pledges from clubs
netted $128.00. The Utica club federated in
September 1927.
‘There was a great deal of discussion regarding
Field Work for membership increase, and some
money was allocated from National for this
purpose. The talk ran high in approval of a State
Bulletin but the finances would not allow even the
$35.00 suggested as necessary,
1928 - 1929
Ella A. Laurence - New York City
In January of 1928 the Interstate Meeting was
growing in importance letters came from
Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, lowa, Kentucky,
Minnesota, Ohio, and New Jersey with a
suggested list of topics to be discussed. The
National Bylaws needed revising for closer co-
elation between local, state and national policies,
Nominations for National office should be made by
States... How to equalize the National and State
Budgets... The place and functions of ‘The
Independent Woman’ in the Federation, The
grass roots were making themselves heard,
Buffalo was Hostess for the Ninth Annual
Convention. The committee reports were lengthy
and contained many things of interest. The Health
Committee distributed pamphlets on “Resuscita-
tion.” The Research Chairman wished ‘to evolve a
plan to secure statistics as to the attitudes toward
the married woman working, and to prepare a
card catalog of members.” Program Chairman
urged that “considerable attention to be given to
the problems of the older woman in business.” An
International Relations Chairman was proposed
by Grace LeGendre and the first resolution dealt
with a recommendation to endorse the “Treaty to
Outlaw War.” Education Committee felt: “All
members should make it their duty to study
political questions of the day. Emphasize the
importance of a High School Education for every
girl.” Membership Committee used the Regional
System with $100.00 allocated for expenses for
each Region and reported progress in several
citles.” Saturday's Children of New York City
joined the Federation. Requests were made for a
State Song and a prize was set up to be given at
the next Convention.
New York State had little luck in presenting the
proposed By-law Amendments.at the National
Convention in New Orleans but did come home
with the National Emblem Trophy.
‘The Clubs were requested to send postal cards
on the number of members voting and a prize was
offered to the Club having the first 100% total
reported, Copies of Annual Reports should be
furnished by each Chairman in sufficient number
for distribution during the Convention. Publicity
posters were to be prepared 22 x 18 inches giving
information on local club activities during the year.
A telegram was sent to President Coolidge
“expressing deep satisfaction that you have so
clearly announced your desire to renew conversa-
tion concerning entry of the United States into the
World Court.."
BPWINYS's 10th convention was held in Utica,
New York and Business and Professional
Women's Clubs of New York State became duly
incorporated under New York State law.
BPW 17
There were now eleven clubs with 1,071
membership total. Things were definitely looking
Up.
1929 - 1930
Helen Curtis Smith - Rochester
More material came to the State from the
National office and copies of By-law Amendments
etc, were discussed at each monthly club meeting.
The State By-laws received a thorough overhaul-
ing with duty statements for Board Members and
necessary suggestions added to the scant
information of former years. The State was now to
bear the expense of a stenographer to take the
minutes of the Tenth Annual Convention to be held
in Utica, There was a paid membership of 908 in
April of that year and a balance in the treasury of
$319.00 with $220.00 in the Special Fund. The
program was to consist roughly of the business
session followed by a Round Table to consider
“Equal Pay for Equa! Work.”... “Financial Success
Through Business.”... “Spiritual Success Through
Business... Providing for Old Age.” The first
announcement brought cheers from the twenty-
two delegates... eight Alternates... thirteen Board
members and thirty-four Guests, The Business
and Professional Women’s Clubs of New York
State were incorporated and the Charter was a gift
from the outgoing President. Ella Lawrence,
Corning Club was added to the roster as the last
federated club to be admitted. A resolution was
passed urging the creation of a Federal Depart-
ment of Education with a Secretary with Cabinet
status. The one day Convention had now proven
to be “too much of a rush" and so a motion was
made to extend the time to two days. This was
passed by a vote of 33 to 4, The Brooklyn Club
won both the Membership Award and the Scrap
Book Contest. Mrs. Helen Curtis Smith was
elected Delegate to the National Convention at
Island and it was decided that events in the life of
Susan B, Anthony be used as New York State's
part in the Pageant. New York State donated
$100.00 to the Lena Madesin Phillips Building
Fund which was pald out of the receipts of the
Birthday Fund,
Letters and maps dividing New York State Into
14 Districts were presented for suggestions, by
the Membership Chairman, Mrs. Brockway. The
first mention of work among foreign women was
made by the International Relations Chairman to
18 BPW
the effect that: “we should do some work in our
clubs with foreign women and either invite them to
join our clubs or assist them in starting clubs of
their own.” (This marks the first actual break in the
general Isolationist views of the membership. )
Subsequently the Federation sent Delegates to
Washington to the “Cause and Cure of War
Conference.” The Geneva Club was given
membership in the Federation. There was talk of a
Press Luncheon to be held at the next Convention
and again the State Bulletin reared its head but
was still deemed impossible.
1930 - 1931
Helen Curtis Smith - Rochester
January 1930 showed 810 paid members, At
the Executive Committee Meeting in Mt. Vernon,
the Finance Chairman reported “the State
organization was living within the prepared
budget.” The alert Executive Committee protested
what they termed “a false advertising statement”
appearing in the Independent Woman. Miss
Kathryn H. Starbuck was named to represent New
York State in Geneva, Switzerland, August 25-26,
where the National Federation was in the process
of forming an International Federation with Dr.
Lena Madesin Phillips as the first International
President. In March it was voted to send out a
four-page bulletin to cost $66.40 for 1,500 copies,
The Eleventh Annual Convention and actually
the first two-day Convention, was held in the Hotel
Victoria in New York City with 20 Executive Board
members, 26 Delegates and 42 Alternates and
guests in attendance. A unified program was
suggested asking local clubs to feature the same
topics each month as outlined by the State
Program Chairman. The occupational round-
tables discussed such “lady-like" topics as ‘ Hotel
and Tea Room Management... Vocational
Opportunities for Older Women... Investments and
Insurance.” The State began to operate on the
District Plan of nine Districts to correspond with
the already established Congressional Districts
but the “District Chalrman shall be the two Vice-
Presidents and seven Directors so that the local
District might not be strengthened at the expense
of the State organization.” The regular Executive
Board meetings were to be held during the
months of September and January rather than
every month as currently established, The Annual
Convention was to be held in May. One Resolu-
tion in particular was indicative of the times, ‘To
support the Naval Treaty and enjoin a general
pact for the renunciation of war.” and one phrase
ina second resolution seems different in light of
today’s thinking—"One of the greatest problems
involving the economic progress of employed
women Is the difficulty of obtaining and retaining a
position after the age of FORTY.”...
Mt. Vernon won both the Membership and
Emblem Trophies and Rochester recelved a
plaque for the sponsoring of the 13th Club at
Geneva. The 14th, that of Syracuse, was
chartered in September. Also the Executive
Committee was now empowered to vote by mail
between regular meetings on the acceptance of
new clubs and the registration fee for Conventions
was raised from $1.00 to $3.00. Also, “exciting
Invitations were received to attend the First
Northeast Regional Conference to be held in
Atlantic City *
1931 - 1932
Grace L. B. Milligan - Mt. Vernon
At the Twelfth Annual Convention held in
Schenectady on May 23, 1931, the out-going
President, Helen Curtis Smith reported on her two
years as follows:
“tt was my privilege to attend the National
Board of Directors Meeting of the National
Federation in Chicago... The quiet dignity of the
Chicago sessions, the intensely interesting
business transacted during those days and the
attendance from representatives from all parts of
the United States were to me revelations of our
progress and strength.”.,. In New York State Mrs,
Smith had traveled 5,600 miles and closed her
year with a membership of 1,055 in 17 Clubs...
(Yonkers and Medina chartered 1931) . The first
Round Table on “Influence of Radio on American
Life and Thought" was conducted, A special
committee was appointed to study “The Age
Factor of Women" but after considerable
discussion it was wisely decided to stress, not the
“age factor,” but, the “employment of women.”
There were 101 in attendance and they were
treated to a “first”... a demonstration of Television
at the General Electric Plant. Several members,
including the President, took part in it. Publicity
seemed to be coming into its own here for a
Poster Contest was organized and $10.00
allocated as a prize. New York State was asked to
be hostess for the Second Regional Conference
and Helen Curtis Smith was named Regional
Director. The membership was becoming aware of
the National scope of the program as transfers in
membership from one State to another were
permissible. Niagara Falls had organized a club in
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada and our wings
were beginning to spread. Endorsement by
Resolution of three World Court protocols and an
economic study of the place “women play in the
business life of their respective communities”
became a part of the program. New York was still
insistent that the National Federation give greater
cooperation to the States and a Committee was
appointed, chaired by Kathryn Starbuck, to
present a resolution “with regard to a proper
allocation of dues from State to National.” This
Convention should have been listed as “the
Singing Convention” for the program shows
musical entertainment at every luncheon and
dinner meet-in,, Sticking true to principle, the
Schenectady B.P.W. Glee Club and Miss Kitty
Meinhold and her Capitol Orchestra were in a
continual limelight.
1932 - 1933
Grace L. B. Milligan - Mt. Vernon
The Thirteenth Annual Convention was a lucky
‘one for the New York State Federation due to this
notation in the minutes of the Pre-Convention
board Meeting at the Hotel Bevan, Larchmont,
New York—Thursday evening May 19th:
“Miss Milligan introduced Mrs, Harry Harvey
Thomas, the Parliamentarian for the Convention.”
And thereby the State Federation was introduced
to twenty-seven years association with a woman
keen of mind, kind of heart and decisive in action.
She has taught many of us many things but none
80 fine as that exemplified by her own personal
loyalty to the character of women. Mrs. Pinkney
Glantzberg reported on a trip to Washington
(which incidentally cost but $23.28) where she
represented the New York State Federation as a
member of a Deputation to the Secretary of State.
This deputation was concerned with “Providing
that the Code of Law to be administered by the
World Court shall not contain inequalities based
on sex.” Two new clubs were added, New
Rochelle and Jamaica, making a total of 18 with
1,220 members. Miss Amelia Earhart who was to
have been a luncheon guest made a surprise solo
BPW 19
flight across the ocean and had just landed in
Ireland. The President's report was given in the
form of rather “leading questions” such as: “Shall
we definitely and conspicuously recognize a
special obligation to the government-minded in
‘our home cities, our home countries and our
State?” Following election of officers, etc., it had
been customary to destroy all ballots and It was so
moved. Mrs. Thomas, the Parliamentarian, ruled
that they must be kept for thirty days and then.
destroyed, thus the New York State Federation
was firmly brought into line with the proper
procedure, For the first time the expenses of the
New York State President were paid to Regional
Conference. There were 60 Delegates and 29
Alternates present. One News Letter was
published in October although the minutes carried
the motion that three editions be sent out. These
were indeed the “good old days” for one of the
Executive Board Meetings was held aboard a
member's yacht.
1933 - 1934
Kathryn H. Starbuck - Saratoga
Springs
Mrs. Harry Harvey Thomas opened the May,
1933 New York State Convention at the Baron
Steuben Hotel in Corning, with these words: "The
measure of a life is determined by the number of
points at which we are alive." It was good advice
and history bears out the words were heeded for
the Federation HAS been alive at many points...
The National Federation President, Mrs. Gelling
McDonnell was greeted by an original song and
she in turn sung her response, There was a total
of 67 eligible voters present, At the luncheon the
Corning Club presented a song written by Billy
Byrne which was then voted the official New York
State Song.
It was voted to print new Bylaws and distribute
them to the Clubs. At this time charters were
presented to three new Clubs: Bath, Chautauqua,
and Jamestown. In the general discussion the old
question of the National Federation vs. that of the
State was brought up with two resulting sugges-
tions passed by motion,
1. “That a recommendation be sent to the Special
Finance Committee that National dues be
reallocated in order that the State Organization
shall have power over the expenditures of a
greater proportion for their own programming,”
20 BPW
2. "That National Headquarters should be moved
‘out of New York City .”
The President's report indicated that the State
Membership had increased from 1,221 to 1,275
with a club increase from 18 to 23, ‘The B.P.W. is
different from a literary, dramatic or social club and
will be serviceable and enjoyable if in our
business and professional posts we individually
have prestige so far as we stand on terra firma,
solid rocks of facts and serviceable assets... We
must grow by meeting a need.” Thus we talked in
1933. Corning had started the educational-ball
rolling by reporting prizes of $5.00 each to three
High school students. Niagara Falls at this time
had $3,000.00 outstanding in loans and currently
was paying a High school girl's carfare... Saratoga
Springs annually presented $100.00 for Nurses
Training. The study for the year at the local level
was labor legislation as it affected women and
unemployment insurance.
In September membership applications were
received from Bronxville and Oswego, voted upon
and accepted into the Federation. It was
suggested that each local club have a Member-
ship Tea on a Sunday afternoon to stimulate
interest in membership. The total budget for New
York State had increased considerably: Income,
$3,860; Disbursements, the SAME. Each standing
committee was allocated $5.00 excepting the
Public Relations and Nominating Committees
which were given $10.00, and the Publicity
Committee $15.00, The National poster for
National Business Woman's Week carried this
slogan— ‘55,000 White Collar Women Open
Business Woman's Week.”
1934 - 1935
Kathryn H. Starbuck - Saratoga
rings
All things run in cycles and 1934 seemed to be
a turning point for the State Federation—as
though the child had come to maturity. In the
records we find the first complete membership
report The District System set up in 1930 was
beginning to function satisfactorlly. For the first
recorded time, attendance at the 15th Annual
Convention in Rochester broke the century barrier
with 199 - 90 of them Delegates and Alternates.
Letters from the National Federation reflect ‘the
forward look"; and the National Executive
Secretary, Emily Kneubuhl writes in part: “We
have never before been at a place in our history
when all of us working together could accomplish
‘so much... the world has need of its women and
modem women will be acknowledged and
recognized by 1940.” President Kathryn Starbuck
in her report outlines the trend of the times as she
writes: “To Grace LeGendre, the best Treasurer in
the world, not accepting Alexander Hamilton.”
(There was a balance in the treasury of over $400
after expenditures of $3,767.) “There exists a fine
spirit of cooperation, an element which has drawn
us all together and made us feel that we belong to
a State. The Official State News Letter has been
in part responsible for this.” ($400 was allocated
for this purpose with requests that each club
‘support it with an advertisement, Furthermore no
member was to receive a copy if her dues were
not paid by November ‘st.)
For the year ahead Miss Starbuck recom-
mended: “Next year we should concer ourselves
with our responsibility toward others: Public
School Education faces a crisis (2,000 rural
schools in 24 States closed for lack of funds). We
must stir ourselves and protest a program that is
neither just nor true economy... Organize
vocational conferences for High School children...
Study the social implications of the economic
problems in our communities with special
reference to women workers... Study ways and
means to give more than lip service to Equal Pay
for Equal Work... Organize study groups to
consider the relation of the United States to World
Peace.”
The first Membership Cup, awarded for
percentage increase in membership was given by
Kathryn Starbuck and won by Schenectady.
Recommendations made went winging, to the
National office suggesting that procedures be set
up to seek out “qualified women for public office."
New York State was in favor of “The National Ten
Year Plan" and women were urged to serve on
juries if the aw passed.
Rochester contributed $50 in memory of Mable
Winters to start an Educational Fund, the State
added $28 and Grace LeGendre $22 and thus the
Mable Winters Scholarship Fund was born, The
Research Committee under the Chairmanship of
Dorothy Genzlinger of Yonkers made the following
recommendation: ‘That our organization go on
record as endorsing the policy of honest dealing in
business by all those engaged therein; that we
obtain for women greater opportunities to secure
the necessary training and experience to equip
them to take their places as leaders in business
and in politics where their honest conduct and
judgment in times of prosperity as. well as during
a depression will prove sound and not wanting.”
Albany, Albion, inkowa, Buffalo, Hornell, Norwich,
New Rochelle, Danville and TSA joined the
Federation, making the grand total of 28 clubs
with 1546 members,
1935 - 1936
Grace LeGendre - President
This year began on a high note showing a gain
of 46% in total membership and 77% gain in new
clubs with Cortland, Cohoes, Elmira, Johnstown
and Poughkeepsie added to the Federation, The
Sixteenth Annual Convention was held at
Saratoga Springs with an amazing increase in
attendance... Sixteen Board Members, 88
Delegates, 35 Alternates and 104 Guests making
a grand total of 243,
A Publicity Breakfast was held with reporters
from the New York Times and Herald Tribune
present. It was recommended that State Publicity
be concentrated in one section of the State with
several Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen to handle all
types of publicity, including the News Letter. $500
was put in the budget. Membership was to be
stressed and President Starbuck in her report
suggested that the goal be set at 2500 members.
Each club should endeavor to “bring in another
live club,” but she warmed “Business Women
‘outnumber the Professional Women 2 to 1."...
Establish study clubs to determine the reason why
of this numerical difference, always remembering
that quality of membership is more important than
mere numbers... Appoint a Chairman in local clubs
on a job analysis basis to determine: What kind of
ability does this club job require? What experi-
ence? What personality? Then put in the right
woman for the job—not your friends." She further
recommended that “the State should concentrate
‘on two major problems:
1. A Vocational Guidance Counselor in every High
School to help secure adequate training for young
girls to prepare them for the world of today.
2, Conduct an aggressive campaign against
discrimination toward women In the Business and
Professional World.”
BPW 21
5
District Directors were instructed to visit each
club In their District at least twice a year,
preferably at a Board Meeting... The Mable
Winters Scholarship Fund was set up as a
revolving loan, the amount on loan not to exceed
$100 to any one student. There should be a closer
felationship between the State and National
Federations and at least one meeting a year
should be devoted to discussions and speakers
on this topic. Interclub activity had progressed
over the years from a single meeting In a year toa
program of cooperation throughout the year. The
reports of Club Presidents had become so lengthy
that they were summarized for the first time and
the time thus saved used for more Round-Table
Discussions.
The Health Chairman recommended: “That
health standards for Business and Professional
Women should be stressed as well as instruction
on the mental state and instruction relative to
food.”
1936 - 1937
Vera McCrea - New York City
The January Board Meeting held in Brooklyn
contained much of general interest... International
Relations Committee Chairman, Helen Havener,
suggested a four-fold policy for the coming year
(some of which was turned down later at
Convention):
1. A full study of changing phases of world policy
as well as the fundamental questions of former
years.
2, Cooperation with other peace organizations,
without which there can be no effective effort to
mold community opinion in behalf of world peace.
‘3. Membership in the International Federation of
BPW.
4, Support of legislation which “tends to cement
friendly relationships among all nations of the
world.”
Miss Kathryn Starbuck, National International
Relations Chairman spoke to these recommenda-
tions: “It is not enough to keep this country out of
war; we also have a responsibility to cooperate
with nations of the world in some way to keep war
‘out of the world,”
An active Legislative Committee headed by
Mrs. Miriam Schindler reported on: Social Security
Act, Child Labor Amendment, County government,
Women Jury Bills, Equal Rights Amendment,
22 BPW
Hairdressers Bill, the Employment Agency Bill.
The discussions were lively and well recorded,
The 17th Annual Convention was held in
Jamestown with 88 voting members present (total
attendance not recorded). The President's report
contained a plea for a raise in dues to carry on the
work of the Federation through a central office of
some sort, “We are doing the work for 39 clubs
with the same equipment we used for 7.” A double
slate was presented for most of the officers and
directors, The President was voted $50 for
traveling expenses and two members were
appointed to represent us at the Democratic and
Republican Conventions. It was suggested that
the Federation join the Joint Legislative Forum,
Great was the jubilation that both Jane Todd and
Doris Byrne had been returned to the State
Assembly, Once again the Bylaws required much
consideration and a special committee presented
several drastic changes (many of them as we
operate today 1960). Notable changes: That the 9
Board Directors become District Directors to be
elected by ballot at the Annual meeting, that the
Executive Board consist of the Officers, Directors
and Standing Committee Chairmen: and only
women engaged actively in business or a
profession to be eligible to hold office, Lottie
Edwards presented a most comprehensive report
on the News Letter and ways and means of
. financing it~suggesting stencils and other
businesslike methods. However, the Convention
voted to continue it in the same way through the
Publicity Committee, “financed as best they
could.” The Education Committee urged each
focal club “to sponsor a meeting devoted to
broaden themselves.” A booth was sponsored at
the State Fair and the Second Annual Dinner to
Honor Women of Achievement was a great
success. Only one club, Insurance Women of New
York had 100% dues paid by September, Kathryn
Starbuck's song was voted the State Song. And,
as indicative of the times, a Resolution was
passed to urge Congress to include a clause
against the huge appropriations for military and
naval armament with a plank to definitely commit
the United States to a peace policy, Membership:
37 clubs 2,168 members. New clubs: Queens and
Tarrytown.
1937 - 1938
Vera McCrea - New York City
The 1937 records grow long and more accurate
as the Federation grows in size and stature... now
2,168 members in 37 clubs in New York State. Of
the 37 clubs, 25 now belong to the International
Federation. By January of 1937, 91% of the
members had paid their dues, In the three years
of its existence, 16 clubs had contributed to the
State Scholarship Fund and 5 students had
received loans. The Newsletter had become a 24
page pamphlet containing advertising with
sufficient money in the budget for 9 issues,
Addressograph plates had been purchased and
reportedly the 1937 saving in mailing costs was
from the former $70 an issue to $7. Two new
clubs were added—Queens and Tarrytown.
The 18th Annual Convention was held in
Syracuse with 101 voting members and a total
registration of 225, The President recommended
at least two District Meetings a year; the
consideration of Farm Women as eligible for
membership; study of the New York State
Constitution for issues to present to the 1938
Constitutional Convention and the raising of the
State Federation dues from 50¢ to $1.00 (the
latter was passed by a vote of 67 to 13 and
became effective May, 1938, The Education
Committee presented a new idea in that each
local club should attempt to “contribute to its own
community the thing of greatest significance and
that local scholarships should be stressed. The
Minimum Wage Law required serious consider-
ation. In the past no stand had been taken either
for or against the principle of minimum wage but
the showdown was: “That we be opposed to any
bill which is discriminatory against women.” Here
it was brought out that the Permissive Juror Bill
was passed rather than the Mandatory because of
the passive attitude of women. Whereupon it was
recommended that local clubs add jury duty
training courses for women to their program
content. A vital point was cleared in regard to the
“service angle” as follows: “That we definitely
establish ourselves in the minds of the citizens of
‘our community as a club that is always ready and
willing to serve the community. And, further to
establish this fact through service and secure the
proper publicity and recognition through
newspapers that there may be no further doubt
concerning this question."
Five “Women of Achievement" were honored at
the banquet,
It was in September 1937 that the first short-
wave broadcast over WGY in Schenectady was
sent to a B.P.W. Club in Melbourne, Australia.
Miss Earline White, National Federation President,
guest of the Schenectady Club spoke with
Madam Marita, President of the Australia
Federation.
1938 - 1939
Miriam H. Schindler - Albany
The January Board Meeting held in Albany in
1938 was pleased to receive the following
telegram; “Jane Todd has been appointed first of
her sex Caucus Committee Chairman in the 164
years of the New York Legislature.” A letter of
congratulation went directly to Miss Todd. The
Constitutional Forums were being well received in
several Districts. The Schools for Jurors were
being conducted in cooperation with the Leagu¢ of
Women Voters and often by the B.P.W. Clubs
exclusively, Since the Bill was permissive the
B.P.W. should “call special attention urging women
to accept jury duty when called." Therefore leaflets
were to be distributed at the New York State Fair
in September at a cost to the Federation of about
$100, The 19th State Convention was held in New
York City. 144 persons present Great emphasis
was placed on the complete revision of the
Bylaws, which were approved and passed, being
duly printed in booklet form for distribution. The
President in her report made a strong plea for an
Executive Secretary to assist with the growing
volume of work. Accordingly $500 was put in the
budget. The President should have a personal
account of $100 and District Directors $25 each. It
was further recommended that a plank be placed
in the New York State Constitution stating that
there be no discrimination against women. Locat
club dues were to have a November first deadline
and all delinquent members to be dropped at that
time. The Worlds Fair was to be opened in New
York and a special committee had been appointed
to work closely with the established Worlds Fair
Committee and to assist with the Careers Tours as
suggested by the joint committees, Miss Alice
Gates was appointed Librarian and authorized “to
keep all records and letters and minutes of the
State Federation,” The Resolutions Committee
presented, among several, the following: “Be it
BPW 23
resolved that we pay tribute to the memory of
Amelia Earhart for her courage, her spirit of
adventure, her loyalty to high ideals and her
advancement of the cause of women." In July, at
the summer home of Miss Kathryn Starbuck the
Board voted to have a twenty year history written
by Miss Irene McGuire. Cooperation was urged
with state groups “fostered by Republican,
Democratic and Labor Party Women to endeavor
to get every woman to vote.
In September the Board authorized a strong
International Relations Program. Miss Esther
Corwin, Program Chairman presented a
comprehensive report on suggested programs,
materials and speakers. The Chair appointed the
first State Safety Chairman.
1939 - 1940
Miriam Schindler - Albany
The balance in the treasury in January 1939
was $1,247.85. Membership was slowly but
steadily climbing... Stabilization was important...
The Membership Chairman, Mrs, Edna eel
“That inasmuch as p
a vital factor in both stabilization and increased
membership, that each federation member is a
consumer, and that our 1939-1940 program be
based on consumers’ viewpoints."
The Publicity Committee, Mrs, Marjorie
Waldron, Chairman, moved that: “It would be
helpful in publicity work to have a Radio Chairman
under her supervision...” Accordingly the Chair
appointed Miss Ruth Green. Albany, as the first
Radio Chairman.
The 20th Annual Convention was held in
Albany with the Program Theme of “The Empire
State of Tomorrow.” The National Program was
discussed and a motion carried to the effect:
1, “It be interpreted to meet focal needs.
2, "In its setup it indicates adult education
methods,
3, ‘That It indicate possible resource material,
‘such as people, books and articles.”
The Committee on Redistricting the State had
studied long and diligently. The changes voted
upon gave the State eleven Districts instead of
nine. Miss Marjorie Smith, Chairman of the 1938-
1939 Nominating Committee presented a plan of
qualifications patterned on the National procedure.
{twas voted to bond the State Treasurer. In
September 1939, State membership had
24 BPW
increased by 316 placing New York State in the
8th position in the United States in membership
{total 2,551), The State also ranked third in new
clubs secured with Amsterdam, Newark,
Tonawanda and Wolcott joining the ranks. For the
first time “All reports of New York State progress
were to be sent to the National Federation to
assist New York State in full credit for program-
ming.” Clubs were authorized to divide the
expenses of the District Director to Conventions,
Local International Relations Chairmen should be
appointed and February should be observed as
International Month. It was felt that clubs had
difficulty in assembling needed reference material
so each Club should elect a Librarian to collect
and provide sald material for distribution. “Inter-
club removal blanks" were suggested for
transfers, In order “to plan a particularly impres-
sive Radio program during the interval of the
January Board meeting $50 was given the
Chairman for this purpose." The financing of
conventions was a knotty problem and a Special
Committee was appointed (Chairman Miss
Frances Marlatt) to look after this matter. Saratoga
Springs presented steel files to the State. Study...
study... study seemed to be the order of the day—
from the status of married women in business to
the Todd Youth Bill and the financing of the State
Magazine,
1940 - 1941
Esther J. Corwin - Owego
{tis interesting to note the change In emphasis
as the years move on. It would appear to coincide
somewhat with the business or profession of the
President and the members of her Board, Being a
lawyer, Miriam Schindler stressed all types of
Legislation and her report at the 21st Annual
Convention in Buffalo dealt specifically with such
problems:
1, "That we cooperate fully with the Women’s
Centennial Congress organized to contemplate,
examine and evaluate women’s advance in the
last hundred years with a view to recommending
the trend future women's programs should take.
2. “A thorough study should be made of the New
York State Conference on Democratic Processes.
3. ‘That the ‘Big Sister’ Program voted upon at the
last Convention be carried through a Committee
Chaired by Miss Rita Cowen, The purpose to train
youth for leadership and develop job opportunities.
4, “She urged support of Jane Todd's New York
State Assembly Bill to provide mandatory licensing
of nurses by July ist.
5. “Organized the State to conduct an unemploy-
ment survey particularly as it pertained to our own
membership.
6. “Asked Governor Lehman to appoint a woman
to the State Health Council.”
The State Health Chairman, Dr. Mary Sloan
made a dramatic plea for more attention to the
health problem saying: “A normal mind in a normal
body should be our slogan. Since the healthy
individual is the unit of a stable world, Health is a
benediction."
The Program Chairman. Miss Esther Corwin
suggested “A special statewide program during
Business Woman's Week to bring about a unity of
purpose and greater influence in local communi-
ties.” State membership April 1940 totaled 2,681
with Watkins Glen and Nassau the new clubs of
the year.
The International Relations Committee reported
sending $74 worth of vitamins to the children of
Finland. It was voted to defray the expenses of the
Treasurer to Conventions and Board Meetings
and the President's expense allowance was
raised to $200. The Radio Committee reported
that ten clubs had broadcast 175 minutes of alr
time during the year. The cost of the State
magazine had risen to a gross of $150 per issue
and what to do about it was a serious problem.
One quote seems particularly timely: “Our world
today is in the throes of another great conflict.
These upheavals as they occur can generally be
traced to a definite disorder in the economic world.
Placing the right to franchise along with men, in
women's hands only half equips her in the battle
for a better world. | cannot urge too strongly that
when given the opportunity for practical experi-
ence, women have the capability of contributing
leadership.
In September of 1940 New York State was
selected by the National Federation as one of the
Membership Laboratory states and results were
great.
Membership: April 1941 - 49 clubs, 2,927
members.
New clubs - Glens Falls, Ithaca,
The 21st State Convention was held in Elmira,
May 1941.
1941 - 1942
Esther J. Corwin - Owego
The world is feeling the pinch of war and it is
reflected in the suggestion of the State President,
Esther Corwin at the January Board Meeting:
“There is a possibility of employment for older
women as hostesses at army posts” and by Dr.
Kathryn Blyley, Education Chairman who
emphasized the important issue of National
Defense and recommended that “This Board of
Directors take appropriate cognizance of the
entire war Issue at this meeting.” It had been
customary in the past to provide souvenirs at
State Conventions but in February 1941 a check
for $150 was sent to the National President, Dr.
Minnie L. Matett as a contribution toward Mobile
Kitchens for Britain in lieu of the souvenirs.
The 22nd Annual Convention in Elmira boasted
several “firsts.” It was the largest on record to
date: 125 delegates, 10 alternates and 137
visitors, total 302. A complete Convention report
including finances was filed and the first
mimeographed book of all Annual Reports
appeared.
Esther Corwin felt that the following deserved
special mention: “The New York State Federation
has directed every effort toward the creation and
maintenance of federation unity, of which our
founders would be justly proud, coupled with
and active partici
by members... By-laws have been printed and
Vocational Index and Defense files brought up to
date... Having been chosen as an experimental
state for Laboratory Membership Work, four new
clubs were added, Conference Club of New York
City, Glens Falls, Herkimer and Ithaca. Esther
recommended that: ‘with the adoption of our
Federation Program... ‘Strengthen Democracy for
Defense’ we weigh every issue which arises and
every event which transpires with reference to our
obligation to it and to its effect on woman's place
in the scheme of things.” Ursula Hubbard,
International Relations Chairman told of many
clubs contributing to local war relief projects. She
asked a few pointed questions: “What effect upon
‘our communities business would a totalltarian
victory have? What adjustments in American
economic life may have to become permanent if
democracles are to out last totalitarianism groups?
What kind of post-war problems will remain even
assuming a Hitler defeat?” They were soul-
BPW 25
searching questions and are certainly indicative of
the serious thinking of B.P.W. during those
“fatiguing forties.” Sara Sparks, Membership
Chairman reported a total membership of 2,927 in
49 clubs as of April, 1991. The Scholarship Fund
was slowly climbing... 29 clubs contributed
$1,404.32 and 14 students had received
assistance. The State Magazine had published 7
issues at a cost of 155 each, a portion of which
expense was carried by advertising so things in
that department were looking up. The Chairman of
the newly appointed State Youth Committee, Rita
Cowan presented a suggested program for local
clubs to follow Including cooperation with existing
agencies, clinics and personal guidance with both
city and rural schoo! students.
There was a resolution presented to the
Convention that women be drafted as well as men
for the Armed Forces but this was handily
defeated.
Membership: April 1942 - 55 clubs, 2,941
mbers,
New clubs; Adirondack, Dunkirk, Fredonia,
Lockport.
1942 - 1943
Francis K. Marlott - Mt. Vernon
1942 started off with a request from President
Esther Corwin to celebrate the February 15th
birthday of Susan B, Anthony. Rochester had a
particular celebration in mind since Susan B.
Anthony made possible co-education at Rochester
University. Two reports in the files are of
importance:
1, Legislative Procedures for New York State
submitted by the Chairman, Marguerite Fisher.
This outlined a special committee authorized to
submit a tentative Legislative Program to the State
Convention each year. Additional items could be
added to the tentative program, in writing, by local
clubs in advance of the Convention.
2, State Nominating Procedures by the Chairman
Esther Jansen included detailed duties for all
officers and directors.
90 Delegates 26 Alternates, 19 Board Members.
and 20 Guests attended the 23rd Annual
Convention in Utica. A combined Glee Club,
recruited from several New York State Clubs with
Beryl Lewis from Oswego as the Leader
entertained at all hours of day and night.
The tenor of the business conducted dealt
largely with war, economic difficulties and the
26 BPW
attitude of the B.P.W: toward these distressing
problems, Club reports contained page after page
of War Relief Work in co-operation with existing
War Rellef Agencies. The outgoing President
spoke stirringly of the opportunities to help and
pledged that "We preserve the American way of
life with opportunities, freedoms, and liberties
secured for us under the Constitution of the United
States of America." There was question of
transportation to Board Meetings, etc. and a
motion passed allowing members to vote by mall.
Alist was sent to the Governor of New York State
suggesting the most important ways Business and
Professional Women could help in lines of
defense. State Programs were geared to Defense,
War Work, Training for Emergencies and Public
Speaking (selling War Bonds and Defense
Stamps required some knowledge along these
lines).
Membership listed 2,941 in 55 clubs
(Adirondack, Dunkirk - Fredonia, Forty-Second
Street Group, Lockport and Wall Street Group
added to the ever growing list. The Chairman
requested “a uniform, democratic membership
policy for all clubs with transfers allowable without
payment of local dues, for the balance of the
current year.” (carried). The Bank Resolutions and
Youth Committees were abolished, The Certificate
of Incorporation was amended by inserting the
phrase: “To conduct an adult education program to
further the education of business and professional
women to better enable them to take their full
responsibilities as citizens and to work together for
civic purposes,” (This was done to exempt the
Federation from Income Taxes.)
President Corwin again made a plea for a
central office. It was voted to spend $200 to “be
used to employ a person for an average of ten
hours a week and to purchase a Speed-O-Print
machine for $100." The yearly budget was set at
$9,650, A report of Convention expenses from
Schenectady (1931) $1,752 to Elmira (1941)
$2,406 gives a hint as to the growth of the
Federation. The Mable Winter Scholarship Fund
was extended to “young women who have
completed four years of High School education
and need funds for special courses.” In Septem-
ber the State Board was entertained for the
weekend by Mr. Thomas J, Watson, Sr., President
of the International Business Machines Corp, The
Triple Cities Club was the hostess club,
Membership April , 1943 -not available,
1943 - 1944
Frances K. Marlott - Mt. Vernon
The serious-minded business of the B.P.W. was
centered on war activities and what might be done
to help achieve victory. It was a grim January and
the fact was well brought out by the de
hold office.” The total registration was 187
Delegates, 106 Alternates, 41 visitors.
The September Board Meeting was held for the
second time at the |.B.M. Homestead where the
members again enjoyed the hospitality of Mr.
Thomas J. Watson, Sr., President of the
Corporation. The Triple Cities Club announced the
tions presented by the various State Committee
Chairmen: EDUCATION: “That each Club compile
facts on training courses open to women in
community civil service, and for women in war
industries... that local clubs offer their services in
recruiting women power for industries and the
armed services,” FINANCE: “That Clubs and
States review incomes and expenditures to effect
all possible economics, so that the service of
business and professional women, as expressed
through the Federation's War Program, may
constitute a contribution of value to the war effort.”
At the Twenty-Fourth Annual Convention at the
Lake Placid Club, Lake Placid, the trend toward
service and economy continued. The Nominating
Committee had not met but had prepared the slate
by mail. The extensive plans for entertaining the
National Biennial Convention in New York City,
under the Chairmanship of Caroline Slocum, had
been canceled due to the war and the $1,242
donated by local clubs was returned. It was voted
to invite the National Board to Lake George mid-
week to avoid weekend traveling. The arrange-
ments were to be handled by a Committee
comprised of the Presidents of the local Clubs
within that District, and it would be financed by a
contribution of 25¢ per capita, The Public Affairs
report contained activities of local clubs: War Bond
Sales, Civilian Defense, Salvage, Red Cross,
Nurses’ Aid, War Councils, U.S.O., Air Raid
Spotters, WAAC's, WAVE's and a final recommen-
dation that “State and National dues of members:
who had joined the Armed Forces be paid until
victory,”
The resolutions all dealt with war-time matters
notably one which read: ‘That the B.P.W. actively
assist in developing nursery and after school
programs providing nutrition, safety and recreation
for the children of war workers.” An important By
faw Amendment which later caused confusion was
passed at this Convention: “Only women who'are
residents of the State of New York and are actively
engaged in a business or profession are eligible to
into of 155 |,B.M. System
Service girls whose dues had been paid by Mr.
Watson. These members would later be
transferred into B.P.W. Clubs throughout the
United States. Marjorie Smith was delegated to
write-a twenty-five year history of the New York
State Federation for presentation at the Twenty-
Fifth Annual Convention at Lake Placid (1944).
Excitement ran high when it was announced that
former State President Esther Corwin had joined
the WAAC's,
Membership April, 1944 - 3,365 in 55 clubs,
1944 - 1945
Sara Sparks - New York City
The Twenty-Fifth Annual Convention was held
at the Lake Placid Club with the Federation
celebrating a quarter of a century of progress,
The out-going President Frances Marlatt
greeted the members with this message: “As we
look back over the first twenty-five years of our
Federation's history, we can view our accomplish-
ments with pride and realize that we have laid a
firm foundation on which to build a future.”
Marjorie Smith presented 1,000 printed copies of
the Federation History, profits from which were to
be placed in the Scholarship Fund. Dorothy
Titchener wrote and directed a pageant “Unfin-
ished Tapestry" (quote from minutes “A Living
Panorama of Our History"), Frances Marlatt
presented a trophy to be known as the “Civic
Activity Award,”
Although America was now in the third year of
war, Federation talk was largely of Post-war
Problems, State finances were at a new high with
a balance of $1,656. The Democratic Processes
Committee urged that the committee be continued
and “that women be represented at the Peace
Table.” The Education Committee Chairman
spoke in terms of Post-War needs and continued
Youth Programs with emphasis on taking an
effective part in the prevention of juvenile
delinquency. The Program Committee Chairman
suggested that women should be taking steps to
BPW 27
protect their economic gains; to integrate with
other women’s organizations in an effort to utilize
the majority woman vote. The Legislative
Committee Chairman reported that a milestone
had been reached in the passage of the New York
Assembly of the Falk-Todd Bill, “Equal Pay for
Equal Work.”
Membership was on the up and up—Hudson,
Office Typographers and Middleburg had joined
the ranks, bringing the total to 3,365 members in
55 clubs. New York State was ahead of all 48
states in membership gain.
Leona Wilsey, President of the Triple Cities
Club reported on the transfers of the I.B.M.
System Service Girls: “It is of interest to note that
at the present time, this Club has one or more
members in every State in the United States with
three in the Dominion of Canada. This is no longer
an experiment.” State Presidents in good standing
were given a vote, The Radio Committee, Doris
Corwith of N.B,C. Chairman, reported “Thirty
broadcasts with 445 minutes of air time... time
value $750, This donated by 13 stations,” She
tecommended that “The New York State
Federation request the National Federation to
appoint a National Radio Chairman.”
(This was finally accomplished by New York
State at the July National Biennial amid a furor of
debate.) . Attendance—150 Delegates, 39
Altermates, 81 visitors,
The September Board Meeting was for the third
successive Fall held in Binghamton, Triple Cities
Club acting as hostesses. The Board stressed
training for leadership, allocated $300 for publicity
and changed the name to “News Service.”
The President Sara Sparks closed the meeting
with these words “There is warmth in our hearts
as we recognize that in a world of turmoil we have
enjoyed and shared peaceful, happy moments
together through the generosity of a great man,
Mr. Thomas J. Watson, Sr.”
Membership April, 1945 -3,504 in 54 clubs,
1945 - 1946
Sara Sparks - New York City
The records of this year are incomplete and the
files contain no minutes... no Convention Bulletin,
etc, The 1945 Convention was canceled as of
April 2, by the Office of Defense Transportation,
The Glens Falls Club had completed most of the
preliminary work and this was sorrowfully and
28 BPW
.
whole heartedly acknowledged by the State
President, The Corresponding Secretary (Beatrice
Hertwig) received special recognition as most of
the business of the Federation had been carried
on by mail. The State Magazine under the
Guidance of Miss Clara Ogilvie, Editor and
Gertrude Smith, Business Manager was a thriving
Publication. $1,092 worth of advertising had been
sold by January of that year. The May and June
issues of this magazine printed all the reports of
the Officers, Directors and Committee Chairmen—
a colossal job in itself. It is really surprising how
many changes and improvements in Operation
took place during these trying days.
The President recommended:
1. "That local Club Presidents be given a vote on
the Board (Lost).
2, ‘That District Directors be nominated by their
own Districts and elected at Convention to assure
a uniformity of election procedures and further that
they be elected for a term of two years instead of
three with the possibility of a third year (Carried),
The Nominating Committee, Margaret Barnard,
Chairman, solved the knotty problem of election of
officers and declared that all incumbents being
eligible were duly elected. There was a Septem-
ber Board Meeting in Syracuse at which the
committees reported a great deal of activity.
Membership Chairman, Caroline Slocum
reported: One new club, Endicott... a total of 3,504
members In 54 clubs. Sponsoring Citations were
now given to clubs sponsoring new clubs,
Education Chairman, Marjorie Smith pointed
out the need for women to concern themselves
with “Personnel Policies in the firms in which they
are employed, in order that women as well as men
may hold positions on the basis of merit and
ability.” Finance Chairman, Anita Calhoun
prepared a budget of $12,000 to include sufficient
funds to pay part of the Officers and Standing
Committee Chairmen’s expenses to Board
Meetings and Conventions, (The expenses of the
President, both Secretaries and the Treasurer had
been paid in full for several years.)
Legislation Chairman Jane Todd had recently
been appointed Deputy Commissioner New York
State Department of Commerce and the
Federation took an active role in assisting her
work in this field. The emphasis for the year ahead
was to deal with the attempted passage of a
Mandatory Jury Bill, Enforcement of Child Labor
Laws in the State and as always with the re-
employment and re-adjustment of women in
employment. The Publications Committee had
outlived its usefulness and was abolished.
Scholarship: Grace LeGendre Chairman, had a
balance of over $1,600 so it was deemed
expedient to give an outright award of $100, rather
than the usual loans, Sara Sparks was suggested
for a National Chairmanship (later being appointed
National Public Affairs Chairman), Publicity, with
Amy Lorton McKay as chairman, took on a
professional look with full use of Clipping Service
Bureaus and we had something to clip. This
Chairman presented a Publicity Cup to be
awarded at the next Convention,
Membership April, 1946 - 3,862 in 55 clubs.
1946 - 1947
Caroline Slocum - New York City
The 27th Annual Convention was held in New
York City whereat the President offered a
resolution that no reports other than those of the
President and Treasurer be read in full at the
sessions (with the exception of the recommenda:
tions) and that this become a standing rule
applicable to the present Convention (Carried). In
her report she outlined the progress of the difficult
{wo years of the war period, “The success of
carrying on our activities so that the Federation
could emerge from the war as a strong and more
courageous organization depended upon the
entire membership.”
She further indicated that there was a balance
in the Treasury of $4,213. As State President Mrs.
Sparks was appointed by Gov. Dewey to serve on
the New York Women's Advisory Council. This
Council under the leadership of Miss Jane Todd
had recently been organized. Miss Sparks also
attended the United Nations San Francisco
Conference. It was decided that $1,000 be given
to the New York Infirmary “dedicated to all women
who have devoted their lives to public service.”
Caroline Slocum, Membership Chairman
reported a net gain of 449 members in 55 clubs
totaling 3,862. East Aurora and Hamburg were
added to the roster,
Education Committee, Marjorie Smith,
Chairman proposed that a Cabinet position in the
Federal Government be created devoted to the
interests of education... Health Chairman, Davina
Johnston, urged local clubs to support County
Health departments and Public Health Nursing.
Public Affairs, Frances Marlatt recommended:
“Study groups be formed to concentrate on social,
economic and political problems on local, state
and national levels in order to keep our member:
ship intelligently informed concerning these
matters.” She also “advised the endorsement of a
woman on the Status of Women United Nations
Committee.”
The magazine, Clara Ogilvie, Editor writes: “It is
your magazine... and it can be your voice that
» Women, across the street or across the nation turn
to for courage.” She noted that 18 issues were
printed in the two years and that the cover had
been modernized, Gertrude Smith, Business
Manager of the magazine reported a net income
for the two years of $2,780. It certainly seemed as
though, at long last, the State Magazine could be
converted into a revenue producing means rather
than a financial liability,
‘The Scholarship Committee, Grace LeGendre
Chairman took a big step. forward in recommend-
ing that $500 be GIVEN to a student of the
Industrial Relations School of Cornell University
for graduate study and furthermore that $100 be
given annually to “a graduate or undergraduate
who publishes the best article or book dealing with
tesearch or material designed to improve the
understanding of women’s status in the social
order” (Carried ) .
Membership April, 1947 - 4,522 in 59 clubs,
1947 - 1948
Caroline Slocum - New York City
We find surprisingly few records in the files for
this year and recall most of the activities from
memory. However the records of the 28th Annual
Convention held in Buffalo are-complete and
present a colorful picture with an International
flavor. Meeting close to the border, one of the few
all-time peaceful borders in the world, opened
dramatic opportunities for the B.P.W. Among the
honored guests at the International Dinner held on
the Canadian side of Niagara Falls at the General
Brock Hotel were: Miss Margaret P. Hyndman,
K.C., President of the Canadian Federation and
later to become International Federation President
and Miss Sally Butler, President of the National
Federation. The dinner opened with the singing of
BPW 29
the two National Anthems... both strangely to the
same tune... “God Save the King” and “America.”
At the regular business sessions Caroline
Slocum, President, gave an account of her first
year's stewardship and offered recommendations
for the coming year. A balance of $1,460 was
reported with the following notations of interest.
The allotments of Directors and Standing
Committee Chairmen had been increased to $850
as compared to $575 the previous year and an
additional donation was made of $1,400 to the
New York Infirmary for the construction of a
Consulting Room. The growth of the Federation
with an increase of 660 members and 6 new
clubs: Gotham, Greene County, Lyons, Oxford,
Rome and Washington Square, making a grand
total of 4,522 members in 59 clubs pointed up
once more the need for a central office of some
sort to manage what was beginning to be “big
business.” (This gain was more than double any
other since the organization of the Federation.)
The State Standing Committee Chairmen were
to comprise the State Program Committee so that
the services of each be stressed in local club
programs, The Education Committee requested
that the Federation urge the Legislature to appoint
awoman to the State Board of Regents. (This was
not accomplished.) The Health Committee
tecommended that local clubs promote Cancer
Detection Clinics, and authorize the use of the
State Federation name to actively sponsor a
cardiac drive “Save a HEART" during Valentine
Week. The International Relations Committee
' reported “Judging from the number of parcels sent
| abroad by B.P.W. Clubs, the number of children
| adopted, and the number of business women
helped, we have greatly strengthened our
Influence." News Service inaugurated the idea of
District News Chairmen and this greatly increased
the news coverage.
Anew committee to be known as “The Status
of Women,” whose duty was to present the names
of qualified women for recommendations to
positions of public capacity, was establish
Study in the Anthony House in Rochester. The
Board urged the President of the United States to
call a special session of Congress for the purpose
of giving temporary aid to Europe under the
Marshall Plan.
Membership April, 1948 — 5,800 in 72 clubs.
Eight new clubs chartered: Cobleskill, Delhi,
Mettawee Valley, Owego, Penn Yan, Palmyra,
Rockland County and Sodus.
1948 - 1949
Marjorie C. Smith - Syracuse
The January Board meeting of this year was.
concerned with the United Nations and its impact
on the Federation. The International Relations
Chairman, Virginia Blood recommended that:
“Local Clubs support the United Nations Appeal
for Childrén and that one day's pay be set aside
by each member on Feb. 29th for this Fund”
(Carried). The first bi-monthly International
Relations News Letter appeared.
___The Twenty-Ninth Annual Convention was held
in Syracuse with 163 Delegates, 229 Alternates
and 151 Visitors in attendance. Caroline Slocum,
the out-going State President, spoke of the
significant changes in the industrial, political and
social life of our country in the twenty-nine years
of the Federation's history. “Our organization is
effective and its growth is ample testimony of its
worth.”
Five hundred copies of a Supplemental Manual
were printed containing information and protocol
te federation procedures. A timely suggestion was
made by the Public Affairs Chairman, Sara
Sparks, that: “local clubs encourage wise buying
and saving practices among members as practical
measures which will help curb Inflation.” The State
Scholarship Fund was named the “Grace
LeGendre Fellowship Fund’ in honor of its
founder, The Health Committee Chairman, Dr.
Sue Gould, recommended that we “reaffiem the
resolution passed at the 1947 Convention to lend
active support to the “Save a Heart Campaign.”
Scholarships were increased from $100 to $150.
The Federation endorsed Anita Calhoun for the
office of National Treasurer and agreed to conduct
a campaign for her election, The song written by
Dorothy Titchener was adopted as a State Song.
The September Board Meeting voted the sum of
$156 for the Susan B. Anthony Fund to restore her
| 30 BPW
under the ip of Vera
‘Schmidt, Director of District 9, the Federation
raised $15,000 for this fund, 35 clubs taking part
in the campaign. A Social Creed was established
“giving the policy of the B.P.W. in our responsibili-
ties in social, economic and political life.”
The balance pledged by the Federation to the
New York Infirmary was paid in full and the
following letter of appreciation was received: “On
behalf of the Trustees, Doctors and hard-working
volunteers of the Infirmary may | express our deep
appreciation to the members of your organization
for your thoughtful and generous contribution...
We have reserved a consultation room in the
Social Service Department which will bear a
bronze plaque naming your organization as the
donor.” (A total of $2,400 was given.) The name of
the “Status of Women" Committee was changed
to “Women in Policy Making Posts.” Some of the
noteworthy happenings of 1948 included: The
appointment of Mary H. Donlan as National
Program Coordinator, Anita Calhoun as a Member
of the National Finance Committee. Visits to the
United Nations were inaugurated.
Miss Jane Todd, New York State Deputy
Commissioner of Commerce started the Women
in Small Business Survey and the Clinics with
BPW. specialists assisting. The program
demonstrated at the National Biennial at Fort
Worth attracted nation-wide interest.
Membership not available. Five new clubs
chartered: Champlain Valley, Greene, Latham,
Schoharie and Skyline.
1949 - 1950
Marjorie C. Smith - Syracuse
January of 1949 President Marjorie C. Smith
proposed a goal of 5% increase in membership by
the May Convention. Also that an Executive
Committee be created comprised of the six
officers to study wise use of state funds for ways
and means to finance the State Magazine and
establish a State Office. Dr. Katherine Blyley,
President of Keuka College and Chairman of the
State Education and Vocations Committee made
her first proposal of the Foreign Student Plan... a
plan that was to bring acclaim to the State
Federation and great satisfaction to the local clubs
that took part in it. In her dramatic plea for its
adoption Katherine Blyley said in part: “The basic
value lies in first hand experience. If our country is
to make a success of its political and moral
leadership around the world it must have the
understanding of other people... For the foreign
student it will be an opportunity to observe and
live in the Democracy in College Life... For the
B.P.W... the satisfaction of a DIRECT attempt to
testify to our faith in our way of life and a means of
unifying our District Life by common purpose."
Later at the Thirtieth Annual Convention in Lake
Placid, the Convention voted to place this before
local clubs and districts as an approved project
but not to pass it as a State-wide project, Thus,
four Districts adopted the plan, 3, 4, 6 and 7.
In the Report of the State President, Marjorie
Smith, at the opening of the Convention we find
these prophetic words: “The world has been
looking to the people of this country for direction.
The possibility of everyone's having a voice in the
policy-making of our country is an idle dream in
the minds of those nationalities who have lived
under authoritative governments. We are the
testing ground of the democratic process... Our
Federation in New York State must be an active
force in proving its value.” Again the President
urged that “Immediate steps be taken to provide a
State Office.” In an attempt to make this possible
araise in State Dues from $1.00 to $2.00 was
urged but this motion lost by a narrow margin.
The Legislation Committee, Dorothea
Donaldson Chairman recommended that; “District
Directors conduct in their Districts Legislation
Round Tables prior to Election Day... and that
local clubs invite thelr New York State Senators
and Assemblymen to meetings before the January
Legislative Sessions.” . A motion to “adopt the
United Nations Declaration of Human Rights
instead of the Social Creed” was tabled indefi-
nitely. Anita Calhoun was proposed for Nomination
as National Treasurer and Caroline Slocum for
Director of the Northeast Region. (Both proposals
were later successful.) To point out the growth of
the Federation and its responsibilities we need
only to read of the $19,300 in the State Budget for
1949-’50... a far cry from the $3,860 indicated in
the 193 budget. But this was not enough and the
State Magazine was draining $3,000 from the
treasury. A voluntary contribution of 50¢ per
member was suggested to be ‘used for all State
purposes.” Two celebrations took place in honor of
the Thirtieth Anniversary:
1. The honoring of Grace LeGendre on her Silver
Anniversary (25 years) for continuous service to
the Federation over that period of time,
2, Ashort play, “After Thirly’ was written and
produced by Dorothy Titchener.
A total of 296 were in attendance—173
Delegates, 54 Alternates and 68 Visitors,
{n September 1949 the Magazine had been
suspended since the June Issue. The Volunteer
BPW 31
Contribution of 50¢ per member had netted only
$300 and this was voted to the Lake Placid Club
to offset the expenses of the May Convention. It
was therefore voted that the Registration Fee for
future conventions be raised to $6.50, The
Executive Committee was empowered to act for
the Board of Directors during the interim periods
between Conventions and Board Meetings
1950 - 1951
Dorothy Titchener - Binghamton
The extensive growth in membership, the wide
spread of new clubs throughout the state required
more of the Officers, (all of whom had to be
employed to hold office) than it was possible to
accomplish without some kind of central office.
‘The Magazine had not been published for six
months and the membership was losing touch
with State affairs, President Marjorie Smith was ill
and was unable to attend the Board Meeting,
Atter considerable discussion it was voted to
publish three issues of the State Magazine under
the Editorship of Pearl Lowery with Mable Purdy
as Business Manager. This would give the
Federation an opportunity to print the paid
advertisements amounting to $93.00 and thus
avoid legal difficulty.
Dorothea Donaldson, Chairman Legistation
Committee, announced the first Legislative News
Letter, “reflecting legislation introduced into the
State's Legislature to be forwarded to all local
chairmen weekly.” Caroline Slocum reported as
Campaign Manager for Anita Calhoun, who was
seeking the office of National Treasurer, the
collection of over $400 in voluntary contributions,
The Campaign Hats for Anita were to be “a single
crepe paper rose mounted on a small heavy paper
beret.” (Later a lovely ceramic rose pin was
substituted.) The Thirty-First Annual Convention
was held in Saratoga Springs.
The out-going President, Marjorie Smith, urged
us to “recognize the rapidly changing social
order... Planning today may be our protection
tomorrow. The plans we make as an organization
must be plans to aid all people.” She recom-
mended that: “The funds accumulated from this
year's voluntary contributions (which now totaled
over $700) plus an allotment in the 1950-51
budget authorize this convention to the establish-
ment of a State Office,” And thus the business of
the Federation was enabled to move forward with
32 BPW
greater efficiency due to the deft handling of
President Smith, Notable changes were made in
the Bylaws which provided the machinery for
needed economy and efficiency, State dues were
raised to $2.00 per member. The District Directors
were to be elected by their Committee... The
Executive Committee composed of the six elected
Officers, was given the power to act in emergen-
cies arising during the interim between Board
Meetings or “at such time or times as it may
appear impractical or impossible to assemble the
full Board of Directors.” The Program Committee
recommended that Workshops be a permanent
part of Conventions and Board Meetings. The
librarian, Alice Gates moved that “A recording of
Mrs. Helen Curtis Smith's voice singing the
“Golden Key” be made (this was done and Is
filed). The Resolutions Committee, Margaret
Barnard Chairman, supported the ratification of
Convention on Genocide, the appointment of
women as Commissioned Officers in Army
Medical Corps and opposed lowering the
permissive retirement age of women. The
attendance was as follows: Delegates, 196;
Alternates, 73; Visitors, 106... making a grand
total of 375.
By September 1950 the State Office had been
established in the home of the President Dorothy
Titchener with Mrs, Patricia Tritten as first
“Secretary of State." Of the $800 allotted for this
purpose only $80 was expended. Scholarship
Loans were extended to $250. It was voted that
State endorsement of women for Public Office,
“Shall be construed as a public service not
regarded as political nor partisan.” Thus the way
was paved to make our voice heard in political
matters. The Chairman of Civil Defense, Linda
Stanford, was authorized to comply with the N. Y.
State Civil Defense Office wherever possible
during the emergency, The Cosmopolitan Club
was admitted to membership.
1951-1952
Dorothy Titchener - Binghamton
The State Office was now established in the
Titchener home, metal file cases purchased and
typewriter borrowed and Mrs, Patricia Tritten,
young Triple Citles member, became the first part-
time secretary. Immediately personal letters,
mimeographed programs and committee materials
started to Board and Club officials, making them
vividly aware of the parts they were to play
successfully in their Federation.
NIKE, the newly named State magazine, was
issued 8 times a year. A State- owned circulation
list was prepared and revised monthly. Malling,
under an IBM system, was done as a voluntary
contribution of the Greater Endicott Club, which
furnished Martha Doyle, editor, and Clair Carey,
business manager. Area advertising managers
were appointed to promote the magazine and add
financial support.
Workshops on program methods, membership,
club finances, international relations, etc. were
developed at conventions, Board meetings and
District programs as a fruitful project of Judy
Fisher, program coordinator.
Programwise, education-and-vocations
encouraged business clinics, scholarship awards,
retraining women war workers. International
Relations sponsored many visits to United Nations
and hospitality to foreign visitors, study programs
and workshops. Health and Safety advocated
uniform traffic codes and supported community
hospital and health drives. Group Insurance was
offered to all clubs . &
The Thirty-Second Annual Convention was held
in Elmira with 209 Delegates, 56 Alternates and
156 Visitors attending. The Convention was
covered by radio broadcasts “every hour on the
hour" during the Meeting. It was voted to set up a
special Fund of $2,000 from the money allocated
to the establishment of the State Office and not
expended to be used for equipment for the Office
at the end of the present administration.
In early May 1952 President Titchener
conceived and developed the campaign, which
extended into 1953, to nominate Margaret Chase
‘Smith, Me. Republican and Judge Sarah T.
Hughes, Texan Democrat for vice president on
their respective national party slates, Both women
were contacted by phone during the executive
committee meeting and consented. The
Federation endorsed the idea and authorized its
tepresentation to the National Federation at the
Boston biennial. Nationwide publicity for the New
York Federation as well as the candidates
resulted, Politicians began to consider. The
National Federation (in Dr. Fisher's regime)
unanimously adopted Dot's idea and she was
named General Chairman to direct the campaign,
with appropriate party workers. The influence of
rr hhh nee: eee —_
women was enlarged In both national party
platforms. Mrs. Smith's name was not presented
but Judge Hughes received an ovation. During the
presidental campaign, when the Republican vice
president's candidacy was in jeopardy, It was
feported that serious consideration was given by
Gen. Eisenhower to the emergency designation of
Mrs, Smith to fill a possible vacancy in the ticket.
Membership expanded in spectacular fashion,
adding 18 clubs to make 94 with enrolment of
6,148 as of April 1, 1952. Chartered in 1951 were *
Bethlehem, Waverly, Warwick, Cosmopolitan,
Smithtown, Seneca Falls and Waterloo. Then 11
more were added in 1952 Lewiston, Power City of
Niagara Falls, Bronx, Saugerties, Rensselaer,
Skyline, Lake George, Geneseo, Franklin of
Malone, Elmira Heights and Canandaigua.
Membership April, 1952 - 6,148 in 94 clubs,
Eleven new clubs chartered.
1952 - 1953
Dr. Marguerite Fisher - Syracuse
January of that year the United States was
‘once again in the throes of war (Korean) and War
Risk Insurance was of primary importance.
Marjorie Tate of Brooklyn was appointed a
Delegate to UNESCO, and the first briefing
session was held at the UN Headquarters with >
Leona Wilsey (Wallace) presiding. Sixteen Clubs
had sold one full page of advertising for the State
Magazine totaling $2,013 and the Federation had
voted to entertain the International Federation
Board in New York City with New York State being
responsible for the expenses of one Delegate
from overseas (our Delegate, who endeared
herself to the membership was Mrs. Annie Voipio
Juvas from Helsinki, Finland). Her visit with us
was financed through a voluntary contribution of
$2 per club plus a balance from the Campaign
Fund of Anita Calhoun's successful try for National
Treasurer), Colonie, Franklin, Lewiston,
Normanskill, Power City, Skyline and Schroon
Valley joined the Federation. The Thirty-Third
Annual Convention was held in Lake George with
the Glens Falls Club the Hostess Club. Miss
Helen Irwin, National President, was the National
Representative.
The Bylaws were amended to create the Office
of Third Vice President and abolish the Corre-
sponding Secretary. This seemed wise in that the
State Office Secretary carried the burden ot
BPW. 33
correspondence and the Third Vice President
could assume some of the official responsibilities
and handle a special fund set up to finance
expenses of District Directors. Marguerite Fisher
and Margaret Barnard were appointed Observers
to the International Board Meeting to be held in
July and the State International Relations
Committee were to act as Hostesses. Membership
had increased by 41/2% , The Budget for 1952-53
was set at $30,200, a new high.
There had been a saving in the budgeted
amount for the State Office of $2,000 which was
put into a special fund for the purchase of
equipment for the next State Office. Seventy-five
percent of the Clubs participated in the Crusade
for Freedom campaign, and CARE projects. The
Scholarship Committee was completely revamped
with the Funds put into a special account to be
Jointly handled by the Treasurer and State
Scholarship Chairman. Corsages fashioned from
dollar bills instead of flowers netted over $200 for
the Scholarship Fund. The Candidates for Office
for 1952-53 were presented at a party preceding
the banquet where Mrs. Harry Harvey Thomas
was honored for her twenty-one years’ of service
in our behalf. Dorothy Titchener was presented to
National as a possible National Radio and
Television Chairmanship and later appointed by
the National President, Miss Helen Irwin. Saratoga
Springs gave the State Federation the gift of a
new typewriter.
170 Delegates, 40 Alternates and 69 Visitors
attended-279,
September 1952—President Fisher reported on
the pressing problems on higher levels, She urged
local clubs to devote a part of their programs to
the question of “Preparing Women for Top-Level
Positions.”
The State Office was newly organized in
Syracuse with Mrs. Roby Garfield as Secretary
and the flow of mimeographed material began to
cover the state,
1953 - 1954
Dr. Marguerite Fisher - Syracuse
The January Board Meeting in New York City
boasted a “first” in the presenting of awards to
Business Firms for ‘the utilization of women in
supervisory, managerial, executive and technical
positions.” (As an amusing sidelight we caught a
glimpse in the hotel elevator of one of the male
34 BPW
tecipients of the award sheepishly carrying the
large white statue of headless Nike under his arm.
Workshops had become a regular feature of every
State Meeting and the Chairman of Education and
Vocations Committee had toured the State setting
up workshops at District Meetings and local clubs,
thereby gaining the title of “Panel Pearl.” The
Thirty-Fourth Annual Convention was held at Lake
George with District 5 Clubs comprising the
Convention Committee... The President,
Marguerite Fisher, outlined in her report the
highlights of the past year. The American Heritage
Foundation Award for the outstanding work carried
on by the Public Affairs Committee, Gladys
Brechter (Clark) Chairman. The Committee had
engaged in an all-out effort to get out the vote
using many novel features, such as an exhibit at
the N.Y, State Fair, etc. Competing with 15,000
‘organizations on a Nationwide basis, New York
State B.P.W. tied with the West Virginia Federation
‘of Women's Clubs for first place. The Scholarship
Committee raised over $2,000 during the year and
tecommended that the two scholarships be
combined under the supervision of the State
Scholarship Committee, one of the scholarships to
be named in honor of Judy Fisher (Carried). The
Committee presented two Candidates for
Fellowship awards, One of $500 to assist a
woman in Medical education at Syracuse
University. The second for $1,500 to assist in
obtaining a doctorate in the field of Applied Social
Psychology at Columbia. .
‘The awards to Business Firms made at the
January Board Meeting were so successful in the
field of better public relations it was voted to
appoint a State-wide Committee under the
Chairmanship of Margaret Barnard to promote this
feature. The Civil Defense Chairman, Elizabeth
Parks read a portion of the State of Union
Message of President Dwight D, Eisenhower
which in light of today's knowledge carries a ring
of prophecy. “Total defensive strength must
include Civil Defense preparedness. Because we
have incontrovertible evidence that Soviet Russia
Possesses atomic weapons, this kind of protection
becomes sheer necessity.” The Third Vice
President Leona Wilsey (Wallace), recommended
that the District Directors Fund set up at the 1952
Convention be continued (Carried). A Voice of
America Broadcast from the Convention was set
up by the Radio and Television Chairman, Hume
Dixon. The Resolutions Committee, Margie Lee
Johnson Chairman, presented two important
resolutions. One of congratulations to Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain and the other to
the Honorable Frank C. Morse, Lt. Governor of N.
Y. State as Chairman of the Rockefeller Founda-
tion for the Study of Government urging Mr. Moore
to review the “achievements of women.” There
were 266 Delegates, 74 Alternates, 116 Visitors
making an all-time high of 416 in attendance.
In June of 1953 the State President, Marguerite
Fisher, and International Relations Chairman.
Dorothy Titchener, were chosen as two of the six
delegates from the United States to attend the
International Congress in Stockholm, Sweden. In
October “Operation Button Hole”, Margaret
Barnard, Chairman, a campaign endorsed by the
National Federation for promotion and passage of
the Equal Rights Bill, became one of the active
projects of the New York State Federation.
NIKE, the official magazine, underwent
transformation in format cover and contents under
the expert editorships. With increases in budget
and advertising NIKE became a highly creditable
house organ, filled with State B.P.W. news and
features,
Membership April, 1954 not available. The
following clubs were taken into membership: Fair
Haven, North Westchester and Wall Street,
1954 - 1955
Margaret Barnard - Albany
In January of 1954 the Committee appointed to
work out campaign procedure on the election of
State Officers recommended that all candidates
be presented at a Federation affair in their honor
and that campaign literature be limited to letters of
endorsement and copies of the April “Nike” in
which all candidates photographs appear
(Carried).
Kathryn Starbuck had been selected by a
special committee as the New York State
Candidate for the National Distinguished Service
Award.
Atthe Thirty-Fifth Annual Convention in Buffalo
attended by 211 Delegates, 62 Alternates and 53
Visitors the out-going President, Marguerite Fisher
pointed out the following statistics as gathered by
the National Federation: ‘They reveal that only 8%
‘of the members earn as much as $5,000 a year,
while 51% of them support dependents, This is
discouraging picture of the economic status of
‘women in our country. These facts should give us
tenewed Incentive to concentrate in our local
clubs on the major objective for which the
Federation was founded, namely, the advance-
ment of the status of women.” Leona Wilsey
(Wallace) reported a 100% participation in the
Voluntary Fund for District Directors with a
balance of $617 and all bills paid. A total of $2,250
was presented in Fellowships to four young
women for Graduate Study.
Shortly after taking office, Margaret Barnard,
the newly elected President received a letter from
Lena Madesin Phillips the Federation Founder
regarding an Article, written by Margaret,
appearing in the “Independent Woman.” We quote
in part from that letter: “You ate a good philoso-
pher, my dear, and | shall expect a fine, construc-
tive year's work under your able and consecrated
leadership.” This proved to be true as borne out
by the minutes and reports of this new administra-
tion.
Dr. Marguerite J. Fisher, awarded a Fulbright
teaching fellowship to the Philippines Women's
University, was appointed International Federation
liaison to the Philippine’s Federation. At her
behest N.Y.C. clubs bought UNESCO coupons to
benefit the University—a typewriter, tape recorder
and other commercial aides were bought.
Politically, the Federation sought to influence
state party conventions through the Women in
Policy Making Posts committee. Ruth Sullivan (R)
chairman and Kathryn Fitzgerald (D) vice
chairman attended the platform meetings. Hon.
Mary H. Donlon was chairman of the Republican
Party's platform committee. Following election,
data was completed on 25 qualified women
Democrats, most of whom were B.P.W. members.
On invitation, for the first time, the Governor-
elect, Averell Harriman, invited the B.P.W.
president to confer on women for cabinet and
other posts. Supplementary materials were
requested on appointments throughout his
administration and the non-partisan opinions of
the Federation were given consideration. Dr.
Persia Campbell, Queens College economist,
became consumer counsel to the Governor,
Angela Parisi was appointed Chairman of the
Workman's Compensation Board (both straight:
way became B.P.W. members) Lottie Stillerman
(B.PW,) was appointed a deputy secretary of
BPW 35
state. Mary Good Krone (B.P.W.) continued as a
Civil Service Commissioner reappointed later for a
term expiring in 1959; the one Republican
member. Kathryn Fitzgerald was named an
assistant deputy commissioner of commerce and
at the end of a year was promoted to a full deputy.
Winifred Stanley was appointed an assistant
attorney general and Ruth Toch was continued in
the same capacity under Jacob Javits (R) attorney
general.
New clubs: Medina-Middleport, Beacon, White
Plains, Phelps, Geddes and Wilsonian. Member-
ship April, 1955: 7,016 in 118 clubs...
1955 - 1956
Margaret Barnard - Albany
By January of 1955 the ball was rolling. A
broadcast in New York City called “Have a Heart”
netted $106 for the State Scholarship Fund. A tea
was held in New York City for Members of the
Canadian Federation who came to visit the United
Nations,
Drastic changes in programming voted at the
St. Louis biennial challenged the clubs to develop,
under Mabel Purdy, programs and projects of local
application. Program planning meetings and
workshops were held at district meetings and
presidents’ meetings. A statewide contest for best
programs in three membership groups brought 27
active participants and the Utica club's program
was chosen for the National competition. This
working together was productive of presidents’
planning meetings in nearly all districts. following
the plan allocated in District One.
B.P.W. members began to appeal at public
hearings on health, labor, insurance, court reform
and other hills in the legislature. Statements of
policy were filed and members stated our platform
positions as citizens, voters, taxpayers, workers
and women. We participated in regional and state
conferences of the New York State Committee for
the White House Conference on Education, with
major emphasis on adult education and higher
education,
At the Thirty-Sixth Annual Convention in Lake
George the President Margaret Barnard urged the
members to “take our Federation personally... to
contribute to world peace by making new friends
with women of other lands... and to work
effectively for the election of qualified women in
public office. Accordingly the Delegates voted to
36 BPW
cross party lines and because of the Republican
president and Democratic senate they could work
astutely to promote the nomination and approval
of Hon. Mary H. Donlon as a judge of the United
States Customs Court, Pres. Eisenhower finally
sent the nomination to the senate judiciary
committee in June, 1955,
The senate confirmed the nomination and she
was sworn in Aug, 10 in the presence of several
B.P.W. officers, including, the NYS president. On
Oct. 17 1955, Judge Donlon took her seat on the
bench in New York City before another delegation
of B.P.W. friends, her family and others,
They further recommended the admittance of
Alaska.and Hawaii into Statehood and urged
Congressional Support of a three year extension
of the Reciprocal Trade Agreement. NIKE was to
be published bimonthly,
There were 250 Delegates, 90 Alternates and
101 Visitors in attendance, During this administra-
tion the Federation and the president's ability were
recognized by her. Membership on the New York
State Women's Safety Council, which was
organized by one of our members, Mrs. Black of
Ithaca Club; the board of directors of the
Committee for Modern Courts, succeeding Judge
Donlon; the Women's Council of the New York
State Commerce Department; the College Council
of the College of Home Economics of Cornell
University; the New York State Council for the
White House Conference on Education and the
Regional Conference of the President's Commit-
tee for Traffic Safety,
In membership New York State passed the
7,000 mark with 7,016 in 118 clubs. Bay Shore,
North Port, Anne Hutchinson, Eastchester,
Horseheads, Mohawk Valley, Mount Morris,
Olean, Ogdensburg and Silver Creek were
chartered by 1955.
1956 - 1957
Mabel Purdy - New Rochelle
At the January Board Meeting it was recom-
mended that the Federation endorse Dorothea
Donaldson as a candidate for Congress from the
26th District. This again in conformity with the new
policy of crossing political lines when the Women
in Policy-Making Posts Committee had a qualified
candidate. The outstanding women in the New
York City Administration were honored at the
luncheon as well as the Business Award winners.
At the Thirty-Seventh Annual Convention held at
Lake Saranac, the out-going President, Margaret
Barnard made three recommendations:
4. That the New York State Federation express
appreciation to the former National Federation and
request the National Federation to take similar
action,
2. That the State Federation draft a statement of
Employment Practices.
3. That the National Federation give some
assistance to New York State to provide hospitality
for the B.P.W, women from other lands,
(No. 1 was passed at Biennial... No, 2 was
accomplished in the State but the National
Federation reported that the National Executive
Committee would take care of such matters. No
report on No. 3.)
The Librarian, Margie Lee Johnson, recom-
mended that “500 copies of the State History be
printed and soid for not less than $1.00 and that
money be allocated in the budget for this project.”
It was voted to delay action on this until the
January 1957 Board Meeting. The Sarah Hughes
World Fellowship grants were reactivated and
there were five recipients.
The Chinese Nursing Fund was likewise
resurrected and after a dinner at the Chinese
embassy in Washington a substantial payment
was made to aid public nurse training in Taiwan,
New York State gave liberally to Hungarian Relief
and a refugee girl student became a protégé of
Margaret Barnard. The Research Foundation,
which was voted after long debate at biennial, was
liberally supported and Eunice Hilton of Syracuse
University became a member of the steering
committee.
Generous contributions to the Grace LeGendre
Fellowship (Syracuse gave $1,000) made it
possible to award five fellowships. Nearly every
club had local scholarship projects and four
districts continued their contributions to foreign
students,
266 Delegates, 79 Alternates and 98 Visitors
attended—a total of 443,
In July at the National Biennial Convention the
name of the Education and Vocations Committee
was changed to Career Advancement and labeled
Public Relations. In September it was voted to
give the balance of the Barnard Campaign Fund
($328.24) as follows: $100 returned to State
Treasury, $100 to the B.P.W. Foundation and
Research Center, and the balance to the Lena
Madesin Phillips Fund in honor of Margaret
Barnard.
During 1956 the following clubs were chartered:
Glove City, Great Neck, Tappan Zee, Ramapo,
South Bay and Babylon.
1957 - 1958
Mabel Purdy - New Rochelle
The talk is changing... new words are creeping
into the minutes such as “space medicine, radio-
active fallout and the all out request to combat
Communism.” National Security is concerned. with
the projects necessary to Civil Defense. Mae
McPhee, Chairman of the National Security
Committee, reported in part at the Thirty-Eighth
Annual State Convention in Syracuse that: “We
must promote Positive Americanism... and that we
develop our Inner Spiritual Security, Our progress,
our inventions, our jet age have made the world a
neighborhood... itis up to us to make ita
brotherhood.”
Mable Purdy, President, urged local clubs to
take action in support of enlarged opportunities for
qualified women in the field of education. Pearl
Lowery, First Vice President, recommended that in
order to attract more professional women to
membership that fine-arts programs be included in
the year's agenda. As an aid to District Directors a
brief Federation Calendar was to be prepared by
the State Office. The By-law revisions, Ruth Sturm
Chairman, caused great discussion due to the
proposal from the National Federation that all
State and Club By-laws should be standard. New
York State voted in opposition to standard by-laws
and added that: “If Standard State and Club By-
laws are to be required, the Business and
Professional Women’s Clubs of New York State,
Inc. believe that they should be flexible enough to
permit states and Clubs to make variations to fit
their own needs.” After a lengthy discussion a
Resolution was passed in favor of President
Eisenhower's ‘Mutual Security Program, including
both Military and Economic Aid to Countries allied
with the United States.”
NIKE continued to serve the membership as a
house organ and news bulletin of special club
interest. The district reportorial staff, developed
this year, netted a high percentage of advertising
totaling $1,351.92. This made possible a budget
surplus of over $800.
BPW. 37
Mrs, Harry Harvey Thomas was honored for
her twenty-five years of faithful service as
Parliamentarian. “Tommy,” as she was known to
her thousands of friends, received gifts and
tributes from those who loved her. 290 Delegates,
75 Alternates and 139 Visitors were in attendance,
The Northeast Regional was held Sept. 12-15,
1957 at Lido Beach, L.I., with New York as
hostess, Esther Corwin was regional director. It
was a perfect setting for an event geared to
international relations. There were many U, N.
guests and about 250 New Yorkers among the
700. Margaret Hyndman of Toronto, International
Federation president, was a guest. The fall State
Board meeting was held in conjunction.
The Board voted to cooperate with the
Women’s Program of the New York State
Department of Commerce, presented by Mrs.
Kathryn Fitzgerald, Deputy Commissioner, in
aiditig Women returning to the labor market.
The following clubs were chartered during
1957: Brighton, Castile, Gowanda, Hudson Falls,
Newfane and Massena, Membership totaled 7,034
In 123 clubs.
1958 - 1959
Pearl Lowery - Mt. Vernon
Challenged by Hazel Palmer, National
Federation President to care and share our
Federation through stabilization and expansion, a
valiant response was made resulting in the
organization of 11 more clubs during 1958..,
Albion, Altamont, Fidelia Whitcomb of Nunda,
Camillus, Liverpool, North Syracuse, Oneida,
Patchogue, Upper Westchester and Walton,
Liability insurance was inaugurated for those
who work for the State Federation, UNESCO
Stamps were sold at the January Board Meeting.
The Public Affairs Chairman, Esther Stamats,
gave the three R's for the New Year: “Responsive-
ness to the needs we see, Responsibility
wherever the need is greatest. Resourcefulness..,
Be a channel by which things can happen.” The
Syracuse Club donated a check for $1,000 to the
Scholarship Fund, part of the profit from the
preceding State Convention,
In March of 1958 a reorientation clinic was run
off in Hempstead, L. I., as the first of such clinics
planned throughout the state. This was a
cooperative project with the Women's Division of
the N.Y. State Dept. of Commerce and the B.P.W.
38 BPW
Kathryn Fitzgerald, Deputy Commissioner of
Commerce and Vice Chairman of the Women in
Policy-Making Posts Committee conducted the
clinics, The Thirty-Ninth Annual Convention was
held in New York City with 300 Delegates, 100
Alternates and 90 Visitors in attendance. The
International Relations Chairman, Mildred Chaney,
and the Vice Chairman, Jeannette Longyear
(Smith), reported on the work accomplished by the
Hospitality Committee in handling the many
members from overseas. Approximately 300
Business and Professional women have been
recipients of our hospitality in one form or another.
The sale of UNESCO Stamps at the January
Board Meeting resulted in the purchase of $110
worth of visual aids and textbooks for the College
for Women, Kabul, Afghanistan. In line with the
“fears” of the times it was recommended that we
urge New York City to provide adequate Bomb
Shelters, Surveys were to be conducted to
establish a register of trained women in each
community... And we assumed the responsibility of
collecting a voluntary contribution of 50¢ per
member for the International Delegates Fund, At
the September Board Meeting the Health and
Safety Chairman, Dorothy Meehan, recommended
that the Federation endorse the program of the
Greater N. Y. Safety Council to “provide for a more
effective way to enforce the existing laws." Copies
were sent to all clubs in the state urging that ever
member carry “on her person at all times a vital
statistics card... to permit proper care in an
emergency.” For the first time a candidate for
Congress in the 40th District from the Liberal
Party was to be included in the Federation
recommendation. Ruth Sturm, Second Vice
President, prepared a Manual of Instructions for
Officers and Chairmen.
Membership April, 1959 - 7,477 in 130 clubs.
1959 - 1960
Pearl Lowery - Mt. Vernon
{n January, Program Planning Meetings in each
district were proposed for the purpose of
orientation of the membership, The Public Affairs
Chairman, Mable Purdy, urged local clubs to send
letters to Governor Rockefeller asking him to
“expand the program of orientation for the mature
Woman.” The reorganization of the courts was still
in the study stage and a complete report was
compiled outlining the various plans. A thorough
study of NIKE was undertaken with suggestions
for its continued growth and possible financial
gain. In spite of the higher cost of printing,
postage, paper, etc. the advertising secured
produced enough to show a $78 surplus. The
Fortieth Annual Convention was held at Lake
George (Bolton Landing) with 264 Delegates, 8
Alternates and 96 Visitors in attendance. The
Resolutions Chairman, Margaret Ruth Thomas,
presented a resolution that: “A Civil Service Plank
be reinserted in both National and Federal
platforms reiterating the importance to a republic
of integrity and efficiency in public service”
(Carried). The Scholarship Committee, Eleanor
Hutchinson, Chairman, reported that three $750
scholarships were awarded, Dr. Edith Perlitz
(Washington Square) recommended that the
name of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell he placed in the
Hall of Fame at New York University and “that the
State Federation use its influence to accomplish
this project” (Carried). Dr. Blackwell was the first
woman admitted to and graduated from an
American Medical College. She was the Founder
of the New York Infirmary (to which the State
Federation gave some $2,400 in 1945 and 1947),
The September Board Meeting was held at the
glamorous Hotel Concord in conjunction with the
last Northeast Regional Meeting. The Board voted
to continue the work on the two pilot projects:
1, Patterns in Womanpower (Research).
2. Search for Womanpower (Action). This is under
the Sub-Committee of Career Advancement with
Eva Hansl as Chairman.
To encourage more action in membership It
was voted to “award $25 to a club that organized
the most clubs from May 1959 to Apri! 1980.”
Katherine King, First Vice President prepared and
distributed a “Program of Facts” pamphlet. This is
to take the place of the out-moded Supplemental
Manual printed in 1948, The Historian with
approval and supervision of the Executive
Committee was to have 3,000 copies of the State
History printed and ready for sale at the Elmira
Convention. :
President Pearl Lowery represented the
Federation at many functions and is serving on
President Eisenhower's Advisory Council on
Traffic Safety, the New York State Citizens’
Council on Traffic Safety and the Women's
Council of the New York State Department of
Commerce.
As this History goes to press, the January 1960
Board Meeting in New York City is a thing of the
past. Three hundred and sixty attended the
{uncheon honoring the International Federation
President Miss Elizabeth Feller Switzerland, The
thrilling moment came when the Swiss National
Anthem was sung in Miss Feller's native tongue
followed by the Star Spangled Banner. The plans
for the Elmira Convention are well under way.
Hancock has been chartered as we leave the
business of 1960 to a future Historian to report.
The new clubs for 1959 were Flatbush and
South Bay making total membership of 7,477 in
10 clubs.
1960 - 1961
Katherine T. King - Rochester
In July 1960, forty voting delegates represented
New York State at the National Convention held in
Philadelphia. S. Orissa Jewett, Sidney, was
Hospitality Chairman, Past State President Mabel
Purdy served on the Elections Board, Kay
Fitzgerald was appointed National Career
Advancement Chairman.
The Fall Board Meeting was held at
Jamestown, New York, and workshops were held
on the National Program Theme, “Advancing
Women.” A special committee on Board Meeting
Procedures recommended that business sessions
for board meetings be limited to one day. This was
approved by the Board,
Under the direction of Ruth Sturm, First Vice
President, Visiting Teams, composed of past state
and district officers, were organized in each
district, to visit club and district meetings to aid in
club and district orientation, organization program
and membership problems and plans.
The State organization was represented at the
State Local Government Workshop, on the
Women's Planning Committee of the New York
State Department of Commerce, State Teachers’
Recognition Day Committee, and State Commit:
tee for National Library Week. a
Grace Gustafson, a member of the Albany
Club, was endorsed by the Women in Policy
Making Posts Committee, and was appointed by
the Governor as a member of the Temporary State
Commission on the Capital City.
Because of the excellence of the program
planned by the International Relations Committee
for the entertainment of ten Japanese ladies,
BPW 39
members of a Consumer Education Study Team,
sponsored by the Japan Productivity Center, a
Certificate of Cooperation was given the State
Federation by the U.S, International Cooperation
Association.
We were proud to entertain ten overseas
members from England, France, South Africa,
Canada and New Zealand, including Mme. de
Saint-Blanquat, Second Vice President of the.
International Federation,
We assisted in hostessing and financing the
“Experiment in International Living" when they
found themselves oversubscribed arid asked us to
help.
We also sponsored a weekend trip to Puerto
Rico, with fifteen members trom New York State,
to visit the clubs of that Federation. The State
received commendation from the Director of
Weights and Measures Bureau, New York State
Department of Agriculture, for passing a
resolution, supporting enforcement of weights and
measures laws,
A State Fair Booth was staffed by members of
District Five, at the Syracuse Fair, with the theme,
“Design for Living," highlighting the National
Business Women's Foundation Traffic Safety
study. The Women's Day Luncheon at the Fair
was attended by our State Second Vice President
and the District Director and thirty-three members,
representing every club in District Five.
A reception was held for National President
Fannie Hardy, December 1, at the New York Life
Insurance Building with Mrs. Amelia Reichert, an
Assistant Vice President of New York Life as
Chairman.
‘The January Board Meeting was held at the
Hotel Astor, New York City. Attendance was
lessened by a record snowfall in the New York =
City area, but about 175 heard an-excellent..-
International Relations Program, and an address
by Mrs. Jane Robinson of the Inter-Departmental
Neighborhood Center, Harlem.
The theme of the Ninth Legislative Conference
in February, was “Law Making in New York State,”
and Governor Rockefeller highlighted educational
legislation in his remarks to those in attendance at
an audience in the Executive Chamber, State
Capitol, Albany. 140 were present at the
Conference.
Representatives of many countries spoke at
District One's International Night in February,
40 BPW
MC'd by Angier Biddle Duke. Over 500 were in
attendance.
“Everybody Sing for Membership" was the
theme of the 42nd State Convention held at
Saranac Inn, Saranac, Lake, in May, with the
Adirondack Club as hostesses. National
Representative was Virginia Allan, Third Vice
President, Attendance was 514,
~ Three Grace LeGendre Fellowships of $750
were awarded to women for continuation of their
Graduate studies.
Membership April, 1961: 6,731 in 130 clubs,
1961 - 1962
Katherine J. King - Rochester
“Spotlighting Women in the Space Age” and
“BPW Spotlights Hawaii- our 50th State” was the
theme of the 1961 New York State Fair Booth at
Syracuse.
National President Katherine Peden was
honored by the State Federation at the Roger
‘Smith Hotel in New York City. The Monday
luncheon was held at the beginning of National
Business Women’s Week in October.
A radical change took place in our committee
structure, New Committees and Civic Participa-
tion, World Affairs and Personal Development,
which eliminate some and combine others of the
former committees.
“Human Resources” was the theme of the Fall
Board Meeting held at the Hotel Biltmore, October
6-8, 1961. Dorothy Bell Lawrence, Assembly-
woman from Manhattan, was the Board Meeting
luncheon speaker. Dr, Angiola Denti di Perajno,
President of the Italian Federation and Miss Jean
Randall, Vice President of the International
Federation, from Australia, were guests at the
luncheon.
President Katherine King represented New
York State at the Conference of Business and
Professional Women of the Americas in Puerto
Rico in November,
The Visiting Teams Project was continued
under the direction of Ruth Sturm, and a
Membership Evaluation Meeting was held with the
State Second Vice-President, Dorothy Wells, as
Chairman, in March,
“The BPW Story’—slides with narration was
compiled for use in promoting membership and
inspiring present clubs to greater achievements.
A Conference on Economics was held in
conjunction with the January Board Meeting at the
Hotel Syracuse, Syracuse, January 19-20, 1962,
The State Federation was represented on the
Women's Advisory Committee of the New York
State Department of Commerce, the New York
State Women’s Defense Council, State Teachers’
Recognition Day Committee, and State Comptrol-
ler Arthur Levitt’s Committee regarding policies
and procedures in competitive bidding,
“New Approaches to Mental Health Through
Legislation” was the theme of the Tenth Legisla-
tive Conference in Albany in February. Those in
attendance were addressed by Governor
Rockefeller and by Attorney General Louis J,
Lefkowitz.
Nearly 600 members and guests attended
District One's International Night observance in
February at the Starlight Roof, Waldorf-Astoria,
New York City. The principal speaker was the
Honorable Perla Mesta. Fannie Hurst was the
Mistress of Ceremonies.
“Footsteps to the Future” was the theme of the
43rd State Convention held at the Hotel Statler-
Hilton, Buffalo, May 27-31, 1962, with over 500 in
attendance. Dr. Minnie Miles, 1st Vice President of
the National Federation, was the National
Representative.
Division of District Four into two districts (four
and eleven) because of the territory involved was
approved by the Board and ratified by the
Convention. A suggested Convention and Board
Meeting schedule was approved. A motion to
endorse club participation in the CARE Self-Help
Program in Latin America was approved.
Three Grace LeGendre Fellowships of $750
each were awarded to women for continuation of
graduate study in law, dentistry, and journalism.
$2,500 was contributed from New York State
clubs to the Dr. Minnie L. Maffett Chinese Nurses’
Fund.
Aresolution commending J. Edgar Hoover for
his forty-five years of
service in the United States Department of
Justice was approved at the State Convention,
presented by the New York State Federation at
the National Convention, Los Angeles, in July, and
passed, The resolution was entered in the
Congressional Record through the efforts of
Senator Jacob Javits of New York.
Membership 1961—1962: 7,122.
Clubs chartered: Evans Township (8); Fort
Neck (10); Northland (4); Syosset (10).
Clubs organized, but chartered in June 1962:
Greater Flushing (2); Northern Duchess (9).
1962 - 1963
Ruth Sturm - Tarrytown
The theme for 1962-63 was ‘Leadership—a
Dimension in Democracy for You the Career
Woman.” Our representation at the National
Convention in Los Angeles included Margaret
Barnard, Past State President, serving on the
National Legislative Platform Committee,
Katherine King, Past State President, acting on
the National Nominating Committee, and Marjorie
Tate on the Credentials Committee. Katherine
King was appointed to the National Finance
Committee for the current year.
On August 20, one hundred and twenty-five
members attended a welcome and reception for
International President Helen Irwin, upon her
return to the United States... At the end of that
same month, twenty-three New York State
members attended a joint conference on
Leadership, with our sister federations of
Pennsylvania and New Jersey, at Cherry Hill Inn,
Haddonfield, N.J.
Our fall Board Meeting was held at the Schine
Inn in Massena, Sept, 28-30, 1962 with 167
attending, Kathryn Fitzgerald, Past National
Career Advancement Chairman, was our banquet
speaker, and the theme for the session was
“Achieving Through Leadership.” We were also
proud to endorse our own Katherine T. King for
National Recording Secretary, and to present her
name at the next National Convention. District 1
reported the organization of a new club—Murray
Hill,
January 18,1963 found 173 interested and
attentive BPW members in session for the mid-
winter Board Meeting in the Sheraton Hotel,
Rochester. At this session, membership awards
were revised with the Silver Cup, Silver Bowl and
Gold Statuette to be retired at the 1963 Conven-
tion, and replaced by Bronze Gongs and other
awards. Definite action was taken to be presented
for approval at our state convention, toward the
establishment of a permanent State Office, and it
was decided to help defray the 1963 State
Convention expenses by selling advertising in our
BPW 41
iF
programbook. University College of Business
Administration, who spoke on “Communication.”
We were honored to have our National
President, Dr. Minnie C. Miles, as well as
Governor Rockefeller, participate in our 14th
Annual Legislative Conference held February 17-
19 in the Ten Eyck Hotel, Albany. The theme: "A
New Crusade for Women?” The attendance—
good; the result—a more solid bond between that
which we are seeking and those who can give it to
us—our legislators.
Another conference, March 15-16, was held in
joint sponsorship with Syracuse University on their
campus. This was a Leadership Training
Conference on “Communication” and was most
rewarding.
We'staffed a booth at the New York State
Exposition in Syracuse in August... observed
National Business Women's Week, October 7-
18... held a reception for 40 members of the Ohio
Federation visiting the U.N, at the Manhattan
Hotel in New York City on November 30. The
visitation of Maxine Hill, National Federation
Promotion Director, originally planned for the fall
of 1962, had to be postponed to mid-1963 due to
Miss Till illness, Our “BPW Story"—slides and
narrative of State and National activities—was
shown on several occasions during the year, and
the project is being continued to make an
interesting and informative ¢- iment available for
enlisting new members and ..uos,
A contest for the best club program on
Community Activity was sponsored by the Civic
Participation Committee with awards presented at
Convention.
Our Visiting Teams Project was continued;
some changes were made in the Press Book
Rules and Judging; and the clubs were requested
to join in a statewide CARE project for Latin
America (Tolima, Columbia),
In an effort to provide more substantial support
for the Grace LeGendre Scholarship Fund, Past
President Pearl Lowery and members of her Mt.
Vernon Club, crocheted afghans and donated
them (one to each district), the proceeds of which
was contributed to this Scholarship Fund, Three
$2,000 scholarships were presented to deserving
women at State Convention,
We were saddened by the passing of Mrs.
Harry Harvey Thomas, beloved long-time
42 BPW
parliamentarian for the New York State Federa-
tion.
In order to better preserve the record of our
activities for posterity, sixteen bound volumes of
our state magazines, NYS BUSINESS AND
PROFESSIONAL WOMEN, and NIKE (Nov.
1936—June 1959) were placed in the State
Library in Albany. They were also placed on our
mailing list so each issue Is added to the Library,
making a complete file on record for anyone
interested.
Membership April, 1963 — 7,096 in 138 clubs.
1963 - 1964
Ruth Sturm - Tarrytown
Our concerted effort for the year was toward
the realization of our theme: “The Responsibility of
Full Partnership.” We had excellent representation
at the National Federation Convention in July
1963—Lucile Kinne served on the National
Nominating Committee; Elizabeth Eastman on the
Legislative Platform Committee; and Ruth Sturm
and Mildred Clark on the Election Watcher's
Committee. In addition, of course, our greatest
effort was to elect Katherine King to the post of
National Recording Secretary. This we failed to
do—not for any lack of her qualifications, nor our
endeavor. Our reception made history! Many
compliments were received on our gold crowns
and torches, and the vibrant enthusiasm of our
committee and delegates.
Basic groundwork for the year was laid at a
planning conference held in the Holiday Inn in
Utica on June 22, with all State Officers,
~ Committee Chairmen and District Directors
participating.
During the week of August 27—September 3,
our State Federation was brought into public view
by the sponsorship of a booth at the State
Exposition in Syracuse. It was decided that this
* should be continued on an annual basis. as good
public relations, and $50 be included in the budget
annually to cover the cost. Our representation at
the Women’s Day Luncheon was excellent. The
luncheon speaker was Judge Madge Taggart of
Buffalo, a BPW member.
‘Two of our State Officers represented the
National Federation at the All-American Confer-
ence to Combat Communism in New York City,
and at a tea given by the Women's Advisory
Committee on the World's Fair, our State
President, Ruth Sturm, acted as National
Federation Representative.
In October, 226 registered delegates as-
sembled at the Sheraton Inn in Binghamton for a
three day Fall Board Meeting, the theme of which
was “Strengthening our Federation." This was also
the beginning of the National Observance of
"Business Women's Week,” and a cavalcade left
the hotel on Sunday with car bumper strips
advertising this special event.
‘Two leadership conferences also were held in
the fall—one at Hunter College on October 26, at
which our National Federation President Virginia
Allan was guest speaker. Over 250 attended this
conference and the State Operating Fund netted
600 which was earmarked as a revolving fund for
future seminars. The second, a joint venture with
Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor
Relations, was held on November 16 at
Williamsville, New York, with approximately ninety
attending.
Our Winter Board Meeting was held January
18-20 in the Hotel Biltmore in New York City with
265 registered delegates, and was one of the
finest Board Meetings on record. The theme: “R X
4U" was most capably and interestingly
presented,
Itremained for the 12th annual State Legisla-
tive Conference on February 16-18 in Albany, to
really run afoul of the worst weather of the winter.
Attendance at the session held in the DeWitt
Clinton Hotel, however, was good. 158 attended
the luncheon, In spite of the weather, a splendid
reception was held for Marguerite Rawalt, Past
National Federation President, who also was the
principal speaker. The women were pleased to
meet Governor Rockefeller and have tea at the
Executive Mansion with his gracious wife. We
were extremely proud of the versatility of our
activities this year, and it seems prudent here to
list some so they may better remain in our
memories:
1. Six new clubs were chartered—Civic Center (2),
Camden (5), Webster (7), Amherst (8), Peekskill
(9), and Roslyn (10).
2. Our membership at the end of May reached
7096, with a total of 138 clubs.
8. Manuals of Instructions were prepared and
presented to each State
Officer, Committee Chairman and District Director.
4, NIKE was assisted in the covering of its
expenses by the BOOSTER plan.
5, ‘BPW Opens Its Heart" was adopted as a
slogan for Valentine's Day, with special emphasis
‘on the visiting of shut-ins in hospitals, nursing
homes, sanitariums, eto.
6, Much time was spent in planning for a BPW
Day at the World's Fair, and hostessing of the
‘Women’s Activity Lounge for a week.
7, The Visiting Teams Project was continued for
the purpose of better strengthening our present
clubs and giving impetus to new ones.
8, AJETS Committee functioned state-wide, to
help mature women secure information about job
and education opportunities through question
naires, publicity and State Government
departments.
9, $6,364 was contributed to our CARE project by
the clubs in the State,
We were extremely proud to have our State
President, Ruth Sturm, appointed to the
Governor's Committee on the Education and
Employment of Women, where she headed a
subcommittee on Law and Civil Service. A second
committee member was Mrs, Carmel Marr,
member of the Lena Madesin Phillips Club.
Mary Frances Harvey of the Manhattan Club
was awarded the 1964 United Nations United
Nations Fellowship by the National Federation.
Cecile Fox, New York League, was appointed by
the National Federation as alternate observer at
the U.N. and Pearl Richardson, Lena Madesin
Phillips Club, was appointed second alternate.
Atleast one very important appointment was
made—Caroline E. Simon to the New York State
Court of Claims, Throughout the state, seventeen
women were elected, twenty-two reelected, to
public office; sixty-seven were appointed, and
three reappointed, Included were three Negro
women, one of whom was the first Negro woman
elected to the New York State Senate in 187
years.
We were most happy to entertain and extend
appropriate courtesies to Miss Elizabeth Feller of
‘Switzerland, former International Federation
President, and to Mrs, Kawai, a member of the
Japanese Federation, here on a UNESCO tour for
Women Adult Education Leaders,
At our State Convention at Whiteface Inn in
May 1964, we had as our National Representa-
tive, Miss Sarah Jane Cunningham, Third National
Vice President. We finished the year with over
BPW 43
seven thousand members in the state, and to do
justice to increased demands and provide better
service to ouriolubs, the state dues were
increased 50¢:per member... The Frances Marlatt
Award was transferred from Civic Participation
Committee to the Women in Policy Making Posts
in an effort to give this award more emphasis. A
special committee was appointed to study needs
of young people and the methods by which the
New York State Federation could promote
education and employment of youth. Our
Scholarship Fund was enriched by $638 derived
from the corsages at the Scholarship Luncheon, at
which time three $1000 awards were presented to
young women for furthering their education.
Membership: 7,096 with 138 clubs. Six new
clubs chartered — Circle Center, Il; Camden, V;
yee Vil; Amherst, Vill; Peekskill, IX; Roslyn,
1964 - 1965
Lucile M. Kinne - Lockport
From the time the 1964 Post Convention Board
Meeting took place very hurriedly at Whiteface
Inn, and we were almost forcibly ejected to make
way for another incoming convention, the 1964-65
pace was set. President Lucile M. Kine lost no
time in naming committees, assigning work,
planning meetings and getting the “show on the
road.” Our theme for the year was “Full Partner-
ship with Youth.”
Our First and major duty was to get Katherine
King elected as National Treasurer, which we
did—gloriously and glamourously—in “One
Shining Hour.” Clare Garrity was Campaign
Manager, Clara O'Brien, New York State
Convention Chairman. Our New York State
teception was an outstanding event; our State
President served as a member of the National
Board Rules Committee; Loretta Spacek
fepresented us on the National Nominating
Committee; Ruth Sturm on the Legislative
Committee; and Ruth Kassowitz and Ruth Ginther
served on the elections. We received an award for
our Committee on the Status of Women, and also
for our JETS program, and our suggestion for
publicizing our organization on a national level
was considered,-and a committee appointed for
further study, We were proud to have 65 voting
delegates at the National Convention in Detroit.
44 BPW
On August 1st we had a very special day at the
New York World's Fair. Our National President,
Dorothy Ford Cravens Douglas, National
Membership Chairman, former and present State
Officers, State Presidents from Connecticut,
Delaware and the District of Columbia, as well as
members and guests, were treated to the royal
tour of exhibits, assembled in the New York State
Pavilion, enjoyed smorgasbord in the Minnesota
building, and returned to the International Hotel for
a reception and banquet. ;
We were highly complimented for the event by
National, who felt it should be repeated in 1965,
Our members also hostessed the Women's
Activity Lounge in the Better Living Building during
the week of July 13-19. New York State members
sold a total of $34,568 in tickets to the fair, thereby
winning the right to an exclusive “Day,”
The following special conferences were held
during the year:
June 19-20 Informal Board Meeting, Utica,
Planning for the coming year by State Officers,
District Directors and Committee Chairmen.
August 7-9 Weekend on Cornell Campus.
Personal-Development in cooperation with NYS.
School of Industrial and Labor Relations 27
attended.
August 28-30 National Leadership Conference,
Providence, R.l. 9 attended.
November 7—8 Membership Jamboree in Albany,
with National Membership Chairman, Cravens
Douglas. Katherine King, Ruth Sturm and Loretta
Spacek participated. 154 attended from seven
states,
Feb, 21-23 Legislative Conference in Albany.
Theme: "Home Rule - Fact or Fiction." Chairman,
Margaret Ralston, with Hulday Segal as our official
State Lobbyist,
We were well represented by our members at
the Women's Luncheon on Sept. 2 at the State
Exposition in Syracuse. Our booth “Spotlighted
Women’ was tastefully arranged by Mary Amato
of the North Syracuse Club and Margaret Brady of
Eastwood, past Director of District Five. The
Geddes Ciub received a $100 award from the
Exposition for their “Loan Closet.”
Our Fall Board Meeting was held at the Statler-
Hilton Hotel in Buffalo on Sept. 26-27 with 103
delegates and 143 attending the banquet. A great
deal of necessary and important business was
transacted, We agreed to sponsor the sale of front
license plates with “NEW YORK STATE
BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN'S
CLUBS" on them to publicize our organization. We
‘supported the New York State Traffic Safety
Council's program to reduce accidents. The
“Apple” luncheon put on by District Eight, was
unusual to say the least. Baskets of apples
4 decorated the tables, and jars of applesauce were
given to each guest as she left the room.
A reception for Katherine King was held
October 31 in the Powers Hotel in Rochester,
sponsored by her own Webster Club. Many
members from all over the State attended, as well
as guests from other states, It was a proud
occasion for the State Federation in recognition of
her election to National Treasurer.
Our Winter Board Meeting was held in the
Hotel Syracuse, in Syracuse, January 22-24, The
theme was “Today's Vision - Tomorrow's Image”. It
was voted to extend an invitation to the National
Federation to hold the 1967 National Convention
in New York State. It was also voted to bring
changes of bylaws before the State Convention in
May to add a fifth objective, and vote on one year
terms for state officers.
Following the State Board Meeting, twenty-
seven of our members left by air to visit the
Strategic Air Command installation in Omaha,
Nebraska under the leadership of Cecile Fox,
President of the New York League Club,
Several changes took place during the year.
'| Perhaps the most important—National Business
Women’s Week was changed from fall to spring,
with the observance held March 7-43 on the
theme “Springtime Salute to Working Women.”
Many of the clubs observed the fall date, some,
the spring, and a few industrious ones, both. On
the State level, our magazine, NIKE, was
drastically changed in size and format, but a great
increase in information made it commendable as a
state news media,
A Top Hat Award Banquet was held March
22,1965 at the Statler-Hilton in Buffalo, at which
time our National Federation President, Dorothy
Ford, presented awards to Hon. Frances Perkins,
member of Cornell University faculty and former
U.S. Secretary of Labor, to the American Nurses
Assn., American Airlines, and the Corn Products
Co. for their support of women in business and
industry.
Our Past State President Margaret Barnard
was asked to serve on the Advisory Committee to
our National Federation President. Past President
Ruth Sturm attended a reception at the White
House and met President Johnson, in her capacity
as a member of the Governor's Committee on the
Status of Women. President Lucile Kinne received
many honors: she was made a member of the
National Senior Citizens; Admiral of the Flagship
Fleet of American Airlines; given the title of Lady
Hilton from the Statler-Hilton chain of hotels;
received a degree from Offcut Air Base; Woman of
Achievement Award from the Amherst Club; asked
to serve as Resolutions and Bylaws Chairman for
the Women's Civil Defense Council of New York
State, and was selected to have her favorite
recipe printed in the Washington Press Book. She
was invited by Lowell Thomas to membership in
the International Platform Association.
1965 - 1966
Lucile M. Kinne - Lockport
Our Federation theme for the year was, “Plan
for Progress.”
140 New York State members attended the
National Convention in Washington, D.C., July 25-
29; some staying over to sit in on the International
Congress which convened on July 30. Lorraine
Rouget represented us on the Natlonal Nominat-
ing Committee, Margaret Ralston served as a
member of the National Legislative Platform
Committee and Clare Garrity was chairman of the
Timekeepers Committee. Clare also presented
three recommendations on behalf of the New York
State Federation, two of which were carried. A
Civic Participation Citation was presented to
Syracuse Club for its booklet on local government
and Youthpower, USA Citation was received by
Supervisors and Administrators Club of New York
City for its career guidance material distributed to
junior and senior high schools. It was voted that
New York State would hostess the 1967 National
Convention. Clara O'Brien served as Chair of the
New York State Reception, an outstanding event
each year and which, in 1966, attracted most of
the International delegates as well as hundreds of
National members and their guests.
At the International Congress, Margaret
Barnard was Hospitality Chairman for our
International guests. Marcella VanTuyl and Edith
Jones entertained visitors before and after the
Congress.
National Federation appointed Margaret Ruth
‘Thomas to serve as Observer to the United
BPW 45
Nations, and named Cecile Fox Alternate
Observer, Kay King was appointed Chairman of
the International Federation's Finance Committee,
August 7,1965 was Business and Professional
Women’s Day at the World's Fair, The group
toured the State Pavilion and then visited some
Fair exhibits, meeting again at 3 p.m. at the
Women's Hospitality Center for a Tea which 107
women altended. Highlight of the day's activities
was Florence Louth's presentation to President
Lucile Kinne of a-citation signed by Robert Moses,
for New York State Federation's participation in
this special BPW Day at the World's Fair,
A Leadership Conference, conducted by
Dorothy and Clyde Ford, was held August 13-15
at Malone with forty four members attending. This
Conference was a capsuled form of a regular
eighteen month College course given in the
California schools,
Women’s Day Luncheon was the bright spot at
the Syracuse State Exposition on September 1,
Many of our members helped at the Civil Defense
Booth and acted as hostesses at the Arts and
Cratts Center.
Our Fall Board Meeting was held on October 1
3 at Plainview, Long Island, with the clubs of
District Ten as hostesses,
Albany was again the site of our Membership
Tee-Off November 12-14, conducted by Lorraine
Rouget, Membership Chairman, Margaret Alyce
Avery, National Membership Chairman, attended
this exciting workshop,
January 21-23 found us snowed-in at the
Winter Board Meeting held in Rochester. The
Meeting’s theme was “Goals for Progress." The
Syracuse Club received the Membership Program
Award for the competition which ran from
September 1 through December 1,1965,
The Legislative Conference held in Albany,
February 20-22 emphasized "Keep America
Beautiful—Nationally, State-wide and in the Home
Town.”
Our Youthpower, USA Conference was held on
March 12 at Syracuse University. One hundred
and sixty young women, sponsored by BPW and
or business, industry and schools in their
localities, attended this fast-paced Conference.
Lucile Kine was nominated by the State Board
of Directors for the office of Chairman of the
National Nominating Committee.
46 BPW
On the CBS TV Program “National Income Tax,"
100 members of our Federation competed with
the Rotary Club. This is a “first” on a nation-wide
hook-up for our State Federation,
A Mental Health Symposium, ‘Programs and
Projects for 1966-67" led by our Mental Health
Chairman, Mary U, Fiorila, was held at
Williamsville,
National Business Women's Week was
observed March 6-12 marking a Springtime
Salute to Working Women.”
President Lucile was the tecipient of the Susan
B, Anthony Award Presented by the Inter Club
Council of Western New York.
Third Vice President Olive Deuel was
appointed by Governor Rockefeller to the New
York Women's Council.
Our membership reached 7,200 and seven new
clubs were chartered during 1965-66, The new
clubs were: North Shore, Eastchester, Metropoll-
tan Club of Syracuse, Skeneateles, Ossining,
Mamaroneck, and Potsdam.
1966 - 1967 |
Loretta F. Spacek- TSA New York
Our Federation theme of the year was “Plan for
Progress.”
“Our Role in Tomorrow's World" was the theme
for the 47th State Convention held at Hotel
Sagamore, Lake George, New York. Our National
Representative was First Vice President Mabel
McClanahan, Total registration was 57. Three
Grace LeGendre Fellowships of $1000 each were
awarded to women for continuation of graduate
study,
Two firsts, under discussion for many years,
marked the beginning of the 1966-1967 State
year. The State Office was established in Albany
to determine whether or not a state office not in
the immediate vicinity of the State President would
be a workable arrangement, The publisher of
NIKE for 1964-66 was retained and, in addition to
the NIKE Editor and Circulation Manager, was
located hundreds of miles outside the area ofthe — |
State President's home city,
The National Convention was held in Atlanta,
Georgia, July 24-28, Highlights for the New York
State Federation during the National Convention
were the election of Lucile Kinne as National
Nominating Committee Chairman after two days
| of balloting due to the number of nominees and
the need to obtain a majority vote; the re
appointment of Margaret Ruth Thomas and Cecile
Fox as National's Observer and Alternate
Observer, respectively, to the United Nations; the
millinery delights designed and made by Dorothy
Baylor that were worn by our members during the
business sessions; the magnificent New York
State reception in the Grand Ballroom of the
Marriott which had taken months of Bea Marble's
and Elsie Harvey's time: and the Top Hat Awards
given to the American Stock Exchange and
McGraw Hill by our National Federation.
New Yorkers in the spotlight at Atlanta were:
| Clare Garrity, our representative on the National
Nominating Committee and Lucile Kinne's
campaign manager,
We were gratified that the intent of the New
York State Resolution, passed at State-Conven-
tion, concerning Help Wanted advertisements in
{| relation to Section 704 (b) of the 1964 Civil Rights
Act, was adopted in a resolution proposed by the
National Legislation Committee. We realize that
resistance to change is ever present when New
York State’s proposed Fifth Objective was
defeated. Undaunted, we will try again in 1967,
The revamping and new look of the National
Legistative Platform was a challenge to each State
Federation to take similar action.
Our Fall Board Meeting was held September
30, October 1, 2 at Lake George Inn, The theme
| Was “Programming Our Role in Tomorrow's
World.” There were 215 attendees. Guest speaker
was Dr. Dorothy Gregg, Assistant Staff Director,
Educational Service, U.S, Steel Corp., and a
member of the New York League Business and
Professional Women’s Club, District One. Her
topic was “Social Responsibilities of Business and
‘| Professional Women.”
Ruth Sturm was endorsed by the State
‘| Federation at this meeting for the position of
|| dudge of the United States Customs Court. The
State Federation also endorsed Ruth Sturm for a
1967-68 National Chairmanship, viz., Legislation
Committee,
Subsequent to the Fall Board Meeting our
|| National Federation endorsed Ruth Sturm for the
judgeship, which was acclaimed by our own State
Federation and many prominent individuals. We
«| share Ruth’s glory in these endorsements and
hope the day will soon come when this action will
propel her into the judgeship which she so tichly
deserves, --
Lucile Kinne was elected President of the New
York State Women's Civil Defense Council at its
annual meeting in Albany, October 25-26,1966
and Loretta Spacek, State President, was
chairman of the Membership Committee.
January 27-29 found 280 of us at the Hotel
Biltmore in New York City, for our Winter Board
Meeting. The meeting theme was “Promoting Our
Role in Tomorrow's World,”
The Fifteenth Annual Legislative Conference
was held in the Schine Ten Eyck Hotel, Albany,
February 19-21. The Conference theme was
“Laws in Transition—Be Prepared for Changes,”
Conference highlights included our State
President's private visit with Governor Rockefeller;
the Governor's hour-long visit with attendees in
the Red Room of the Capitol; and the unique idea
ofa "Meet Your Legislators Cocktail Party and
Buffet.” Florence Louth, Chairman, and her
committee also featured the conference by
honoring Grace Gustafson “Miss BPW" and Ruth
Kessler Toch, the first woman appointed Solicitor
General of New York State,
“Leadership for Tomorrow's Community" was
the theme for the second Youthpower Leadership
Conference held at Syracuse University, April 7-9,
chaired by Marion Meyer. Two hundred and forty
attended, with BPW and other organizations
sponsoring 168 high school juniors and seniors,
We were proud of the women who were
appointed or elected to policy making posts in our
State this year, many of whom were BPW
members: Ruth Kessler Toch, we have already
mentioned; Beatrice Judge was elected a New
York State Supreme Court Judge; Leah Simmons.
of Lewiston was appointed the new principal of the
Niagara Falls High School; Miss Mary J, Panarites
of the Herkimer County Club was appointed Ilion
Village Attorney, the first women in the 114 year
history; Mrs. June Martin of the Latham Club was
appointed to the Temporary State Commission to
Prepare for the Constitutional Convention,
Mrs, Pauline Graubner Bush, a charter member
of the Horseheads BPW Club, was appointed by
Governor Rockefeller to the New York State
Women’s Council, He also appointed Mrs, Ersa
Poston as President of the Civil Service
Commission, and Miss Evelyn Cunningham, Miss
Nina Jones, and Mrs. Betty Gaucas Flood to the
RPW AT
newly créated Women's Unit, with Mrs, June
Martin as Consultant.
Our own State President, Loretta attained a
new position with Western Electric. What a
challenge for her to find herself promoted to two
positions of leadership for this year. :
Another activity was added to our 1967 State
Convention plans with the inception of a State
Convention Exhibits Committee. The revenue
realized through the efforts of this committee will
help to offset the rising administrative costs of our
State Federation.
The New York State Business and Professional
Women's Frances Perkins Memorial at Hoosac
was a continuing project, the consummation of
which we look forward to in late '67. We hail the
efforts of Lucy Milligan of the New York League
BPW Club for her promotion of this project.
“The W's of BPW" was the theme for the 48th
Annual State Convention held at the Hotel
Syracuse in Syracuse, New York, May 27-
30,1967. The National representative was Mrs,
Hope Roberts, First Vice President of the National
Federation.
President Loretta Spacek presided at all
sessions, There were several firsts at this
Convention. A recommendation made by
President Spacek in her annual report that the
Business and Professional Women’s Clubs of
New York State, Inc. establish a permanent State
Office and employ a State Office Secretary
beginning with the Club year 1968-1969 was.
passed after it was amended to read 1969-1970;
paid exhibits were a first time event at State
Convention; Club flags made by individual Clubs
were displayed for the first time; and Club
Presidents were introduced by the District
Directors.
Approved changes in the State by laws
included: 1. the election of assistant District
Directors shall also be ratified by the Board of
Directors of the Business and Professional
Women’s Clubs of New York State, Inc, at its next
meeting; 2. annual dues shall be $7.00 instead of
.55; 3. a first and second alternate shall be
elected who shall serve on the State Nominating
Committee, as necessary to fill vacancies.
The name Youthpower Leadership Conference
was changed to Youth Leadership Conference
and a recommendation to continue to sponsor
them was passed,
48 BPW
“Woman—Fact or Fantasy?” was the topic Mrs.
Roberts, National First Vice-President, chose for
her speech at the formal banquet on May 29. Mrs.
Lucile M. Kinne, National Nominating Committee
chairman, installed the newly elected officers and
Miss Ruth F. Sturm, past State President, installed
the District Directors.
We were happy to welcome three new clubs:
Greene, VI; Fulton Chain of Lakes at Old Forge,
V; and Eastern Queens, X. Our membership
reached 7,311.
1967 - 1968
Lorraine M. Rouget - Mt. Vernon
“Of Ships and Sails and Sealing Wax" ~ with
this theme the New York State Federation sailed
forth, a member of the Ship of Commerce Fleet,
into the 1967-1968 club year, to “Plan for
Progress, All Systems Go,” as a working partner
within our National Federation.
Our first major challenge and responsibility was
to serve as the host state for the 1967 National
Convention held in New York City, July 23-27, with;
the Area IV states serving as the general hostess
area. This was a monumental task and special
tribute should be paid to Clare Garrity National
Convention Contact Chair. More than 300 New
York State members registered in the New York
State suite and approximately 500 members
participated in some capacity. Lucile Kinne’s idea
of having New York State members wear white
dresses with red, white and blue scarves was very,
effective. Lucile Kinne was appointed to the
National Membership Committee, Margaret Ruth
Thomas as National Observer to the United \
Nations and Cecile Fox as alternate Observer. |
Our President, Lorraine Rouget, did a
Herculean task during the summer of visiting
every District in the State, These visits were
informal, everyone had a good time, and they did ,
much to bring about a better understanding of
BPW among the members at the grass roots,
Lorraine was beginning the year by making real
the year’s National theme “Plan for Progress, All
Systems Go,” For the first time, State Programs
were developed and distributed to the clubs for
their use in developing their club programs.
The Fall Board Meeting was held in
resident to appoint a committee to re-study the
feasibility of adopting the President-elect system
ind to report at the Winter Board Meeting. The
joard also voted on the recommendation of
largaret Brady, 1967 Convention Chairman,
| 1.10 accept registration fees only up to five days
before the Convention date, Late registration to be
| paid at the registration desk, This will allow the
committee to set up their records in advance and it
also gives preference to those who register early,
2. To designate standard colors for the various
| categories of identification badges, the colors to
be determined by the Executive Committee.
In unusual action, after a comprehensive
presentation and recommendation by the Civic
ipation Chairman, Olive Deuel, the Board
/oted to support the New York State Transporta-
ion Bond Issue. All members were urged to vote
iyes" on this issue at the November election.
On Saturday aftemoon members had the
Ippportunity to tour SAC Air Force Base at
Plattsburgh or to visit Expo '67 at Montreal and
have dinner at the Hospitality Pavilion at Expo.
{The SAC tour was arranged with the cooperation
the Base and the Expo tour was arranged with
‘the cooperation of the Montreal BPW Club,.
The Winter Board Meeting was held at the
‘Biltmore Hotel in New York
City January 19-21,1968 with members of
istrict 1 acting as hostesses and Miss Margaret
larra serving as Chairman, The President
reported that the Small Business Clinics
developed in two Districts were very successful
ind worthwhile, and that other Districts were
lanning them for spring. Two recommendations
ere presented by the President and passed:
1, That the Executive Committee appoint a
committee to plan a celebration commensurate
with the achievements of our State Federation to
celebrate its golden anniversary in 1969.
2. That, pursuant to action taken at State
Convention, a committee be established to study
and recommend to the 1968 State Convention a
site for a permanent State Office,
A Leadership Conference for all members in
attendance was held on Saturday. This Confer-
ence was sponsored by the State Federation and
partment of Business Education, Hunter
Plattsburgh, New York under the chairmanship of femae of the City University of New York. The
Mrs, Jewel S. Wood with District 11 serving as the
hostess The Board voted to authorize the
ynote speakers were Drs. Ethel and Burt
ginsky, anthropologists. Following their
resentations, eleven workshops were conducted
|
|
A
by eleven top qualified women. Dr, Dorothy Ford,
Coordinator of Distributive Education Depart-
ments, Los Angeles, California County Schools,
and a Past National President, was the luncheon
speaker,
Arecommendation was presented by the
special committee appointed to study the
President-elect system and passed that the By-
laws committee prepare amendments to the
current by-laws necessary to create the office of
President-elect and present them to the delegates
at the annual Convention in 1968,
The Board voted to endorse Lucile M. Kine for
* a National Office, either as a Vice President o
committee chairman.
The 16th Annual State Legislative Conference
was held at the Schine Ten Eyck Hotel, Albany,
New York, February 10-12,1968. The theme, “The
Crime Problem As It Exists Today,” was a very
pertinent one for the times. The program was in
memory of Mary E. O'Connor, originator of the
New York State Legislative Conference.
The Youth Leadership Conference, under the
chairmanship of Jean P. Russell, was held at
Syracuse University March 15,16,17 for high
school seniors. This year a special program was
planned for the adults in attendance with the girls.
Continuing with the theme “Of Ships and Sails
and Sealing Wax" the 1967-1968 Club year ended
at the conclusion of the 49th annual State
Convention held at Lido Beach, Long Island, May
29 to June 1,1968. The National representative
was Mrs, Myra Ruth Freed Harmon, First Vice
President. New York State was also honored to
have our National President, Mrs. Mabel R.
McClanahan, with us during the Convention,
‘Two important changes affecting our State
Federation were adopted at the Convention. The
delegates voted 1, to establish a permanent State
Office in Utica, New York; 2. to amend the by laws
to include the office of President elect and to
eliminate the office of Third Vice President.
Several new features were included in the
program of this Convention. Most colorful among
the innovations was a Leadership program
presented on Thursday evening. The traditional
Presidents’ March was conducted as part of this
program. In addition, each club president was
spotlighted on the stage and introduced by her
District Director. At this time the Past State
Presidents of District Nine, the Convention
BPW 49
Hostess District, presented each club president
with an orchid, the gift of the hostess District,
Mabel R. McClanahan, the National President,
delivered an inspiring address on the Collect.
Stressed throughout the Convention, in addition
to the year's theme (which highlighted our
membership placement by National on the Ship of
Commerce Fleet) was the concept of continuity,
Registration’at the Convention was 609, the
largest attendance at any Convention.
During the year one Nike Club and one
Samothrace Club were organized.
Nike Club — Silver Creek
Samothrace Club — Pace College
New Clubs Chatham — District Ill
Farrington — District XI
Gleneida — District IX
Hudson Valley — District IV
Our membership on May 31,1968 was 7,525
which is an increase of 201 over last year. The
year closed with 144 clubs,
1968 - 1969
Mildred B. Freeman - Geneva
“With All the Hopes for Future Years - All
Systems Go — Unite, Share, Act”
This is the theme under which Mrs. Mildred B,
Freeman, newly elected President of the Business
and Professional Women’s Clubs of New York
State, Inc,, began her responsibilities as leader for
the pre-Golden Anniversary year 1968-1969,
The 1968 National Convention was held in
Minneapolis, Minnesota July 20-25. Some 60-70
delegates, alternates and members attended from
New York State. Miss Lorraine Rouget, immediate
past State President, and Mrs. Carolyn
DeLaMater, past membership chairman, had the
honor of accepting the Nike Trophy award for the
New York State Federation, We received the
award because our May 31,1968 membership had
shown the greatest percentage increase over the
May 31,1967 membership in our grouping in the
National competition, the Ship of Commerce,
Three New York State members received
National appointments—Lucile Kinne to the
Membership committee, Loretta Spacek to the
Resolutions committee, and Cecile Fox as United
Nations Observer. Of the ten Top Hat Awards
presented, four were given to people or organiza-
tions in New York State,
50 BPW
A motion made by Clare Garrity was passed
that expensive National programs at our National
Conventions be curtailed. Mrs, Freeman, a
member of the National Board, and Mrs,
DeLaMater, President-elect who was invited by
National as an Observer, attended the pre-
convention and post-convention Board meetings,
Lorraine Rouget represented our Federation on
the Nominating committee and Clare Garrity on
the National Legislative Platform committee.
The Colonial Motor Inn at Vestal, New York,
was the meeting place for the Fall 1968 State
Board meeting October 4, 5, 6. Mrs, Freeman
presided at all sessions. For the first time in a
number of years a Membership Conference was
combined with the Board meeting, The first report :
by the chairman of a newly formed special i
committee, the Status of Women, was presented
by Ruth Sturm, 4
Beginning in 1969 National Convention dues
will be $3.00 per year. Loretta Spacek was
nominated as a candidate for the National Office
‘of Chairman of the National Nominating
committee to be elected at the National Conven-
tion in July 1969, Lucile Kinne was endorsed as
Chairman of the National Membership committee
for 1969-1970.
It was announced that 50th Anniversary
Commemorative BPW Seals are available from
the State Office for $2.00 per 100 Seals.
Mrs. Katherine King, a past President of our
Federation, was re-appointed chairman of the
Finance committee at the Eleventh International
Congress in London, England, August 1924, 1968,
In this capacity she serves as a member of the
Executive Committee of the International
Federation.
The Winter Board meeting and 17th Annual
Legislative Conference were held at the Thruway
Motor Inn, Albany, New York, January 24, 25, 26
and 27, 1969. President Mildred presided at all
sessions. Helen Carmody, Director of District IV,
and the clubs in District IV were the hostesses, |
Dorothy VanSchaick, Assistant District Director,
was chairman of the Board meeting and Mary Ann
Krupsak was chairman for the Legislative
Conference. Each club in the District was
assigned a specific responsibility for some part of
the program,
Mildred Freeman spoke on membership at the
workshop luncheon on Saturday and prizes were
i
‘awarded to all members who had brought in a
new member since October 1968. In her report,
fary Ann Bentham, chairman of the Personal
Development committee, urged clubs to take
‘advantage of the new program offered by National
iunder the “Individual Development Plan.”
Ruth Sturm, chairman of the newly created
Status of Women committee, chaired a workshop
following the luncheon titled ‘There Is Plenty of
Room At the Top, But How Far Can Women Go?”
Panelists included Mrs. Inger Jewell, Kay Karl,
-jMrs. Muriel Chambers and Mrs. June Martin.
Public Relations chairman, Loretta Rich,
reported on special radio and TV publicity material
hat will be available for use by clubs to bring to
he attention of the public our 50th Anniversary,
The Board approved the recommendation of
ithe Executive Committee that the President-elect
ibe empowered to sign the lease and make the
Inecessary financial arrangements to carry on the
‘State Office in Utica.
“Give a Damn” was the theme for the
‘iLegislative Conference which convened Sunday
jevening. The theme was borrowed from New York
(City's Mayor Lindsay and it was hoped the
program would stimulate members to actively
‘participate in their communities to help where help
is needed, Clare T, Garrity, State Legislative
‘Chairman, presented the State Legislative
Platform and Congressman Samuel S. Stratton
iwas the speaker at the Sunday evening dinner,
The fourth Youth Leadership Conference under
the chairmanship of Josephine Bordonaro was
held at Syracuse University April 11-13,1969, One
hundred seventy-five junior and senior high school
girls sponsored by clubs around the state
‘attended. Clubs in District V were hostesses,
All the members in our State Federation were
lsaddened to hear of the death of our President's
husband, Gerald Freeman, on May 13,1969.
The 50th Anniversary Convention of the
Business and Professional Women’s Clubs of
New York State, Inc. opened on May 29,1969 at
ithe new Flagship Rochester, Rochester, New York
jand continued through June 1. The National
Representative to the Convention was Mrs.
Jeanne C, Squire, National Treasurer. Mrs.
Katherine King, a past State President, was the
chairman, Mrs, Margaret Walsh, Director of
District Vil, and the clubs in District VI! were
hostesses for this Golden Anniversary Conven-
tion.
The theme of the Convention ‘Pride: In the
Past 1919; Promise: for the Future 1969" was felt
throughout the entire Convention. At the opening
session Mrs, Squire read a letter and presented a
single cast gold coin to our President from the
National President, Hope Roberts. Mrs. Freeman
was also presented the key to Rochester by the
Mayor.
The young career woman who will represent
New York State at the National Convention was
Miss Claudette Smith from District I. She is an
assistant buyer at Best and Company in New York
City.
The Club Presidents were introduced at the
Friday evening dinner by the District Directors as.
they marched into the banquet hall. Each Director
was presented by Cecile Kiklowicz, chairman. The
big event of the evening was the presentation of
the 50th Anniversary Pageant. Lorraine Rowet,
chairman of the 50th Anniversary Committee,
directed the Pageant and Isie Kaiser of the TSA
Club was general chairman, Members from every
District participated in this well done serious and
humorous portrayal of women from 1919 through
1969,
President Mildred Freeman pald tribute to two
1919’ers, Miss Lena Sanford and Miss Lucy
Murphy, members of the Rochester Club, at the
Saturday evening banquet. President Mildred paid
special honor to the ten past State Presidents who
were at the banquet. The speaker of the evening
was Judge Sarah T. Hughes, a past National
President from Dallas, Texas.
A specially made Steuben glass vase will be
presented to the National Federation in honor of
‘our 50th Anniversary.
Final registration at the Convention was 599,
One new club was organized during the year—
The Tri-Town Business and Professional Women’s
Club of Amherst—sponsored by the Tonawanda
Club in District VIN.
One Samothrace Club was organized— the
Samothrace Club of the Cobleskill Agriculture and
Technical College.
Our membership on May 31,1969 was 7,403,
143 clubs in the State,
BPW §1
1969 - 1970
Carolyn E. DeLaMater - Turnpike
“Pride in the Past 1919 — Promise in the Future
1969” - PRIDE- PROMISE. Under this theme,
Mrs. Carolyn DeLaMater, newly elected President
of the Business & Professional Womens Clubs of
ee ae
District XI and that Mrs. Lorraine Richards is now |
Director of District XI.
Olive L. Deuel, Chairman of Status of Women
Committee recommended that a letter be written
to President Nixon telling him of our pleasure in
the continuation of the Citizen's Advisory Council
and in the appoi of three members of our
New York State, Inc., began her ilities as
our leader for our Golden Anniversary Year.
June 2nd was a red letter day~the opening of
our PERMANENT STATE OFFICE in Utica, New
York—with Mrs. Joyce Pfleger as State Office
Secretary.
At the hour of Nell Armstrong's “One small step
for man—one giant leap for mankind,” the
National Federation of Business & Professional
Woman's Clubs, Inc. was placing its 50th
milestone on Earth—in St. Louis, its birthplace.
The date was July 19, 1970.
Lucile M. Kinne became our National
Membership Chairman to complete three years of
service on the National Membership Committee—
Cecile Fox was again appointed National UN
Representative.
Katherine T. King served on the National
Nominating Committee and Clare T. Garrity
served on the National Legislative Platform
Committee and also on the Elections Committee.
Loretta F. Spacek served as a member of the
Resolutions Committee and Irene Estenes was
Chairman of the Floor Tellers. :
Our past State President, Loretta F. Spacek,
was unsuccessful in her bid for Chairman of the
National Nominating Committee. We were very
proud of our Candidate, her Campaign Manager,
V, Rae Forster, our Reception Chairman, Mary
Louise Morrissey, and our New York State
Activities Chairman, Carolyn Thornton, for jobs
well done.
Alasting Golden Anniversary gift of a Steuben
Class Bow! was presented to the Natlonal
Federation by our president, Mrs. DeLaMater, on
behalf of the Golden Anniversary Committee and
each member of our New York State Federation,
The Commodore in New York City was the
meeting place for the Fall 1969 Board Meeting,
September 26, 27 & 28. Mrs. DeLaMater presided
at all sessions, Adah Purdy was Chairman and the
Members of District X with their Director, Anita
Short, served on her Committee.
The President reported that she had accepted
the resignation of Jewel S. Wood, Director of
52 BPW
Federation to this Council. Mrs. Deuel further
tecommended that we write Gov, Rockefeller of
‘our pleasure in the appointment of these women
to the Boards, Councils and Commissions in New
York State; Miss Laura J. Pires of New York City
and Mrs. Jahopin of Plattsburgh.
Mrs, Deuel further recommended that a letter of
congratulations be written to Angie Brooks on her
appointment as President of the United Nations
Assembly.
In response to a letter from Jane Barton, the
Committee recommended that a letter be written
to President Nixon asking that he appoint Lorie
Molner to one of the two vacancies on the Federal
Ce i Commission. These
dations were approved.
The New York State Federation endorsed
Loretta F. Spacek, Past State President, for the
The Winter Board Meeting was held January
23, 24, & 25,1970 at the Thruway Hyatt House,
Albany, New York, Chairs. Mrs, DeLaMater, State
President, presided at all business sessions,
National President, Mrs, Myra Ruth Harmon,
was Banquet speaker and showed slides of her
recent trip to Viet Nam, sponsored by the
Freedoms Foundation, 174 Members attended,
The 18th Annual State Legislative Conference
was held at the DeWitt Clinton Hotel, Albany, New
York, February 21, 22, 23,1970. District Ill was
hostess and Margie Lee Johnson, Chairman. The
theme “Transportation Hang-UP."
Elaine Hannay, State Legislation Chair spoke
on “What can BPW Clubs do about Transportation
Hang-UP."
The Conference closed with an audience with
the Governor and Tea at the Executive Mansion,
The Youth Leadership Conference with its new
concept and approach to leadership development
was held at the Hotel Syracuse, Syracuse, N.Y, -
April 10-11. 33 Adults and 73 Students, both
College and High School attended, The trainer
from National Leadership Institute, San Antonio,
Texas, was Mrs, Tulla Buselle. This 100%.
i
office of National Second Vice President. | Participation conference was well received,
There were 145 registrants and 191 in
attendance at the Saturday luncheon. Two BPW
visitors from Cornwall, England, were present at
the Saturday session,
V, Rae Forster, Second Vice President and i
State Membership Chairman, was responsible for
a Golden Anniversary Membership Jamboree held .
November 7, 8 and 9 at the Holiday Inn,
Horseheads, New York. Lucile M. Kine, National
Membership Chairman, was our National
Representative and honored guest. Subjects
covered were: The BPW Story - Motivation -
Leadership - Communications - Continuing
Membership - New Members - New Clubs - NIKE
and Samothrace Clubs - the Treasurer and Her
Responsibilities - Importance of Program Planning
to Club Membership, State Officers and State
Committee Chairmen were the speakers and
panelists. Mrs. Kinne served as consultant and
was the speaker for the opening session and
Banquet. 75 Members attended. Sara
Youth Leadership Chairman, Roseann Stewart,
served as Chairman of this conference,
The theme for the 1970 State Convention -
ae RESPONSIBILITY - ENRICH - RENEW
Mrs. DeLaMater, State President, called to
‘order the 1970 State Convention, May 28,1970 at
"the New York Hilton, New York City
The National Representative to the Convention
was Osta Underwood, National First Vice
President. Loretta J, Baker served as Chairman
with Margaret R. Ehalt, Director and the Clubs of
District |I serving as hostesses,
The President presided at all business
‘sessions. Two resolutions and one emergency
itesolution were adopted:
|) Resolved that BPW of New York State, Inc.
Support legislation to ban the sale and use of DDT
and all other “hard” pesticides in New York State,
2) Resolved that BPW of New York State, Inc.
urge the proper authorities to make no
Muccigrosso, Assistant District Director, was
Chairman and the Clubs of District VI served as.
hostesses for the weekend.
ominations or appointments in the Judicial
branch of Government without regard to political
affllation, religion, race, sex or any criteria other
than being qualified for the particular post.
3) Emergency Resolution;
Resolved the BPW of New York State, Inc.
‘memorialize the Hon. Emanuel Celler, Chairman
of the Judiciary Committee of the United States
House of Representatives to schedule hearings on
the proposed Equal Rights Amendment as soon
as possible in order to move this measure to
‘successful passage through both Houses during
91st Congress.
Over $900 was contributed by New York State
Clubs and individuals to the National Foundation’s
new scholarship which permits women to continue
their education so they will be eligible for
employment or will be prepared for advancement.
As of March 10,1970, twenty-six women in the
U.S. had received financial aid.under this
program.
The Manual of Instructions was completed and
distributed,
The Committee for Programs for the Elderly -
Information and Referral Services will in the future
be part of the responsibility of the Civic Participa-
tion Committee, Three $1,000 Scholarships were
awarded to: Meredith Lynn Kattke, Mineola, N.Y,,
Carol Maxine Mates, New York City, Carol Ann
Weiser, New York City
The Scholarship Committee recommended that
beginning in September 1970 funds donated to
and specifically specified for Grace LeGendre
Scholarship Fund be used for no other purpose
than the awarding of fellowships for graduate
study. This recommendation was approved.
The Personal Development Chairman
announced New York State's Young Career
Woman to the Nationa! Convention in Honolulu,
{ewe is Miss Claudette Stroble of Amsterdam,
It was recommended by the Youth Leadership
Chairman that the 1970-1971 State Youth
Leadership Conference be held under the direct
sponsorship of the State Federation using the
same format as that followed In 1969-70 except
that it be conducted on a combined District basis,
the Coordinator of each conference to be a Vice
Chairman of the State Youth Leadership
Conference Committee.
‘The recommendation was approved.
The Bylaws were amended to:
Article Vll—Section 1— add the immediate
Past President of the Board of Directors.
Article XIt~Section 2— increase the delegate
strength giving clubs with 100 members four
BPW 53
|
i
t
t
|
delegates. The addition of each 100 members
thereafter entitles the Club to one additional
delegate.
At the Awards Luncheon, Osta Underwood,
National First Vice President, presented the Sally
Butler International Scholarship Award to Mrs.
Esther Zulberti of Argentina, a temporary resident
of Ithaca, N.Y,
‘The Banquet speaker was National First Vice
President, Mrs. Osta Underwood.
The final registration at Convention was 543,
The following new Clubs were organized during
the year:
Ramapo Valley BPW Club of District IX,
Deer Park BPW Club of District X.
Fort Carillon BPW Club of District XI,
On the reverse side the Olean and Peekskill
Clubs officially disbanded.
‘Two Nike Clubs were formed - Yonkers High
School of Commerce and Lewiston - Porter High
School.
One Samothrace Club - Corning Community
College, was formed giving the New York State
Federation a total of three Nike and three
Samothrace Clubs.
We ended our Golden Anniversary Year on a
high note being applauded by the National
Federation for our success in membership...
winning a Winged Victory Award, This will be
presented to our president, Carolyn DeLaMater at
the National Convention in Hawaii.
There were 143 clubs in the New York State
\
The State ip Trophy for ion |
re
of membership was awarded to the Horseheads
Club - second-time winners.
Two Canadian guests were introduced, Kay
Stork, a Vice President of the Canadian
Federation, and Betty Archer.
A resolution was passed commending and
congratulating the Honorable Martha W. Griffiths, |
member of Congress, Michigan, for her efforts in’
securing passage of the Equal Rights Anenement
in the House, |
New York State was honored by national |
officers - Ruth Easterling, President, ‘speaker at
the Corning Club's 50th anniversary in October,
and Osta Underwood, President-Elect, speaker at’
the Syracuse Club in November. I
During the year, Marcella VanTuyle, State
Hospitality Chairman, entertained thirteen visitors {
from other countries, including Barbados,
England, Haiti, Israel, Pakistan, North Ireland, and
Switzerland,
The Winter Board Meeting was held at the
Commodore Hotel in New York City on January
22-24,1971, with Marian L. Dacey as chair.
The President reported that the New York State!
Federation, one of six in the country, had been
selected for a Leadership Conference sponsored
by the National Federation, to be held in
Binghamton, on September 17-18.
The Finance Committee recommended for
submission to the Bylaws Committee, an increase
in State dues from $3 to $5, to include a
Federation, The final lip it for 1969 -
* 1970: 7,485.
1970 - 1971
Margaret Marohn - Tonawandas
Theme —"Era of Responsibility”. This theme
touched off a year in which members of the New
York State Federation looked at the era in which
we live - and our responsibility in it,
President Peg Marohn gaily led us on a
memorable trip to Hawaii and actually settled us
down enough to attend the National Convention
held there, in July.
The Fall Board Meeting was held October 2-
4,1970, at the Statler Hilton Hotel in Buffalo, New
York, with District VIII as host district, and Grace
Lannen as chai
54 BPW
to NIKE, which was carried. The
suggested effective date was April 30,1971.
As a result of a recommendation by the
President-Elect, Clare Garrity, a bylaws amend-
ment changing the structure of the Board was
presented by the Bylaws Committee. The Bylaws
Committee recommended that the composition of
the Board remain as is - which was carried, 18-5,
Olive L, Deuel, Status of Women Chairman,
reported that the National Chamber of Commerce
was getting out a flyer on the New York State
BPW activities in connection with the Practical
Politics Course, for general distribution. ‘
Motion to recommend to the Bylaws Committee |
the inclusion of the Chairman of the Status of i
Women Committee as a member of the Board
was carried,
Aseminar by Objectives”
sponsored by the BPW Foundation was
announced, It will be held at West Point in April.
Lenore R. Cross, BPW Foundation Director,
was a guest at luncheon. The luncheon speaker
was the Rev. Dr. James Robinson, New York City,
speaking on “Crossroads Africa, Road without
Turning” Quotes from Dr. Robinson include “You
cannot lift a society any higher than you lift its
women,” and “If you don't put something into
yourself, you do not get anything out of yourself.”
The President announced the birth of the
Queensbury BPW Club on January 1,1974, with
32 members.
The Legislative Conference was held February
13-15,1971, at the DeWitt Clinton Hotel in Albany,
with Elaine Hannay as chairman, The theme was
“Women's Rights and Responsibilities—Threat or
Promise?”
Miss Virginia Allan, past National President and
chairman of the President's Task Force on
Women's Rights and Responsibilities, spoke
about the Task Force. Miss Allan said that the
teport of the Task Force was in effect a compila-
tion of discriminations that can be eliminated
through legislation, and that the Secretary of
Labor has issued guidelines to carry out
prohibition of sex discrimination by government
contractors,
In telling of her experiences in Moscow as a
representative to the United Nations Seminar on
Women's Rights, Miss Allan said that women in
many countries are having the same problems,
and recommended that a United Nations Seminar
‘on women be held in Washington.
The announced seminar “Management by
Objectives," sponsored by the BPW Foundation
was held at the Hotel Thayer, West Point, on April
23-24, However, because of the large registration,
a second seminar running concurrently was set
up. “Communication,” also sponsored by the BPW
Foundation, also was fully subscribed,
On May 4st, four districts combined to sponsor
a Youth Leadership Conference at LeMoyne
College in Syracuse—its theme: “Youth's
Responsibility for Leadership in Today's World."
The 52nd Annual Convention of the Business
and Professional Women’s Clubs of New York
State, Inc., was held at the Sagamore Hotel,
Bolton Landing, New York, May 28-31,1971.
District IV was host district with Helen Carmody
Chairman. Marie Bowden, National Recording
Secretary, was the National Representative, and
speaker at the Saturday night dinner. New officers
were installed by Mable R. McClanahan, Past
National President.
351 delegates were registered and eligible to
vote at elections; with a final attendance report -
691,
Significant action taken by membership at the
Convention (through its delegates) included:
The dues increase recommended at the
January Board Meeting increasing the dues by
$2.00 was passed, and becomes effective as of
May, 1972,
The status of Women Committee was made a
Standing Committee, and duties of the committee
were approved.
Passed a motion that “all special projects of the
State that involve the cooperation of, or action by
local clubs, be decided upon no later than the Fall
Board Meeting.”
Clubs in Federation - beginning of year: 144.
New clubs added: 1 Queensbury BPW Club.
Clubs merged: Mount Morris and Nunda. .Club
withdrawn from Federation: 1 Herkimer County.
Clubs in Federation - April 30,1971: 143,
Membership April 30, 1971: 7,432 (99.19% of
1970)
1971 - 1972
Clare T. Garrity - New York City
Theme: “Era of Responsibility - Action.” 1971-
72 was a year of imminent change! At the National
Convention. New National: By laws were adopted
with major changes in committee structure, New
York State would operate this year under the old
structure, at the same time getting ready to adopt
some of the changes in the following year,
Effective at once was the addition of a Young
Careerist Committee as a Special committee.
Eventually this committee will comprise the NIKE-
SAMOTHRACE Committee, Young Careerist
Committee, and any other youth program which
might develop, and become a standing committee,
The Equal Rights Amendment was the prime
object for action—it must be passed!
The first “happening “in this club year was a
National Federation leadership conference “BPW
in Action,” held in Binghamton, on September 17-
18. National First Vice President, Jean McCarrey,
and Past President Sally Cunningham led the
BPW 55
team presenting this workshop on membership
and programming.
The Fall Board Meeting has held October
2,1971, at the-Schine Inn, Massena, New York,
with District XI as host district, and Lillian Caron,
Chairman.
The State Membership Trophy for equalization
of membership was awarded to the Nunda BPW.
Club.
The President discussed the changes in bylaws
proposed by the Nationa! Federation, particularly
the addition of a standing committee called the
Young Careerist Committee.
Arecommendation of the Youth Leadership
Conference Committee that the State hold a state-
wide youth conference in the Syracuse area in the
spring of 1972, and that the theme for this
conference be “Through Involvement Comes
Commitment,” was adopted,
The President reported that the Executive
Committee had appointed a committee to study
and make recommendations regarding sites and
scheduling of future State conventions.
The Board accepted a recommendation by the
Executive Committee that a single signature be
authorized on checks drawn on the checking
account of the State Federation in order to simplify
payment of ordinary bills of the Corporation; with a
stipulation that at the same time, bond of the State
Treasurer be increased to $50,000.
President Garrity was empowered to write
President Nixon that we would appreciate his
appointment of a qualified woman to the Supreme
Court.
The Samothrace Club of Syracuse University
was chartered on November 15,1971, under the
guidance of Marian Meyers of the Syracuse Club,
The charter was presented by President Clare
Garrity,
The Winter Board Meeting was held at the
Sheraton Airport Motel, Rochester, N.Y., on
January 29, 1972, with District Vil host district,
and Em Suiter, Chairman. President-Elect Mary
Louise Morrissey presided in the absence of the
President due to illness.
President-Elect Morrissey explained the
change in the procedure at National Convention
this year, resulting from the fact that the National
Nominating Committee is no longer a standing
committee. Chairman and committee members
are to be elected by the Board of Directors at the
56 BPW
Pre-convention Board Meeting with the Chairman
nominated from the floor at that meeting.
The Board adopt a recommendation made by
the Finance Committee that a tentative budget be
presented at the winter Board Meeting which
would then be mailed with the call to convention.
The Board also accepted a recommendation of
the Executive Committee that an acknowledgment
card be designed and reproduced, for contribu-
tions to the Grace LeGendre Scholarship Fund.
District X submitted the following resolution,
which was adopted: “RESOLVED: That the Board
of the New York State Federation of Business and
Professional Women's Clubs take appropriate
action to establish a source of information or
referral for women seeking working conditions”
The President-Elect announced that the State
has contributed $100 to the National Foundation
in memory of the late Elizabeth B. Raynor,
Parliamentarian.
The Youth Leadership Conference was held at
Syracuse, with a theme -’Through Involvement
Comes Commitment," Dr. Margaret M. Bergen
was Chairman. Mrs. Stacy Carter, 1971 Young
Career Woman, was luncheon speaker,
The 53rd Annual Convention of the Business
and Professional Women's Clubs of New York
State, Inc. was held at the New Treadway Inn,
Binghamton, New York, May 27-29,1972, with
President Clare Garrity presiding, Ruth Moss
Easterling, Past National President as National
Representative; and Ruth Sturn as Parliamentar-
ian. District VI was host district with Dorothea
Meagley, Convention Chairman. 323 were
registered and eligible to vote at election: with a
final attendance of 598.
National Representative, Ruth Easterling,
explained the changes in programming at the
National level and the restructuring in the bylaws,
The program for 1972-73 is “Objectives in Action.”
Mrs. Easterling was also the speaker at the
Saturday night dinner.
As previously instructed by the Board, the
Legislation Committee had prepared Position
Papers outlining the position of the New York
State BPW on Equal Rights, Education, Drug
Abuse and Addiction and Alcoholism, and Day
Care Service. Copies were distributed and
discussed, As a result of a motion they will be
published in the next issue of NIKE and any action
will be taken at the Fall Board Meeting.
ee, ee
The President commented on another directive
to the Executive Committee, that of submitting
information regarding the rights of women who
feel they have been discriminated against, as to
where they could go, what the law was, and under
what provisions they could file complaints.
| President Clare-is Chairman of this project, and
| said that a paper is being prepared which will
appear in NIKE.
Charter of a new NIKE Club, the Guilderland
Amis NIKE Club, was announced, This club was
1] organized by the Turnpike Club, with 17 charter
| members,
Significant action was taken by membership at
11 the Convention (through its delegates).
The Young Careerist Committee was made a
‘| standing committee, and its duties were approved,
Accepted a recommendation that certificates
!| for fifteen-year memberships be awarded at the
|| Career
:| Spring District Meetings by the State Representa-
tive.
Presented Deborah Bird, of Elmira, 1972 Young
Woman,
Approved the following recommendation by the
Personal Development Committee:
“That the Business and Professional Women's
Clubs of New York State, Inc., appoint a
committee to study the feasibllity of developing, on
the State level, a “BPW Hostel” program whereby
members of BPW would be able to stay in the
home of another BPW member in another city
while seeking employment, The ability to stay with
another BPW member will allow members to seek
employment and look over an area without hotel
expense. In addition to eliminating lodging
expenses, BPW hostelling will promote friendship
among members from different locations and
.| promote more interest in, and exposure for, the
| Federation.”
Adopted the following Emergency Resolution:
{submitted by District VIl) Called for action re Bill
H.R.10485 regarding penalties and pretrial
detention for distribution of heroin, which had
been held up in committee.
Adopted the following recommendation by the
Public Relations Committee: ‘That the incoming
Executive Committee appoint a committee of
three to restructure and revise the criteria for
Public Relations Awards made by the New York
State Federation; that this committee should meet
at the Fall Board Meeting; and present their
recommendations at the 1973 Winter Board
Meeting.”
Adopted a recommendation of the Youth
Leadership Conference Committee that this
project of the State BPW be continued for the
coming club year, 1972-73,
Moved that New York State be represented at
the International Hemispheric Conference,
scheduled for October 28,1972, in El Salvador,
San Salvador, by our President, Mary Louise
Morrissey, and that money be allocated from State
funds to cover expenses incurred in due course of
the trip.
New clubs added ...0. Clubs withdrawn from
Federation... 2 Northland and East Nassau. Clubs
in Federation—April 1972... 141
semen April 30, 1972: 7, 11 3 (95.7% of
971).
1972 -1973
Mary Louise Morrissey - New
Rochelle
Theme: “Objectives In Action.” Two disasters of
1972 proved New York State Federation's
generous and rapid response to those in need.
The Nicaraguan earthquake, with tremendous
destruction to the capitol city of Managua, brought
inestimable personal tragedies. An appeal for help
by Managua BPW members was answered
immediately by each State Federation.
‘The Southern Tier of New York State was
severely damaged as a result of an unpredicted
turn-about of tropical storm “Agnes” on June
23,1972, A BPW Flood Relief Fund was
immediately started to aid our members in
Districts Six and Seven.
The National Convention was held in Atlantic
City, New Jersey, July 23-28. New York, with 141,
had the second largest delegation. The New York
State Reception was a highlight of the Conven-
tion,
New York's Miss Cecile Fox was appointed as
the Federation United Nations Representative,
We hereby record with deep sorrow the
passing of Majorie C, Smith, Dean of Women at
Syracuse University, on August 3, 1972. Dean
‘Smith served as President of our State Federation
from 1948 to 1950.
Our State Federation participated at the New
York State Fair.
BPW 57
Representatives of New York State attended a
BPW in Action Conference, Hartford, Connecticut,
sponsored by National on September 23-24. The
Fall Board Meeting, held at Northway Inn,
Syracuse, on October 6 and 7, with Dr. Jane
Byres as Chairperson, Katherine Benedict, Vice
Chairperson, and District Five serving as
hostesses, reported a registration of 215,
The Theme: “Women Helping Women.” The
Board endorsed Proposition One of the Environ-
mental Quality Bond Act of 1972 (providing
equitable sharing of the cost of preserving,
enhancing, and improving the environment of New
York State.) Position Papers prepared by the
Legislative Committee were adopted and later
printed in the NIKE Magazine.
The Theme for the National Business Women’s
Week (October 15-23) was “BE INVOLVED,” This
was an extension of the theme of the 1972-73
National Federation Program: ‘OBJECTIVES IN
ACTION’—To Elevate, Promote, Cooperate, and
Extend—In Action.
This theme was further extended across the
waters—and put into action, October 25-29, when
after ten years of planning and two postpone-
ments, the National Federation-sponsored
Congress of Business and Professional Women of
the Americas was finally convened in San
Salvador, El Salvador. Delegates from twenty
American nations explored the theme, “The *
Growing Role of Women in a Rapidly Changing
World.”
State President Mary Lou Morrissey and State
Parliamentarian Ruth Sturm, who were privileged
to attend as observers, brought back a very
realistic and challenging account of the Congress,
Also in October, a reception was held at the
Americana Hotel in New York City for Miss Nazla
Dane of Canada, President of the International
Federation.
The Winter Board Meeting, held at the Hotel
Americana, New York City, January 26-27, was
preceded by A Day at the United Nations, under
the chairmanship of Adele Orlando. A Luncheon In
the Delegates’ Lounge, a tour of U.N., and an
address on Human Environment made the “DAY”
exciting and worthwhile.
President Mary Louise Morrissey presided at all
business sessions during the Winter Board
Meeting, Theme: “Buying and Investing Wisely.”
Registration: 211. Ruth K. Herrman, Chairperson,
58 BPW
Caroline Slocum, Vice-chairperson, District One,
Hostesses. There were 245 members and guests
at the Saturday luncheon,
It should be noted that YOUNG CAREERIST
has been added to the list of Standing Commit-
tees, whose chairmen are members of the State
Board.
Approximately 140 members met at the
Syracuse Country House, Syracuse, for the 20th
Annual! State Legislative Conference, February 9-
10, 1973, Conference Co-chairpersons Jo
Bordonaro and Jean Ives, with District Five
Hostesses, filled every moment with outstanding,
speakers, panelists, and a wealth of current
legislative printed material. The Theme: “Speaking
Out" was dramatically pursued by State Senator
Mary Anne Krupsak, U.S, Congresswoman
Elizabeth Holtzman, and Past-National BPW
President Osta Underwood.
The Roundtowner Motel and the College of St,
Rose, Albany, hummed with activity on April 13,
and 14, as 58 high school girls, sponsored by 29
BPW Clubs, gathered for the 1973 Youth
Leadership Conference Career Clinic, Dr.
Margaret Bergen, Chairperson. President
Morrissey brought greetings to the students and to
the adults accompanying them.
The 54th Annual Convention of the BPW Clubs
of New York State, Inc., was held at the Statler-
Hilton Hotel, Buffalo, May 25-28,1973. National
Representative, Mrs. Mabel McClanahan, Past
National President, installed the new officers.
Lucile M. Kinne, Past State President, was
chairperson of the Convention and Mildred Clark
served as vice-chairperson.
Attendance at the Convention was 618. The
Theme was: OBJECTIVES IN ACTION. ..Women
Helping Women. . Speaking Out... Buying and
Investing Wisely. , .Saving Nature. . Saving
Humanity.
Five $1,000 Grace LeGendre Fellowships
were awarded to: Nancy Friedman, Jacqueline
Maloney, Veronica Ravnikar, Alberta Rotello, and
Susan Weinstein.
Diane Dubiac was selected to be New York
State's Young Career Woman to the National
Convention in Miami Beach, Florida.
The recommendation of the Special Public
Relations Committee to discontinue the
Pressbook, Radio and Television Awards was
adopted by the Convention delegates.
Personal Development Awards will be instituted
in 1974. -
It was voted that certificates for twenty-five
4 years of continuous membership be awarded
41 along with fifteen-year certificates at Spring
District Meetings, effective in 1974,
Foundation Promotion chairman, Loretta F.
4 Spacek, reported that $3,005 had been contrib-
4 uted to the BPW Foundation this year by clubs
“| and individuals.
in 1972, the U.S. Congress passed the Equal
Rights Amendment (House of Representatives—
"| October 12,1971—354 to 23, and the Senate, on
March 22, 1972 - 84 to 8).
Three-fourths of the State Legislatures (38)
must ratify ERA before it can become the 27th
‘| Amendment to the Constitution. Following
+] ratification, there is a two-year period in which the
states review and revise their laws to bring them
into compliance with the amendment.
New York State ratified ERA in 1972 (Senate —
April 19 and Assembly, May 3).
Congress also passed the Equal Employment
Opportunity Act of 1972, which extends Title VII of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to employees of
educational institutions. BPW played a very
important role in securing passage of these
1 actions There is strong opposition in some states
to the ERA which means continued effort will be
necessary to make equality a reality.
Report of Membership as of April 30, 1973 -
439 clubs, 6,906 - (C - 6,093 and N - 813.)
1973 - 1974
Kathryn G. Karl - Albany
Theme: “Challenge for Commitment.”
E: Economie Concern - S: Social Concern -P:
Political Concern.
Newly installed President Kathryn G. Karl led a
delegation of New York BPW members to the
Americana Hotel, Bal Harbour, Miami Beach,
Florida, July 8-12,1973, to participate in one of the
most exciting National Conventions ever held.
The first CHALLENGE FOR COMMITMENT
came into focus when delegates were told that
ratification by the States of the Equal Rights
Amendment (passed by Congress) was not
happening as rapidly as had been hoped. thirty
states had ratified, but some of those were trying
to rescind their action. Thirty-eight states must
ratify before it becomes a faw. Well-funded, vocal
anti-ERA groups (many with women leaders) were
conducting campaigns to stop ERA ratifications.
The history of the Federation of Business and
Professional Women is filled with the struggle for
equal rights for all, The dedication and persever-
ance has not wavered for over fifty years, and July
41, 1973, was no exception—when a resolution
was adopted unanimously at National Convention
that the Federation establish a special Equal
Rights Amendment Ratification Fund—this fund to
be raised by voluntary contributions—fund period
ending when thirty-eight states have ratified the
Amendment—and funds remaining to be used
toward the implementation of the Amendment,
The pledge to raise $250,000 by January 1974
was widely acclaimed and all in personal
contributions from members in attendance. Within
hours, the amount increased to $12,000. State
Federations met the Challenge. Past State
President, Mildred B. Freeman, was appointed
Chalrman for New York's ERA Fund. Her unusual
abllity to encourage members to give generously
and enjoy it deserves mention here.
Within a few months, over $13,000 had been
contributed by New York BPW Clubs and | am
certain, by National Convention 1974, New York's
part in ERA ratification will go over the $15,000
mark, At the close of the State Convention in May,
$14,799.38 had been received. While it will be the
job of next year's historian to report the total effect
of BPW’s efforts, | predict that the quarter million
dollars will be raised before National President
Jean L. McCarrey's term ends in July, At this
writing, three more states have ratified, with only
five more needed,
Other action at National Convention of interest
to New York was the reappointment of Miss Cecile
Fox (New York League) as United Nations
representative for the National Federation; the
appointment of Miss Mary Louise Morrissey (New
Rochelle), immediate past State President, as
Legislation Chairman of National Federation; and
the appointment of Miss Catherine McDermott
(Murray Hill) to the National Foundation Commit-
tee by the Board of Trustees to serve on the
Research and Education Committee.
Dr. Margaret M. Bergen served on the National
Legislation Platform Committee,
Last year's historian reported the devastating
earthquake December 26 in Nicaragua with
tremendous destruction to the Capital, Managua.
BPW 59
| _
Areport of each State Federation's contribution to
the Managua BPW Relief Fund shows New York
as the second largest contributor, with $1,093.05.
A total of $14,309.58 was sent to our sisters in
need in Central America—with every state and
territory responding.
1973-1974 was a year of singular and
significant accomplishment under the enthusiastic
and capable leadership of President Kay Karl,
Lois Bircher, 2nd Vice President and Membership
Chairperson, reported that our membership had
equalized—plus one. The first shamrock in the
entire National Federation was earned by District
VIl's Sodus Club for membership increase. Fitty-
eight National shamrock awards were earned by
New York,
Our State Federation participated at the New
York State Fair in Syracuse.
Representatives of New York State attended
National's BPW IN ACTION Conference,
Burlington, Vermont, September 29-30.
The Fall Board Meeting convened at the
Rowntowner Motor Inn, Albany, on September 28-
29, with District Ill as hostess and Concetta M.
Moore, Chairperson. President Karl presided
during all business sessions and welcomed the
212 members attending The theme: ECONOMIC
CONCERN, Workshops on INVESTMENTS,
WILLS, TRUSTS, and ESTATE PLANNING were
offered,
Upon recommendation of the Status of Women
Committee, the following women running for
public office in the November election were
endorsed: Mildred B. Freeman as a candidate for
Supervisor in the County of Ontario; The Hon.
Beatrice Burstein as a candidate for Supreme
Court Judge in Nassau County; Miss Rose
LaMendolla as a candidate for Comptroller in the
County of Erie.
National Business Women's Week—October
21-27—emphasized CONCERNS OF ALL
WORKING WOMEN - ECONOMIC—SOCIAL—
POLITICAL.
November 3—State President Karl attended
the BPW IN ACTION Conference in Atlantic City,
We might note here that the United Nations
General Assembly approved a resolution
proclaiming 1975 as INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S
YEAR.
The Gideon Putnam Hotel, Saratoga Springs,
was the setting for the 21st State Legislative
60 BPW
Conference—November 9-10, 973, The theme:
POLITICAL CONCERN: PROTEST OR
PROGRESS.
Geraldine Burr, Conference Chairperson, was
assisted by District lV. State President Kathryn
Karl welcomed the 165 registrants. National
Legislation Committee Chairperson, Mary Louise
Morrissey, closed the busy two-day session with a
summary. Senators, Assemblywomen, Assembly-
‘men, and other State
More than 80 New Yorkers attended the Eighth
(Biennial) Legislative Conference in Washington,
.C,, March 7-8,1974. The theme: UP THE
| LEGISLATION LADDER, More than 1,000 (from
50 states) came to Washington (this was over
three times as many as attended in 1972) to have
breakfast with their Legislators, tea at the White
House and dinner with Guest Speakers, Henry E.
brought to the members the current situation and
urged us to be politically concerned.
ADAY AT THE UNITED NATIONS—January
25,1974 preceded the Winter Board Meeting.
Hester Hensell, Chairperson, World Affairs
Committee, with the assistance of Mrs. Esther
Hymer, International Federation representative,
and Cecile Fox, National Federation representa-
tive, presented the 125 members and guests with
an exciting and informative program. A guided tour
of the United Nations, luncheon in the Delegates’
Dining room, a visit to the gift shops, a special
briefing with Mrs. Helvi Sipila, Assistant Secretary
General of the United Nations Center for Social
and Humanitarian Affairs, and attendance at a
session of the Commission on the Status of
Women will never be forgotten by those who
attended,
Leaving the United Nations Building, the
members hurried to the Americana Hotel (New
York City) to attend the Winter Board Meeting
January 25-26, 1974,—Annette Cirbus, Chairper-
son and District Il, hostess. President Karl
presided. The theme: SOCIAL CONCERN.
Mary Louise Morrissey was endorsed as a
candidate for National Recording Secretary for
1974-75,
Kathryn G. Karl was endorsed for a National
Committee appointment for 1974-75.
Miss Cecile Fox was endorsed as United
Nations Representative for National Federation for
1974-75,
Workshops in keeping with the theme, SOCIAL
CONCERN, were held, Senator Helen Benitez,
past president, Status of Women Commission of
the United Nations, and Mrs. Jeanne Chaton,
International Federation Delegate from France,
addressed the 264 members attending the
luncheon,
INTERNATIONAL WEEK—third week in
February.
Catto, Jr, newly-appointed Chief of protocol, and
Fred Graham, legal correspondent for the CBS
News, noted for his coverage of Watergate. All-
star panelists and speakers met the issues head-
on, but our own BPW leaders fielded questions
from the press concerning ERA like real pros.
National Legistation Chairman Mary Louise
Morrissey participated in the Conference and
announced that her name would be placed in
nomination from the floor at National Convention
for the office of National Recording Secretary.
The Youth Leadership Conference, Chairper-
son, Kay Kaiser, was held at the Hilton Inn-On-
The-Campus, Rochester, April 5-6. Theme:
YOUTH TO YOUTH AND COUNTRY TO
COUNTRY. Sixty High School sophomore, junior
and senior girls participated, including four
exchange students. A mark of its success was the
request from the students that next year’s
conference be longer.
The 55th Annual Convention was held May 24-
27,1974 at the Granit Hotel, Kerhonkson—
Marjorie Doyle, Convention Chairperson, Adele
Orlando, Vice Chairperson; Attendance—565.
Theme: CHALLENGE FOR COMMITMENT—
ESP: ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND POLITICAL
CONCERN.
National Representative and Past National
President Katherine G. Peden presented the State
‘Shamrock Award to President Kay.
The Status of Women Committee presented
awards to: Brookhaven National Laboratories,
New York Telephone Company, Staten Island
Community College, Suffolk County Federal
Savings and Loan Association.
Mrs, Linda C. Kane of District VIII was selected
YOUNG CAREERIST to represent New York
State at National Convention. Shertie F. Moore,
District IV and Nancy Klothe, District IX,
alternates.
Four $1,000 Grace LeGendre Fellowships were
awarded to; Marianne McCauley, Donna Ann
Camiano, Georgiana York and Betty Travitsky.
Contributed from New York State to BPW
Foundation: $3,397.50.
Six NIKE Samothrace Clubs in the State.
Budget, Bylaws, Legislative Platform, and
Resolutions were considered-and voted on.
Newly elected Officers were installed by
‘National Representative Katherine Peden, who
gave an inspirational and challenging message at
the Banquet. District Directors for Districts |, Ill, V,
VIL, IX, and XI were impressively installed by State
President Kay Karl.
It was noted that more women than ever before
are running for public office and that BPW
member, Mary Anne Krupsak, is running for
Lieutenant Governor of New York State. By
Convention action, Senator Mary Anne Krupsak
(Amsterdam BPW) was endorsed as a candidate
for office of Lieutenant Governor and Assembly-
woman Constance E. Cook (Ithaca BPW) was
endorsed as a candidate for the U.S. House of
Representatives.
Four new clubs were chartered: Richmond
County -sponsored by Staten Island; Helderberg
~ sponsored by Latham; Northern Suburban —
sponsored by Buffalo, Kenmore and Amherst}
Kanazawa ~ sponsored by the Tonawandas.
Total number of clubs in the state is 143,
1974-1975
Audrey F, Lanfare - Gotham
Theme: ‘Blue Print for Women — A Year of
Excitement.” Symbol - The Sun Energy of All
Working Women.
‘The year of the Biue Print for Women opened
with enthusiasm. Audrey Lanfare was installed as
President of the Convention of the New York State
Federation at the Granit Hotel, Kerhonkson, New
York, May 24-27, by the National representative,
Katherine Peden, a Past National President, and
National Challenger for the Equal Rights
Amendment Ratification Fund.
Katherine asked to come to our convention to
thank us for raising more money than any other
state, under the Chairmanship of Mildred
Freeman. New York State contributed $15,394.88,
which helped the National Foundation meet its
goal of $250,000, set in Miami, During the
convention the Executive Committee authorized
the purchase of two $100 ERA Century Fund
certificates, which action was ratified at the Fall
Board meeting.
BPW 61
At the convention an emergency resolution was
passed endorsing Mary Ann Krupsak, member of
the Amsterdam Club for Lieutenant Governor of
New York State,
[twas the 1973-1974 National President Jean
McCay's year.of the Shamrock, ERA rallies, and
the National Convention at Chicago, Illinois, July
21-23, Eighty:one New York members were there
to support Mary Louise Morrissey, National
Legislation Committee Chairman, who was a
candidate for Recording Secretary. At the end of
the Legislation Committee meeting, she received
a standing ovation.
At National Convention, rose pins for the New
York State flower, were presented to National and
State dignitaries attending our reception.
During the year the President presented the
“Award of the Rose” to members who had given
exceptional service to the State Federation. Pam
Stage and Mrs. Bircher, who made the badges we
wore at National Convention, also received the
award, as did our Young Career Woman.
Fall Board Meeting, Holiday Inn, Elmira,
September 27-28,1974 — District Director, Virginia
Colton, Chairman, Sara Muccigrosso, Vice
Chairman, and Mary Hastings made the
arrangements. There were 21 present, The
Oxford, Sidney, and Triple Cities Clubs handled
the workshops and luncheon..
Joan Russo presented the Pearl Lowery’
Stabilization Award to Evans and Eastern Queens
Clubs, Each dub will have the trophy for a half
year.
At this meeting we endorsed the candidacy of
Mary Louise Morrissey for National Recording
Secretary if she chose to run.
Kay Karl moved that the President be sent to
the Hemispheric Congress in Mexico City as an
observer in February, 1975.
As we had endorsed Mary Ann Krupsak,
Audrey, the President, invited her to come to
Elmira and address our members. Her proposed
visit was known to the officers and those in District
VI in charge of the meeting, but it was a delightful
surprise to the Board and club members,
Once a membership chairman, always a
membership chairman. To help bring New York
State up to its full potential, the President
suggested the-creation of a “Club of the Year”
award to be given at State Convention. Jean Fox
was asked to chair the Committee, and to set up
62 BPW
the criteria, One club stood out above the others,
and judges from other State Federations chose
Silver Creek.
The Executive Committee also authorized the
creation of an award to be given to the clubs
having 100% renewal of present membership.
We attracted members because of the publicity
ERA was receiving, because the United Nations
had declared 1975 International Women's Year
and the years that followed as International
Women’s Decade. The National Federation had
called a Congress of Business and Professional
Women of the America’s, which was the National
Federation's contribution to International Women's
Year. Also, the Bicentennial was calling attention
to women’s role in our history.
By the time of the National Convention we were
the proud possessors of four NATIONAL
ORANGES and because New York State led the
“Ship of Commerce Fleet" with 10.13%
membership and 6,922 members, we were
entitled to the National Sunburst State Award,
which was presented at the 56th National
Convention in Las Vegas. The entire New York
contingency of 134 members was given the honor
position—first section seats during all business
meetings.
Hemispheric Congress, Mexico City - On
Monday, February 17th, Audrey left New York and
flew to Mexico City. The Congress of Business
and Professional Women of the Americas was
called to bring together women from the American
countries to meet in an atmosphere of friendship
with the guidance of experts. Twenty countries
sent delegates, and several other countries
Including the United Kingdom, sent observers.
Audrey met Sally Ramsdam, President of the
United Kingdom Federation the first day. Twenty-
‘one New York State members were at this
Congress. The keynote speaker was Judge Sarah
T. Hughes, a past President of our National
Federation. The moderators were outstanding
women, such as Past President Margaret Hickey.
It was most interesting to learn from the women
about conditions in other countries and also to
hear of the action they were seeking to achieve,
A Day at the United Nations - A Day at the U.N.
Preceded the Winter Board Meeting with a
successful turnout of 134 guests. The program
was exciting. Miss Irma Mazelis talked on the
“Equality of Men and Women.” Cecile Fox, the
f
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BPW National Observer to the U.N. and Adele
Orlando, the chairman of the State IWY presented
apanel discussion. An added interesting feature
was a U.S. Mission briefing on Special Interna-
tional Political Affairs,
Winter Board Meeting - The Americana Hotel,
New York City, was the headquarters for the
Winter Board Meeting, January 31-February 1,
Ss
2
The topic was “Bicentennial Perspective for
Women.”
Legislative Conference- The Legislative
Conference was held at the Americana Inn,
Albany, on February 2 March 1. Frances George,
chairman, stressed the need for all women to vote
for the national ERA Amendment, which had
already passed the New York State Legislature
and was to be on the ballot in November, 1975.
The theme for the Conference was, "What's
‘| Next? Focus on the Future.”
The State Legislative Platform consisted of a 4-
point program on child care, credit for women,
human rights, and reproduction and its control.
Helen M. Olsen, Resolutions Chairman,
proposed the need for women to acquire Master's
degrees in Business Administration. This
resolution became especially significant because
of the Sears-Roebuck Foundation Loan Fund,
which was established at the 1974 National
Convention. She also proposed a second
resolution—the need to assure the admission of
women into the United States naval, air force, and
military academies,
Youth Leadership Conference - The Youth
Leadership Conference focused on the Interna-
tional Women’s Year ~Canadian members and
teens,
Foundation - Muriel Mead announced that, in
October, Career Ad\ ips were
ABPW member Award was given to Margaret
Barnard for her guidance and endless work for the
objectives of our organization,
Ruth Damsky presented the awards of the
National Business Women’s Week to Buffalo and
to District | for a joint entry.
Muriel Mead gave the Foundations awards to
24 clubs who sent 100% membership contribu-
_ tlons in the 1974-1975 term.
Three hundred prospective candidates
responded to the call of the Grace LeGendre
Fellowship Committee Chairman, Dr. Margaret
Bergen. Due to the generous contributions of New
York State Clubs, the State Federation was able
to award five fellowships in 1975. The Syracuse
Club gave a $1,000 gift, which was donated by a
former Grace LeGendre winner.
The Young Careerists proved to be a group of
talented young women from all over the state.
They wrote and produced a clever professional
skit Doreen Simmons was chosen to represent
the State of New York at the National Convention,
Five new thriving clubs were established in
New York State. The Metropolitan Luncheon Club
of Greater Utica, South-Western Chautauqua
County of Sherman, Snowbelt of Springville,
Linderwald of Kinderhook, and Min-E-Mont of East
Syracuse.
Membership, April 1975: 6,922.
1975 - 1976
Helen E. Carmody - Hudson Falls
Theme - “Bicentennial: Perspective for
Women.”
The Bicentennial, the Equal Rights Amendment
and International Women’s Year all vied for priority
in the eventful 1975-1976 year for BPW in New
York State.
awarded to thirteen from New York State, The
state contributed $3,729 to the National Founda-
tion this year,
State Convention at Lake Placid - Second Vice
President Piilani C, Desha was the National
representative at the 1975, 56th Annual Conven-
tion at Lake Placid, She attended every business
and social function and installer’ 9 State
Officers at a special ceremony with Hawaiian
flowers and beads.
To our Nation's ial and
International Women's Year, President Helen
Carmody on September 12-14, 1975 led the BPW
Clubs of New York State on a pilgrimage to
Seneca Falls, the site of the first Women’s Rights
Conference in the United States in 1848..
One hundred and thirty BPW members joined
to salute the Bicentennial Year at Eisenhower
College and tour the Women’ Rights Museum and
the presentation of the statue of Nike. The words
of the “Declaration of Sentiments” written originally
in 1848 during the first Women's Rights Confer-
ence at Seneca Falls, re-echoed at the same site
BPW 63
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as Past State Presidents Ruth Sturm and Clare
Garrity read the proclamation.
Prior to the Pilgrimage, President Helen
Carmody and President-Elect Lois Bircher
attended the First Day of Issue Ceremony at
Seneca Falls; commemorating the new Interna
tional Women's Year Stamp.
November 4,1975 was the target date for
concentrating BPW activities concerning ERAin
New York State
Past State President Ruth Sturm prepared the
material for a flyer titled “Vote for the New York
State Equal Rights Amendment.” Over 120,000
copies of this excellent exposition of “why ERA"
were printed. Past State President Loretta
Spacek represented BPW on the Coalition for the
Passage of the Equal Rights Amendment to the
New York State Constitution.
Despite the concerted effort, ERA to the New
York State Constitution was defeated at the polls
‘on November 4. President Helen Carmody
commented: “We lost the fight for ratification of the
Equal Rights Amendment to our State Constitu-
tion, but we definitely haven't given up the fight for
equal rights for women, and we will, of course,
continue to emphasize the principle of ‘women
helping women.’ “
National Convention - Las Vegas, Nevada -
July 20-24, 1975 - The BPW Clubs of New York
State were proud to have Mary Louise Morrissey
as our candidate for the office of National
Recording Secretary.
She had the complete support of the Northeast,
and the final vote was very close. New York
State's achievement of the highest percentage of
membership in the “Ship of Commerce Fleet” for
1974-1975 was rewarded with up front seating of
our delegation to National Convention. Our 1974-
1975 President Audrey Lantare and Membership
Chairman Joan Russo were presented with a
marble statue of Nike.
Fall Board Meeting - October 10-11,1975 -
Treadway Inn, Niagara Falls—"Bicentennial: Pride
and Progress for Women’ was the theme for the
meeting under the Chairmanship of Lilllan English
and hostess District VIII. In keeping with the
concentrated effort on the passage of ERA to the
State Constitution, Olive Deuel moderated a panel
on Speak Out for ERA."
Winter Board Meeting - January 30-31,1976 -
on"
Value of A Dollar to A Woman Today,” under the
direction of Norma Thomas, Manager of
Consumer Affairs, First Trust and Deposit
Company; and “The Metric System,” led by Dr.
Fred Tucher, Director, Weights and Measure,
State of New York, were organized under the
overall theme “Freedom to Grow.” District IV and
Chairman Dorothy VanSchaick shared the
hostessing duties.-
International Women’s Year Committee - United
Nations Weekend -February 13-14,1976 - Under
the leadership of Chairman Adele Orlando, the
Committee planned the weekend in New York City
which commenced on Friday with a guided tour of
the UN, followed by a presentation of UN
programs, including “Decade for Women,” lunch in
the Delegates’ Dining Room, and concluded with
a reception given by the New York League BPW
Club.
4976 Bicentennial National Legislative
Conference - March 3-5, 1976 - Washington,
D.C.—New York State had one of the largest
delegations to the conference—89. Many of the
New York State Congressmen attended the
Congressional Breakfast, including Bella Abzug,
Sam Stratton, Barber Conable.
Youth Leadership Conference - March 19-
21,1976 - Holiday Inn,
Spring Valley—Overall arrangements were
made by Chairman June L. Aulik and the nine
career workshops and discussion sessions were
prepared under the leadership of Doreen
Simmons, New York State’s 1975 Young
Careerist. State Senator Linda Winikow ad-
dressed the Conference stressing the Importance
‘of becoming involved and advising our represen-
tatives in Albany of our views.
57th Annual State Convention—May 20-23,
1976 - Stevensville Country Club, Swan Lake—
District One hosted the Convention with Clare
Dunn as Chairman. The National Representative
was Julie K. Arti, Third Vice President of the
National Federation, who responded wholeheart-
edly to the activities and helped to make it a fun
* convention,
Bicentennial Awards were presented to 34
clubs by Chairman Josephine Bordonaro and
Foundation Awards were received by 30 clubs
from Chairman Dorothy Rosekrans. In addition,
the many facets of the National Program,
Ramada Inn, ps on “The
64 BPW
Persps for Women,” were
I
implemented throughout the State via communica-
tions with the clubs.
“Ring Out for Membership” was Marie Creel's
call to the 1975 membership Jamboree November
7-8. The goal of the Jamboree was to sharpen
techniques and learn about new and different
approaches to securing new members and
retaining memberships, One hundred and forty
BPW members participated,
New York State equalized plus 25 members as *
of April 30,1976, with a total membership of 7,241.
Nine clubs received National Membership Awards
for 25% or more increase in membership; 25 clubs
received National Equalization Certificates. State
Membership Awards were received by Snowbelt,
Washington Square and Buffalo.
Status of Women Committee - Kae Dutcher,
Chairman. The Committee received approval for
endorsement of Ann T. Mikoll, Past President of
the Buffalo Club, for appointment to the Appellate
Division of the Fourth Judicial Department of the
State Supreme Court and asked clubs to write
letters of support for her appointment to Governor
Carey.
Rita F. Mackay, a Charter member of the
Watertown Club and first woman to be named
Chief Executive Officer of a Marine Midland Bank,
was nominated for the Ladies Home Journal
Outstanding American Women of the Year in the
Field of Business and Economics and the
Committee requested BPW support.
Legislation Committee - Rosalind G. Drexelius,
Chairman—The Chairman reported that thanks in
part to letters and wires from BPW members
calling for a series of state conferences to
culminate in a National Women's Conference in
1977. On October 18,1975, the Equal Credit
Opportunity Act took effect, It prohibits discrimina-
tion on the basis of sex or marital status relating to
any aspect of credit transaction.
Foundation Committee - Dr. Dorothy
Rosekrans, Chairman—Club and individual
contributions totaled $3,704 and 30 clubs received
certificates for attaining $1.00 per member
contributions,
Young Careerist Committee - Dr. Margaret
Bergen, Chairman. Each of the eleven Districts
presented a candidate. The 1976 Young Career
Woman was Deborah Botch, District IV, and the
First Alternate was Karen Anne Smith, District V.
Grace LeGendre Fellowship Committee - Mary
Hastings, Chairman. The recipients were Priscilla
Angelo, Ingrid Barkow, Rondi Ericksen, Kathryn
Grant and Ilene Greenberg,
New Clubs Committee received its Charter
from President Helen Carmody on February
22,1976.
Membership: 7,241 in 140 clubs,
1976 - 1977
Lois Bircher - Webster
Bridging the 76 Bicentennial to 77, the first year
of the Third Century, Mrs. Lois Bircher of the
Webster Club, took office with the announced
state theme for the year, “Getting To Know You.”
The tall ships of "Operation Sail" were viewed
on July 4th, 1976 from Staten Island with District
11 as hostess district.
The New York Delegation appeared at the
Denver National Convention wearing ‘Liberty
Collars" for the first time. The new insignia,
designed by the President, features a modernistic
Statue of Liberty with ERA in mind, rising from a
profusion of New York State red roses, A New
York State Sherry Party was given for members of
the National Board. Clubs voted to honor Eleanor
Roosevelt in the Historical Pageant at National
Convention, with the President carrying the New
York State flag and 1st VP Marie Creel carrying an
Eleanor Roosevelt photo exhibit.
Each district supplied a block for a New York
Statehood Anniversary Quilt, in honor of 54-56
State President Margaret Barnard, with proceeds
going to a Grace LeGendre Fellowship.
Working for passage of ERA came into focus
when New York was hostess for the North East
Political Action Conference held in Albany. At the
request of the Canadian Federation, the President
was a panelist at a Human Rights—ERA Open.
Forum held in the city of Montreal.
The International President, Beryl Nashar from
Australia, the National President, Jane Culbreth
from Alabama, and the State President met with
members of District | at the Gotham Club in
February.
During the year Guidelines for publishing NIKE
were adopted.
Osta Underwood was the National Representa-
tive at the annual convention held at Grossinger’s
with a record banquet attendance of 819. At the
Convention Carol Bellamy was endorsed for the
BPW 65
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Office of President of the N.Y.C. Council. Revised
Guidelines for Grace LeGendre Fellowships were
adopted and 5 Fellowships were awarded, one
being in honor of Past President Loretta Spacek
who died during the year. Mary Ellen Walsh, an
attorney from District VII was chosen State Young
Careerist.
Grand island, Pine City and Enchanted
Mountain of Olean were three new clubs
welcomed during the year. With the year being
‘one accenting history, a list of clubs with their
charter year was compiled, With the aid of the
Seraneco Club, club presidents entered the
Parade of Presidents in founding order, with a
page carrying a newly designed unique banner
made by each respective club.
1st VP Marie Creel was installed as 77-78
President, as illness had forced President-Elect
Joan Russo to resign.
‘As a lasting memento of the “Women in
America—Women in the World—The THIRD
CENTURY” year, the President presented the
Federation with The THIRD CENTURY Traveling
Lectern, to be awarded each year to the dub
equalizing with greatest plus between May 1st and
the annual convention.
Membership: 6,911 in 139 clubs.
1977 -1978
Marie E. Creel - Albany ©
The theme for the year was “Change:
Challenge and Response ... Commitment.”
Members of the New York State Federation of
Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc.
were represented at the Women's Meeting in
Albany in July as well as the National Federation
Convention in Kentucky (July 24-28). Jean Root
chaired Women's Day at the New York State Fair
‘on September 7th. The Youth Leadership
Conference was held September 22-24 under the
direction of Jean Ives. The YLC recommended
that either the format or the name be changed as
today’s emphasis is on careers and preparing for
the work world.
The Fall Board Meeting (October 7-9) was held
in Plattsburgh. Kay Stanford was chairman,
District XI the hostesses. The Board decided to
name one of the Grace LeGendre scholarships
the Margaret Barnard Fellowship in honor of
Margaret Barnard who was State President during
1954-56. Plans for the National Legisiation
66 BPW
Conference were announced. Rosalyn Carter has
been asked to speak to the group and legislators
will be invited to attend. |
On November 42th, a workshop was held in
Batavia. Areas covered included career aware-
ness, Young Careerists, legislation, membership,
Foundation, and the Individual Development Plan.
This same format was followed in February when
a workshop was held in Newburg.
November 17-20, President Marie Cree! was an
official observer at the BPW ERA Meeting and the
International Women’s Year Conference in
Houston, Texas. Speaking of her personal
‘experience, Marie said, “I came back with the
same feeling | think was shared by most women
who attended. | was amazed at the diversity of
point of view presented, and | was astounded at
the amount of cooperation that came out of the
meeting, | think almost everyone who attended
shared in the experience of women caring about
the causes of other women. BPW has always
urged equal legal rights for women and in Houston
we worked with the American Association of
University Women, the National Education
Association, the League of Women Voters,
Political Caucus and the National Organization of
Women developing a program that would urge the
passage of the Equal Rights Amendment.”
The Winter Board was held in Syracuse on
January 27-28,1978. Helen Tubbert was chairman
with District V as hostess district.
The National Legislative Conference (March 1-
3,1978) focused on the lobbying process.
Information was provided to the members on how
to influence the political world.
The 59th annual convention was held at the
Holiday Inn in Rochester on May 19-21, 1978.
Gladys Wiedrich was the chairman with District Vil
as hostess. National Representative, Geraldine R.
Edison (President Elect) was present at all of the
meetings,
Young Careerist chosen to represent N.Y.S,
Federation of B.P.W. Clubs, Inc. was Cathy L.
Lieber from District 1. Mary Haswell from T.S.A.
won the chance to represent the Federation at the
National Convention for the Individual Develop-
ment Plan. Grace LeGendre recipients were:
Diane A. Berger, Ellen M. Gallagher, Jeanne L.
Levanthal, Katherine A. Mitchell (Margaret
Barnard Fellowship), lisie A. Zimmerman.
The convention body voted to name one of the
‘| scholarships for 1978-79 for Helen Curtis Smith.
Of special note is the election campaign for
Clare T. Garity former N.Y.S. president for National
Recording Secretary.
Membership, April 30,1978; 6,916. A plus 5
from last year.
New Clubs: Catskill Mountain B.P.W. of Liberty,
NY.
Disbanded Clubs: Turnpike (District 111);
Schroon Valley (District V), Min-i-mont (District
V); Nunda (District VII); Wolcott (District VI};
Westfield (District Vill).
1978 - 1979
Helen M. Olsen - North Shore
‘Theme: “Threshold to New Horizons,”
Doors of opportunity have opened and yet we
are standing on the threshold to new horizons with
unlimited opportunities available for the future.
With the convention over, work began on the
campaign of Clare Garrity, candidate for National
Recording Secretary, The National Convention in
Puerto Rico was a great celebration of Clare's
successful election.
Helen Olsen led the BPW delegation-to
Women’s Day at the State Fair where she
delivered the Invocation,
The 1978 Youth Leadership Conference was
held in September in Binghamton with 50 young
women and Betty P. Lomonaco, Chair.
Fall Board was held in New York City the
weekend of October 13th with Rosemarie Russo,
District tI as Chair. A visit to the United Nations
was enjoyed by the registrants lobbying for
extension of the ERA.
Winter Board was held in Albany, January 26-
27, 1979. District Ill hosted. Jean Fatico chaired,
with 153 attending. A letter was received from
National President Gerry Eidson announcing a
special committee to assess the impact of
November 7th election on the Ratification of ERA.
Clare Garrity is a member of the special
committee, Marle Creel, Carol Greenough, and
Dorothy Mangano were also named, President
Olsen announced that Clare Garrity, National
Recording Secretary, would not seek further office
because of her law practice,
The 60th Anniversary Convention was held
June 8-11 at Stevensville Country Club at Swan
Lake. Convention attendance, 357. Hosted by
District IX; Peg D’Ascoli, chair. Action taken
included:
+ $1.00 increase in State dues
+ Convention Gift was a very attractive glass
tray with “60th Anniversary, 1919-1979" and “Six
Decades of Women Helping Women.”
+ Ann Costello was to prepare a 60th Anniver-
sary Booklet and 1,000 copies were ordered.
* Dorine Chancellor, National First Vice
President, brought greetings from National
Federation.
« Five Grace LeGendre Fellowships were
awarded to Erica Lynn Rowe, Margaret Alice
Allen-Crawford, Karen Ann Bulsiewica, Dona
DeSanctis and K. Lynn Swingle Molzen.
+ Speakoff winners were: IDP -Josephine
Cooney, Washington Square; Young Careerist -
Myma Rivers, Medina, District |.
Membership, June 1979: equalized +350 for
total of 7,266 with 140 clubs. Four new clubs
chartered.
Final registration report showed attendance at
Swan Lake Convention: 738,
1979 - 1980
Dorothy Rosekrans - Eastwood
Theme: “Decade for Decision: Together We
Aspire and Together We Achieve.”
Installed by Past State President Lorraine
Rouget at the 60th Anniversary Convention,
Dorothy Rosekrans began the 61st year of BPW/
NYS.
During the National Convention in July 1979,
BPWINYS received National's Winged Victory
Award for superior results in membership growth
for the previous BPW year, This convention saw
the last National IDP Speakoff.
Four all-day Leadership and Orientation
Seminars were planned for this year. They were
held at Fishkill, Johnstown, Buffalo and Syracuse.
At the 61st Annual Convention held in Syracuse in
June 1980, changes were proposed in Bylaws
affecting the Assistant District Director’s role. She
will now serve as an observer on the Board of
Directors of the State Federation. She shall have
the privilege of attending the pre-convention and
post-convention Board Meetings without vote..
The Legislative Platform included: Ratification of
ERA, enactment of legislation to prohibit
discrimination in insurance on the basis of race,
color, religion, sex or national origin, Another item
BPW 67
would provide Federal support and encourage-
ment of state, local and community activities to
prevent domestic violence. These items were all
adopted, Among the policy items adopted in June
4980, were: support of reforms in current health
insurance and health care delivery systems,
support measures to make the Social Security
System equitable, support measures that will bring
about a more equitable recognition of women's
worth in the labor market, support improvement in
the treatment and prevention of alcoholism and
other addictions. ~
Membership as of Apri! 30,1980: 7,516,
1980 - 1981
Louise Sienko - Hancock
Theme: “Together We Aspire, Together We
Achieve.”
The National theme “Decade of Decision ~
Time of Action” tied together themes for the next
three years, BPW's major emphasis will be upon
Economics, Energy and Health. YLC was held in
September with the theme “Women Helping
Women.” A Leadership/Orientation Seminar,
sponsored by National and BPW/NYS was held at
Albany in November, 1980, A Legislative
Conference was held in February, 1981, at Albany.
At the 62nd annual Convention held at
Grossinger’s in the Catskills in June, 1981, it was
reported that BPW/NYS had adopted South *
Carolina as our sister state in an effort to help
them ratify the ERA. We collected and contrlb-
uted, over the year, $852.57 to South Carolina to
further their effort. An ERA rally was held June 30,
1981 at Albany; monies contributed to the
Foundation totaled $6,482.82; and five $1,000
GLG Scholarships were awarded. The Public
Relations Chair moved that all clubs and club
members use the initials BPW rather than B-&
PW. Motion carried. Resolutions presented
addressed the issues of toxic waste and the
bottle-baby disease suffered by millions of Third
World babies. Both resolutions carried. After much
discussion and amending of the proposed
Legislative Platform for 1981-82, the Platform was
passed allowing the incoming President and
Legislation Chair to establish priority order of
action and policy.items. 741 attended the
convention at Grossinger’s.
The Town of Rose, Vil, was chartered.
68 BPW
1981 - 1982 n
Dr. Meryl R. Grayer - New York
League
Theme: “Our Future is Now.”
Past State President Lois Bircher, and Clare T,
Garrity installed our new President at the 62nd
annual Convention. Over 100 members attended
the National Convention in San Francisco in July.
BPWINYS received the National Program Award
for Ithaca BPW's 1980-1981 “Women in Business”
Program. Youth Leadership was held in Septem-
The Fall Board with 122 members and Winter
Board with 150 attending, emphasized legislation
and lobbying. Workshops on “Lifestyle Alterna-
tives” were added to these meetings. The
deadline for the ratification of ERA was June 30,
1982. Fund raising efforts were expanded. [n
December 1981, two successful events took
place, BPW, in cooperation with ERAmerica and
co-sponsored by a number of women's organiza-
tions, raised $75,000 for ERAmerica and the
media campaign continued in unratified states.
A fair, entitled “Businesswomen: A Fair
Exchange" was held in an effort to acquaint the
public with the services, skills and products of
BPW members, Television and radio Interviews,
as well as’extensive newspaper coverage, took
place throughout the state in an effort to spread
the word about BPW. BPW/NYS and Marymount
College co-sponsored programs worthwhile to
working women. New York BPW/PAC was
established.
Youth Leadership Conference was held in
September for 115 students and chaperones.
The 63rd State Convention had an attendance
of 657. Convention highlights included:
+ Five GLG Fellowships to Bertha Berman,
Nancy Church, Colleen A. Cottrell, Patricia B.
Neu, and Mary Ann Theis
+ National Representative, President-Elect Jeri
S. Liebner
+ Membership as of April 30, 1982: 6,785 with
139 clubs
+ The Bronx, |; Clifton Park, IV and Town of
Rose, Vil were chartered, was chartered,
1982 - 1983
Dorothy Mangano - Silver Creek
Theme: “Our Future is You, the BPW Member.”
The 64rd annual Convention was held in June,
4982 in the Catskills. Marty Evans, chair; Marjorie
Stermer, Vice Chair.
BPWINYS PAC, formed in June, was
spearheaded by Dr. Meryl R. Grayer, the
Immediate Past State President.
President Mangano led 100 BPW/NYS
members to San Antonio for the National
Convention where delegates undertook extensive
work on the Strategic Long Range Plan for BPW/
USA. The ERA effort was reappealed,
Events during the year included:
+ September 1 - Women's Day at the NYS Fair;
Jean Root, Chair
+ September 17 - 19, Youth Leadership
Conference at Watertown with 76 participants.
Jean Root, Marsha Coppola, Chairs and Jo Ann.
Longo, Vice Chair.
+ October 1 - 3, Fall Board at Holiday Inn, Lake
Placid with 186 attending. Katie Gregor, Chair.
+ November - All Day Leadership Conference in
Syracuse with over 100 attending
+ January Winter Board at Sheraton Inn, La
Guardia, with 159 in attendance. Margaret Barry,
chair.
+ February 25 - 27, Legislative Conference in
Albany for over 200 members. Rita Ganley, Chair,
author of an outstanding Legislative Manual
Highlights of the 64th annual Convention in
Niagara Falls included:
+ Five GLG Fellowships awarded to Jennifer
Lee Gravitz, Natalie Hanlon, Karen Malorg,
Bernadette O'Hara and Dolores J. Wawrzynew.
One of these Fellowships was made in honor of
Lucile M. Kinne, past State President.
+ Anne Steinbeck was National representative
+ International Night with Canadian Federation
at an International Banquet
+ Past State President Esther Corwin
celebrated her 50th anniversary as a member of
PW
+647 members attended Convention in Niagara
Falis
«+ Membership, April 1993: 6,847 in 142 clubs
« New clubs: State Street, Ill; Western Finger
Lakes, VIl;.Falconer, Vill
+ NIKE clubs in Syracuse and Rome
+ Troy BPW, Ill, was rechartered
1983 - 1984
Leona B. Frey - Amsterdam
Theme: “The Turning Point”,
Our 64th annual Convention was held at
Niagara Falls.
Early it became clear that we needed to review
procedures, goals, objectives and finances. At
Winter Board in Albany we learned we had used
up all special accounts and had $18,000 of unpaid
bills, Members were encouraged to “speak up by
speaking out” and prove they were ready and
willing to take positive action to rectify a
demanding situation. Plans and projects were “put
‘on hold.” Although we operated on an austerity ‘|
budget this year, essential services to the clubs i
and districts were maintained. In an effort to 4
promote membership growth, “Speak-Up”
campaigns were prevalent at the local levels
across the country. September 15 to October 31,
1983 was designated by National BPW as the
time for women to “speak-up” on the issues that
concerned working women. The Strategic Long
Range Plan, recommended by National BPW, was
in the beginning stages of development.
At the 1983 Convention, President Frey
appointed an ad hoc committee charged with the
responsibility of watching over our financial well-
being and to work closely with the Finance
Committee.
This ad hoc committee was implemented as a i
result of the deficit budget presented to the new |
administration. Joan Egan chaired the committee. |
The committee worked with a professional auditor
throughout the year. A financial plan including
policies and practices was adopted by the
delegates at the 65th annual Convention.
Conformity to budget, payment only on vouchers,
and other procedures were set in place.
‘The 65th annual State Convention was held at
Buffalo in June 1984, bringing to a close a year
signifying a definite “turning point” for BPW/NYS.
509 members attended the Convention.
Five GLG Scholarships were awarded.
Membership - June 1984: 6,924.
BPW 69
1984 - 1985
Joyce R. Hart - Albany
Theme: “Enthusiasm and Commitment.”
At the 65th annual Convention held at Buffalo
in June, 1984, two significant actions took place. It
was voted to‘present a bid for the 1991 National
Convention. The site chosen was Niagara Falls.
BPWINYS voted to endorse a program entitled
“New Careerist Recognition.” This program
recognized achievements by women new to the
work force or returning to the work force after an
absence,
At the National Convention, BPW/PAC
endorsed Geraldine Ferraro, a BPW member
(New York League), as a candidate for the office
of Vice President of the United States.
Key issues to be addressed were equalization,
ERA and visibility/leadership through “Speak-Up
and Speak-Out” campaigns. At the Fall Board
Meeting, the new voucher system for all
expenditures was introduced. This was a result of
the ad hoc “watch dog” committee's (formed June
1983) study of BPW/NYS financial situation.
BPWINYS Strategic Long Range Plan (SLAP)
was launched with Cay Raycroft, Chair,
At the 66th annual Convention held in June,
1985 at the Catskills, the second business session
began with the motion that any area of New York
State be permitted to submit invitations and _
proposals regarding hosting of the 1991 National
BPW Convention, should it desire. Motion carried,
deleting the 1984 Convention motion. It was
reported that we were closing the year in the
black. It was recommended by the Executive
Committee and Board of Directors that funds be
retained in a general account to cover three
months expenses and the cost of one issue of
NIKE. A restricted reserve fund was voted on.
Motion carried. At this convention, it was moved
and carried that a not-for-profit tax exempt
corporation be established to raise and administer
funds to use as endowment for the GL@
Fellowship. The Executive Committee would
appoint a committee to establish this corporation.
The Executive Committee and the Board of
Directors recommended $2,000 be used as seed
money for beginning expenses for the establish-
ment of this corporation. Motion carried,
Membership, April 1985: 6,891.
Three Rivers BPW, V, and Gateway, Il, were
chartered.
70 BPW
1985-1986 ,
Gladys Wiedrich - Rochester
Theme: “Friendship - Fellowship - Membership
- Scholarship.”
At the Fall Board Meeting held at Rome,
revised guidelines for the New Careerist Program
were distributed, the +5 Club was initiated as a
means of bringing in new member, and the
Women in Poverty program was approved for
implementation at the district and local levels.
At the 1986 Winter Board Meeting, the
Bicentennial Collect was introduced and used
throughout 1986. The Executive Committee
authorized the chartering of a NIKE College
Organization. The Membership Communikit was
distributed throughout the State.
A committee was appointed at this Winter
Board Meeting to develop a position paper in
response to the actions proposed by the National
Executive Board c concerning the status of 2012.
The Position Paper was delivered to the National
Executive Board by President Wiedrich.
At the 67th annual State Convention held in
June, 1986 at Lake Placid, $3,000 was transferred
from the 1985-1986 excess revenue to the GLG
Endowment. It was reported that the Endowment
Fund Committee had filed for a certificate of
incorporation and the goal of the endowment fund
was to raise $150,000, For the first time the New
Careerist Program was included in the state
budget (1986-1987). The SLAP task force
presented the final plan to the convention body at
Lake Placid. After an active debate, it was voted to
adopt the goals and objectives of the plan. A
resolution presented at this convention stated that
the BPW/NYS delegates to the 1986 National
Convention support, if economically feasible, the
concept of retaining the present National
Headquarters Building and that the renovation
thereof and possibly an extension thereof be
considered an option. It was reported that BPW/
NYS ‘Project 2012" raised $7,813.08 during the
1985-86 year,
Membership, April 1986; 6,676.
1986 - 1987
Diane Bergmanson - TSA
‘Theme: “Working and Winning Together"
Throughout the state we worked diligently to
make BPW more visible with our Leadership
Conference, increasing our PR by exploring the
possibility of cable TV coverage and the
continuation of the “Speak-Up” campaign.
Employers who dealt fairly with women employees
were recognized with the “Employer Recognition
Programs, Legislative issues held ial
two-year demonstration project ‘on the CHOICES
program,
The first Women's Agenda Conference held
January, 1988 at Des Moines, lowa, saw many of
‘our BPW/NYS members joining other BPW
fe
position during this
Issues such as myths and facts boul battered
women, the status of women in the Americas,
maternity and paternity laws were Just a few of the
numerous concerns addressed. An effort was
made to provide the membership with at least one
position paper with each state mailing.
At the 68th annual State Convention held-at
New York City in June, 1987, the state PR
brochure was presented ,.. “History of New York
State.” A report was made on the accumulation of
monies for 2012 and the renovation progress of
the National Headquarters. Our innovative Lobby
Corps Program was entered for consideration of
the National Legislation Award, It was reported the
Grace LeGendre Endowment Fund is now a tax-
exempt organization retroactive to June 11, 1986,
BPWINYS PAC reported a total of $9,267.56 in
their fund, It was moved and carried that BPW/
NYS endorse and support women owners of small
businesses,
Membership, April 1987: 6,462 in 128 clubs.
1987 - 1988
Betty Lomonaco - Triple Cities
Theme: “You can do it... We can doit... Let's
do it!"
At the National Convention held July, 1987 at
Hawaii, National awarded, for the first time, a
State Federation Legislative award. BPW/NYS's
“Lobby Corps” Program received that award.
Other events of note during this Convention were:
the “Red Purse Campaign” (better pay for
women), the “CHOICES program was introduced,
efforts were begun in support of the Family and
Medical Leave Act and National dues increased to
$16 effective December 1, 1987.
At the Fall Board Meeting held at Jamaica, an
ad hoc Task Force Committee was established to
study State Meetings and Sites. The Innisbrook
Wrap Fund Raiser was introduced. New
committees were formed: Past State President's
Advisory Committee, New York State Task Force
on Women Veterans and Women in the Military
and NYS 2012. BPW/NYS was chosen by
National as one of ten State Federations to pilot a
Federations at a focusing on Women's
Issues in the Political Scene. A five-year rental
lease for State Office plus updated machinery for
the State Office were implemented.
A few highlights at the June, 1988 69th annual
State Convention held at Monticello were: five
$1,000 GLG Scholarships were awarded, the Task
Force on State Meetings and Sites report was
approved, New Careerist Registration Fee waived
effective 1989, and a National Women's Voting
Action encouraging a time slot for women to vote
as a show of strength on Election Day was
adopted to be proposed to BPW/USA.
New clubs chartered: Manhattan, |; Western
Gateway, IV.
Membership, April 1988; 6,251 in 128 clubs.
1988 - 1989
Jeannette Burrows - Syracuse
Theme: “Unity + Strength = Achievement.”
At the National Convention held at Albuquer-
que, New Mexico in July 1988, the excitement
was palpable. It was a Presidential election year
and candidates for this office came to seek our
support and addressed their support of our
Legislative Platform. BPW/NYS presented “The
Women’s Vote Action.” (Women across the
country cast their vote after six o'clock p.m. to
show women's strength in numbers at the polls.)
This innovative approach was approved by the
convention body,
The Women's Agenda Conference Il and the
National Legislative Conference were held
January 6 - 8, 1989 at Kansas City, MO. Again,
many BPW/NYS members participated.
Our Winter Board at Niagara Falls, January 27
- 29, 1989 afforded an opportunity to establish
close ties with local organization members from
Canada, The presentation of the “Good of the
Order" Forum encouraged members to discuss
policies and direction of BPW/NYS.
An emergency full Board of Directors meeting
was held April 9, 1989 to discuss the critical
situation facing BPW/USA. From this meeting a
position paper was developed stating BPW/NYS
was opposed to any dues increase, member
BPW 71
assessments, further loan indebtedness, or sale of
assets until such time as full financial disclosure
was made. The concern of BPW/NYS was BPW/
USA... its health, strength and credibility. At our
70th annual Convention held at Rochester in
June, 1989 the proposed amendment to the State
Bylaws regarding:membership for students was
defeated. During this convention, the National
Federation President (our Representative from
National) answered the many questions on issues
facing National. BPW/NYS pledged $1,000 for a
window supporting the renovation of 2012 and we
met our pledge. A most unusual election for the
1989 - 1990 state offices occurred. There were
298 eligible votes and 298 ballots cast. Those
eligible to vote chose not to vote for all candidates
presented. All offices were contested (except for
‘one), Observers were present for all contested
elections. The Elections Committee was
commended for their diligence and thoroughness.
The President stated the election results were by
plurality, It was moved and carried to transfer a
CD in the amount of $6,500 from the GLG
Fellowship account to the GLG Endowment.
Anew local organization was chartered:
Clarence Heritage, VIII.
Membership, April 30, 1989: 6,133 in 127 clubs.
1989 - 1990
Betty O’Connor - Lake George
Theme: “Together Towards Tomorrow.”
The National Convention was held in July at
Detroit, Michigan. The financial crisis within BPW/
USA reached a crescendo, Many events had to be
canceled or postponed to later times because the
meetings went (heatedly) until fate in the evening.
As a result of the dedicated efforts of the
members attending this Convention, policies were
put into place regarding financial responsibility
and accountability.
The Fall Board Meeting held on Long Island,
was the first one being conducted using the
guidelines adopted from the Task Force on State
Meetings, i.e., Board Meetings to begin on
Saturday morning through Sunday noon (no
business Friday evenings). This format was to. be
used for a three-year trial period.
With the rousing rendition of “Diamonds are a
Club's Best Friend” the five-year Diamond Jubilee
Membership Development Program was initiated
by Cay Raycroft, Membership Chair. A Member-
72 BPW
ship Development Kit was distributed to every
local in the state and every club to equalize was
given a certificate and chance to win a ($75) 2012
Partnership Gift.
At the Interim Board in Washington, January 27
- 28, 1990, action on 1980-90 finances included
(upon recommendation from Executive Commit-
tee) that payment of International dues be
deferred pending negotiation of a revised dues
structure for BPW/USA's International dues. At
this meeting, the 1991 National Convention, to be
held in Niagara Falls, was almost changed to
Washington, D.C. With the combined efforts of the
State Presidents from Area 4 and the BPW/NYS
President, the proposal was defeated.
At the Winter Board Meeting held at
Plattsburgh, Bylaws Chair proposed that our New
Careerist Program become a Standing Commit
tee. This was moved to State Convention and the
motion was passed. Also at this Winter Board, the
development of BPW/NYS Women's History
Month Award was announced. Efforts were made
to implement past actions voted on and many
were put in place.
The meetings of the Executive Committee with
the District and Assistant Directors began at the
70th Convention were continued. State Office was
computerized, At the 71st annual State Conven-
tlon held June 8 - 10, 1990 at the Friar Tuck in the
Catskills, the revised proposed budget (which
included a $1 dues increase) was passed, The
Resolution Chair announced resolutions were
being assigned numbers to assist in tracking them
and that a standard format had been developed.
Five $1,000 GLG scholarships were awarded.
Five new clubs were chartered: Upper East
Side, |; North Country, IV; Orchard Park, VIII; Mid-
Hudson, IX. and Warrensburg, IV.
Rye, IX, was rechartered.
Membership, April 1990: 5,751 in 126 local
organizations.
1990 - 1991
Toni Grossi - New York League
Theme: ‘T.E.A.M. - Together Each Achieves
More.”
T.E.A.M. efforts were applauded at the National
Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina in July
when BPW/NYS won the State Federation
Category Award for the 1989-90 membership
promotion and the Diamond Jubilee Handbook for
i
1
i
Membership Development. Another result of
T.E.AM. efforts at this Convention was BPW/NYS
purchasing the fireplace in the Grand Salon at
National Headquarters with monies earned at the
Silver Brick Breakfast combined with previous
2012 donations. The National dues increase of
$15 earmarked for debt reduction for 2012
(headquarters building) took place September 1,
1990.
BPW/USA's National President visited New
York three times. One of those occasions was a
reception in her honor recognizing her as one of
the ‘Women of Spirit.” At the Fall Board Meeting
focus was on workshops. We were informed that
beginning with the 90-91 year, National Founda:
tion Local Organization Awards would be based
‘on contributions of $3 per member. As war in the
Persian Gulf escalated, BPW programs relating to
the military became numerous,
Following a fund raiser organized in District V, a
check for $1,600 was forwarded to Washington to
be used toward a memorial for women in the
military, At Winter Board in Waterloo, the Board
concentrated on the bringing of bylaws to conform
with mandatory National changes. NIKE
publication was improved and money was saved
with computer printed labels. The 72nd annual
State Convention was held in Liverpool, June 7-9,
1991. At this Convention, a working relationship
was established with the Small Business
Administration (SBA) in an effort to bring about
jointly sponsored seminars and workshops. Nine
of the thirteen candidates supported with $7800
from NYS/PAC won in the 1990 elections.
Six GLG scholarships, $1,000 each, were
awarded,
Five year goals were adopted for 1991 96.
Fall Board was held at Roaring Brook Ranch at
Lake George with 126 registrants. Winter Board
was held at Waterloo with 110 registered.
Clubs disbanding: Flatbush, Oswego,
Southtown, Smithtown Bay and South Bay.
Membership as of April 30, 1991: 5,342 in 124
local organizatlons.
1991-1992
Elizabeth Drislane - White Plains
Theme: “Your Commitment is Our Future.”
As the 72nd State Convention drew to a close,
our attention was drawn to the BPW/USA
convention to be held in Niagara Falls, Though
hosted by Area IV, our BPW/NYS members were
very much involved with the Convention National
Chair being a Past BPWINYS President, Gladys
Wiedrich.
At the Fall Board Meeting in Elmira, action
items included approval for BPW/NYS to enter
into a grassroots coalition with the Federally
Employed Women, Inc. to further the cause of
working women. Approved formation of a
committee to address issues for “Women in the
Workplace 2001," and to implement the 1991-96
goals and objectives voted on at the 1991 State
Convention.
At the BPW/USA Interim Board Meeting in
January at Washington, D.C., BPW/NYS was
awarded a membership recruitment grant of $455
(New York State was one of 23 State Federations
to receive a grant).
Our Winter Board was held in February at
Albany. At this meeting, it was decided to set the
State Convention registration fee at $30 for
advance registration and $45 for late registration,
At the 73rd State Convention, June 12-14,
1992, held at Loch Sheldrake, the Grace
LeGendre Endowment Fund, Inc. (GLEF)
announced the endowment was not producing
enough income to increase the GLEF Fellowships
from one to two awards of $1,000 each. The GLG
will award three additional Fellowships of $1,000
each.
New clubs chartered: Cross Bronx, |.
Club merger: North Syracuse-Liverpool and
Syracuse BPW into Central New York BPW,
District V.
Membership, April 30, 1992: 4,464.
1992 - 1993
Catherine H. Raycroft -
Schenectady
Theme: “A New Day: Diversity, Visibility,
Vision."
In this “Year of the Woman" we were chal-
lenged to meet this new day. At the BPW/USA
Convention held in July at Minneapolis, our
candidate for National Treasurer, Joyce R. Hart,
won the election. A three-year program to “Build
Woman Power: Politically, Professionally,
Personally” was introduced. The most controver-
sial item at National was our relationship to the
International Federation.
The Fall Board was held in Buffalo and wewere -
challenged to examine the paradigms that shape |
BPW 73)
our interpretation of what we experience. The
Friday Night Public Relations Workshop kicked off
our visibility efforts including exhibits, flyers, media
relations, recycling magazines, Other workshops
included IDP, NC, YC and kits of resources were
given for every club in the state,
We endorsed a candidate for National Office for
4993-94. The Historian reported she had
completed the summary requested by National for
BPWINYS activities from 1960 -1992, The
proposed Manual of Instruction changes were
presented, The Immediate PSP presented a
framed certificate of the gold brick awarded to
BPWINYS. Members were challenged to join in a
BPWINYS Health Fitness Campaign to raise
money to help finance visibility projects. The
President announced a special State award would
be given to every local organization submitting a
teport of activities to Build Woman Power.
Winter Board was held in lower Manhattan at
the Downtown Athletic Club overlooking the River,
Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, the World Trade Center,
Wall Street and more. Friday night Membership
Workshop was led by Susan Daley of Vermont,
member of the BPW/USA Membership Commit-
tee, Again ... excellent video topic paradigms,
‘workshops and speakers. Actions of the Executive
Committee included offering members a
subscription to the State Monthly Mailing for $15
per year. We were informed that the International
Federation (IFBPW) had abrogated BPW/USA.
Effective May 1, 1993, dues would be collected on
an annual basis rather than fiscal year basis.
Saturday night Banquet and program gave us a
“Touch of New York" in the Heisman Room with an
all-woman orchestra and the lighted skyline of
New York City all around us,
Our 74th annual State Convention was held
dune 11 - 13, 1993 in Bolton Landing on Lake
George. Our National Representative was BPW/
USA President. We awarded six $1,000 GLG
Scholarships. The Bylaws Chair reported our
BPWINYS Bylaws were approved by National.
The President appointed a NIKE Editorial Board
for the coming year. This board will work on
advertising and editorial policies, format and
costs,
‘Two new clubs were chartered: Bouquet Valley
and St. Lawrence Valley, both in District X1.
Membership as of April 30, 1993: 4,015 in 117
clubs.
14 BPW
1993 - 1994
Audrey B. MacDougall - Rome
Theme: “Celebrate the Past... Shape the
Future”.
With the rousing strains of “| Am Woman”
permeating the 74th Annual State Convention held
June, 1993 at Bolton Landing, Lake George,
President Audrey B. MacDougall was installed.
We went to Reno, Nevada sixty-four strong in July
for the 74th Annual Convention Conference of
BPW/USA. We received a National Membership
Award. Joyce R. Hart, our candidate for BPW/
USA Treasurer, was re-elected.
In September our 1993 YLC with a theme
“Leading Young Women Into the 21st Century”
was held at Old Forge. Our Fall Board took place
at Saranac Lake, hosted by District XI. We
nominated and endorsed Joyce R. Hart for BPW/
USA 2nd Vice President. It was announced that
we will co-sponsor a business seminar with Small
Business Administration (SBA) for entrepreneurs.
At the Winter Board, held in Syracuse with
District V as hosts, it was reported that at the
Interim Board in Washington, DC, February 1994,
the proposed BPW/USA dues increase was voted
down. Our National President and Treasurer were
both present at our Winter Board. Three budgets,
several proposed amendments to our State
Bylaws were presented and will be voted on at
this State Convention.
In April, our President, with members of a panel
‘of BPW officials from Vermont, Montreal and
Ontario, represented BPW/NYS in Montreal at the
Hands Across the Border Conference. President
Audrey informed us, via the May State Mailing,
that the mortgage for 2012 has been paid in full.
Clubs
17
Memb.
NA
NA
NA
NA
Date
May
From Conv. Site
President
Anniv. Year
Hotel Penna. NYC
Rochester
NYC
NYC
Adeline B. Zachert
1919-1920
1920-1921
fs
Hotel Penna. NYC May 7
Hotel Penna.
Rochester
Judge Jean H. Norris
May 27
May
Judge Jean H. Norris
1921-1922
1922-1923
3.
26
NYC
Marion Booth Kelley
Marion Booth Kelley
Marion T. Brockway
Marion T. Brockway
Jessie Lee Hall
4.
578
May 24
Tarrytown
NYC
1923-1924
5.
923
May 23
May 22
Niagara Falls
Brooklyn
NYC.
NYC
NYC
1924-1925
6.
594
1925-1926
771
May 28
Ma’
a Springs
Sarat
1926-1927
1927-1928
NA
1071
934
26
Buffalo
Utica
Brooklyn
NYC
May 25
Ella A. Laurence
1928-1929
10.
11.
May 20-21
May 22
May
NYC
Rochester
Helen Curtis Smith
Helen Curtis Smith
Grace L.B.
1929-1930
1930-1931
1093
1220
1221
Schenectad:
Larchmont
Rochester
19
Mt. Vernon
1931-1932
1932-1933
Cornins
Mt. Vernon
ligan
Grace L.B.
1275
1546
2035
May 25-27
May
Rochester
Kathryn Starbuck Saratoga Springs
1933-1934
15.
Saratoga Springs
Jamestown
Saratoga Springs
Rochester
NYC
NYC.
Kathryn Starbuck
Grace LeGendre
Vera McCrea
1934-1935
16.
17.
18.
1935-1936
2168
2307
2551
May 21-23
May 19-21
Syracuse
NYC.
1936-1937
Vera McCrea
1937-1938
1938-1939
May 18-21
Albany Albany
NA
Miriam Schindler
2681
Miriam Schindler Albany Buffalo
1939-1940
21.
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Memb, Clubs
6847
6924
6891
Date
From Conv. Site
President
Anniv. Year
1982-1983
June 9-11
Niagara Falls
Buffalo
Silver Creek
Amsterdam
Albany
Dorothy Mangano
Leona B. Frey
Joyce R. Hart
June 8-10
June 12-16
June 6-8
1983-1984
1984-1985
7985-1986
65.
66.
NA
NA
128
Concord
6676
6462
6251
Lake Placid
NYC
Rochester
Gladys Wiedrick
67.
June 12-14
June 10-12
June 5-7
TSA/NYC
Diane Bergmanson
Betty Lomonaco
1986-1987
1987-1988
68.
128
127
126
124
119
6133
5751
Jeannette Burrows Syracuse Rochester
1988-1989
1989-1990
1990-1991
69.
70.
dune 6-8
Friar Tuck
Liverpool
Brown's
Lake George
NYC
O'Connor
Toni Grossi
Bet
71.
5342
4464
dune 7-9
72.
June 8-10
White Planes
Betty Drislane
1991-1992
1992-1993
73.
117
110
4015
June 9-11
Sagamore
Albany
Schenectady
Rome
Catherine H. Raycroft
Audrey B. MacDougall
74.
3883
June 10-12
1993-1994
75.
1994 1988
BPW/NYS CLUBS
& CHARTER DATES 4940
1919 Rochester VII
1920 Brooklyn II 1941
Corning VI 1942
New York League |
Merged w/Fortune 500 - 1990 1943
Niagara Falls VIII 1944
1926 Saratoga Springs IV 1946
1927 Mount Vernon IX 1947
Schenectady IV
Utica V
1930 Syracuse V
Now Central NY - 1992 1948
Geneva VII
1931 New Rochelle IX
Yonkers IX
1932 Jamestown VIII
1933 Bath VII
1934 Albany Ill (need wo oag
Buffalo VIII
Hornell VII
Norwich VI 1952
TSA |
1935 Elmira VI
Johnstown IV
Poughkeepsie IX
1936 Rye IX
Rechartered 1989 1953
Staten Island II
Rechartered 1989
1937 Tarrytown IX 1954
1938 Triple Cities VI
Amsterdam IV
Newark VII
Tonawandas VIII
Nassau County X
Watkins Glen VI
Ithaca VI
Adirondack XI
Dunkirk-Fredonia VIII
Tri Town VI
Hudson III
Hamburg VIII
Eastwood V
Gotham |
Rome VI
Town & Country II!
Cobleskill III
Delhi VI
Mettawee Valley IV
Owego VI
Penn Yan VII
Rockland IX
Champlain Valley XI
Greene VI
Latham Ill \
Canandaigua II! |
Colonie III
Elmira Heights VI
Franklin of Malone XI
Lake George IV
Rennselaer III
Bay Ridge Il
Fair Haven VII
Huntington X
Geddes V
Merged with Camillus 1992
Phelps VII
BPW 79 |
|
1955 Bay Shore X 1975 Grand Island VIII
Eastwood V 1977 Enchanted Mountain VIII
Silver Creek VIII 1978 Catskill Mountain III
1956 Tappan Zee IX Peninsula II
1957 Gowanda VIII 1981 Town of Rose VII
Hudson Falls IV 1982 Clifton Park IV
Massena XI State Street Ill
1958 Albion VIII Troy
Camillus V Rechartered —Originally 1934
Merged with Geddes 1992 1984 Three Rivers V
Brookhaven X 1985 Gateway Il
No. Syracuse V 1988 Clarence Heritage VIII
Now Central NY 1992 Manthattar | megs
Oneida V Western-Gateway IVs" |:
Tupper Lake XI! 1989 Rye IX |
Upper Westchester IX Rechartered — Originally 1936
Walton VI 1990 North Country IV
1959 South Shore X Orchard Park VIII
1961 Evans VIII Tri County VII
Northern Dutches IX Warrensburg IV
1963 Amherst VIII 1992 Gamillus/Geddes
Webster VII Merged 1992 :
1965 Metro Syracuse V Central New York H
North Shore X Syracuse & No. Syracuse ~ :
Ossining IX merged 1992, *
Potsdam XI Cross-Brorx |
Ulster County III 1993 Boquet Valley XI :
Watertown V St-Lawrence Valley XI H
1968 Hudson Valley IV
1969 Deer Park X es
Fort Carillion XI Bry
1973 Helderberg Il @~7" =
Richmond County II {
1974 Metro Utica V |
80 BPW
VISION 2000
THE NEXT 75 YEARS
MISSION
To achieve equity for all women in the workplace through
advocacy, education and information.
VISION
BPW is the leading advocate for working women.
RESOLVE
With input from our grassroots members and leaders,
the BPW 2000 Commission delineated this mission
and vision for the future of our organization.
It is who we want to be. It is what we want to do.
And, it is why we want to do it.
But for us to move ahead, to succeed,
the vision must be our vision.
With a strong, rich tradition on which to build, and the
commitment of BPW leaders and working women nationwide
we will make our vision a reality.
ry”
Ay 4
WomanPower Works
CC BY-NC-SA 4.0