Detroit Free Press from Detroit, Michigan • Page 64

PART THE DETROIT FREE PRESSSUNDAY. MAY 10, 1931 T8 Centennial Anniversary Turns Page to Origins tucinda Hinsdale Stone, Mother of Clubs, Has Endowed Organizations of Today With Precious Heritage. BY JENNETTE McCOLL. ROGRESS, said some thinking soul, comes when an individual rebels against what is and seeks for what should be. mil Ok- tf Air til: Looked at in this highly respectable and constructive light, one finds the history of women's clubs peopled with charm- Jng rebels whose contribution to education and democracy cannot be over-estimated.

When striving to codify a set of rules to bring about "what should be" out of the somewhat questionable present, it Is stimulating to learn what a previous generation set as the goal. While it la often disconcerting to find one's pet and extremely private theories et down in black and white as old some 75 years ago, the deflation is Momentary, ending in a feeling of kinship and humbleness which clears the decks for more constructive action, t)ne hundredth anniversaries do not come frequently enough so lhat one can be properly coached on how to receive them. In fact, a (. tfav-. i i iw TSja 1 porta, Kansas, was the founder of the XY 1 i i 1 Ovid and Duplain Literary club, I which was organized in J878.

'XV rVI Kansas, was the founder of the Ovid and Duplain Literary club, which was organized in 1S7S. IS The Detroit Woman's Historical I I The Detroit Woman's Historical VMS 11 Port Huron Lays Claim to Second Library in State Ladies' Association Organized to Meet Crying Demand for Education. PUBLIC indifference and hostility to further taxation brought into existence many voluntary associations for the purpose of creating and maintaining libraries as an important part of the general scheme of education. Not the least of these was the Ladiea' Library association, of Port Huron, which came into existence on January 5, 1868, and was incorporated on January 10. Port Huron can boast the second library association in the state, being preceded only by Kalamazoo.

The first consultation on the subject was held by Mrs. A. B. Corn-stock, Mrs. A.

H. Wright and Mrs. B. C. Karrand, who decided to invite the ladies of the Soldiers' Aid society, then about to disband, with others who might be favorable to the project.

This meeting was held in December, 1865, in the small room in the basement of the old Metno-dist church, which stood where the Times-Herald building is now located. At this meeting, with Mrs. Henry Fish acting as chairman. It was decided to organize a society for the mental Improvement of its members and for the formation of a library. The Soldiers' Aid society disbanded, donating a share of their effects to the new organization.

The result of this first gathering was an association with a defined object, the name Ladies' Library association of Port Huron and the possession of a cupboard for a library case which was among the above-mentioned articles donated. A meeting was called, through the newspapers, for January 8, 1866. At the appointed time 14 ladies were present: Mrs. A. J.

Bigelow, Mrs. H. C. Buftington, Mrs. Barr, Mrs.

A. B. Comstock, Mrs. B. C.

Far-rand, Mrs. Henry Fish, Mrs. James H. White, Mrs. J.

B. Hull, Mrs. Pcrley Morse. Mrs. James Haynes, Mrs.

William Sanborn, Mrs. J. W. Thompson, Mrs. A.

H.Wright and Miss EmmaFarrand. Of these 14 charter members, Miss Farrand (now Mrs. Emma Farrand Tyler), of Knoxville, is the only one living. She was a graduate of the University of Michigan, a splendid leader and a brilliant woman? Her mother. Mrs.

B. C. Farrand, was the first president of the club, and evidently Mrs Tyler was the first junior member, a branch which has grown to 28 In number and is considered one of the club's dearest assets. The constitution, which was adopted and continued in force for Continued on Page Seventeen. I I Federation Organized By Sorosis Twenty First Birthday Chosen As Date For Meeting.

wyCTl HISTORY of clubs would Kv7vG "0t be comPlet without WW mention of the pedigree of the three federations in which Detroit women are particularly Interested, namely, the Detroit Federation of Women' clubs, the Sflchlgan State Federation of Women's clubs and the General Federation of Women's clubs. These came InU being starting with the largest organization first and developing the smaller out-growths later. It was In 1889, on the twenty-flrst anniversary of that Now York sorosis which had started the ball rolling in the club world, that delegates from 61 of the then existent 97 clubs assembled in Madison Square theater, In New York city, at the suggestion of Mrs. Jennie C. Croly.

Says Mr. Croly of this occasion. "It was a revelation of a force in progressive womanhood. There was nothing aggressive in the work, only the opening of doou and windows of the souls and the consequent light and sunshine flow, ing In upon other minds and souls. It was the most wonderful of experimental gatherings.

It was inspirational, revivifying prophetic." An advisory board wag chosen and a constitution drawn up and submitted to the convention held in April, 1890, at Scottish Rite hail. Only such clubs as had already applied for membership were inviteu to join the new-formed federation. There were 68 delegates from 17 states, with Sorosis again as hostess. The following officers wer chosen: President, Mrs. Charlotte Emerson Brown, of New Jersey; vice-president, Mrs.

May Wright Sewall, of Indiana; corresponding secretary; Mrs. Mary B. Temple, of Tennessee; recording secretary, Mrs. Croly; treasurer, Mrs. Phoebe A.

Hearst; and auditor, Mrs. Kato Tannatt Woods, of Massachusetts. It Is interesting to note that three Michigan women were present at the convention in 1889: Mrs. H. H.

Jackson, of the Detroit Woman's club; Mrs. Enos Putnam, of the Ladies' Literary club of Grand Rapids; and Mrs. Matilda V. Howard, of the Lansing Women's c(ub. As each state and locality had conditions and problems peculiar to itself which could be best treated by the women of the immediate vicinity, the largest clubs in a given state were asked to name a chairman of correspondence for that state, subject to the approval of the advisory board.

This chairman was at liberty to choose her own committee for the proper care of her own territory. As might be expected, Mrs. Lucinda Hinsdale Stone was chosen Michigan chairman of correspondence. Assisting her on her committee were Mrs. Loraine Immen, of Grand Rapids; Mrs.

Martha Keating, of Muskegon; Mrs. Elizabeth B. Thompson, of Grand Rapids; Mrs, Irma T. Jones, of Continued on Page Seventeen. Civil War Period Finds First Club In Battle Creek 793URING the Civil war, Mrs.

B. F. Graves, wife or P.ravat an rtV settler of Battle Creek, attended a convention In Kalamazoo. She was impressed with th value of the work the women there were doing in the realm of education and with the library they had established. When Mrs.

Graves returned home, she said "We must have a library here." The women of the town held a meeting in 1864 to discuss the matter and decided upon a library where any man or woman, upon the payment of a small sum of money, could become a member of the Ladles' Library association, aj the Woman's club was first called. The money paid in was to be used for the purchase of books and the necessary expense in carrying out the plan. Another old settler. Mrs. Erastus Hussey, passed sleepless nights in thinking of this proposed library and one night arose to "write the constitution by which this library should be governed." A meeting of six women was heia at the home of Mrs.

Graves, the constitution signed and Mrs. Graves elected president of the new club, an office which she held for many years. Then began the canvas of the town for books and money. While many books were given, quite a number were purchased. The first librarian was Miss Mary Hinman (now Mrs.

Mary Grandin, who freely gave of her services. Later, when the duties of the librarian were handed over to the others. Miss Hinman was presented with a solid gold thimble as a token ot appreciation of her work. The library was open on Saturdays, in the basement room at the back of the old Congregational-Presbyterlin church, with the entrance opening onto the back lot. Through varying fortunes, the Ladles' Library association kept on and was In a flourishing condition when a literary club was organized In connection with it All women Interested in that line wen-Invited to join.

The club met at the different homes, though rooms were rented later and club-room furnishings accumulated. From the original association grew the Ladies Literary club. The next'ehange In name was to the. Ladies' Literary and Art club. Then, In 1893.

the club was incorporated as the Battle Creek Woman's club, which name it still retains. The object lias always been and still I' to further intellectual and social culture. The membership at present is about 200. In March of 1914, three days were devoted to the fiftieth anniversary celebration, outside clubs being invited to help honor the event. Through the generosity of th lati Charles Willard, the Woman club enjoys Its meetings In Its own club rooms on the upper floor the Willnrd Library building.

Mr Otis B. Hague is the retiring president and Mrs. Harry R. Atkinson will assume the duties of president In October. your club editor has an uncon-? trollable feeling that could The Detroit Free Prefs manage to have another centennial celebration in June, she would be more adequately equipped to approach the event "vith the intelligent awe and respect which can come only from fami-liartty with its inner significance.

One hundred years old! The mere numerical fact is sufilciently impressive. Eut consider WHAT an cm hundred years! You have read of the many' changes which have marked this particular span of year. Taken in their entirety, the contrasts are staggering. But In spection of even one component part reveals a degree of evolution worthy of special mention. Take women's clubs, for instance, One hundred years ago, they were practically non-existent.

One does find references in the year 1822 to ft group of women whose raison d'etre was to minister to the sick and poverty stricken of the town. Eut the study club, which has become such an integral part of life today, was unknown when The Free Press timidly tried its wings In 1831. One develops a healthy respect for successful historians after endeavoring to track the first woman's club to her lair. There are as many "firsts" recorded as there are reputed hearts of John the Baptist buried throughout the shrines of Europe. We suspect, like all things else, It bolls down to a matter of definition.

Limiting one's self to an organization bearing the title of club, New York Sorosis claims priority, viewing the field nationally. The story of the forming of this club "for the promotion of agreeable and useful relations among women of literary, artistic and scientific tastes and for the dissemination and discussion of principles and facts which promise to exert a salutary Influence upon women and upon society" Is unique in itself. It was in March, 1668, that the New York Press club, composed of the leading editors and writers of the day, arranged a large and dazzling banquet to honor Charles who was visiting in the city at the time. The wives of three of the members applied for admission on the ground that they were members of the press in good Standing. But their request was refused.

At first the matter was treated as a joke. Then, the applicants were grudgingly told that if they would produce the price of the dinner and a sufficiently large number of women, they could come to the party. But this magnanimous offer was curtly refused. The three women in question Were Mrs. David G.

Croly (Jennie Afternoon Chats Original Nucleus Of Atheneum Club THE Atheneum club, of Lexington, grew out of the afternoon chats of three dear friends, Mrs. J. M. Galge, Mrs. Peter Janette end Mrs.

Lucy Seward Noble. This little nucleus of three women had many times discussed the possibility of organizing a literary club. Final- lv, on the afternoon of December 12, 1878, over the teacups, at Mrs. Janette's, it was decided to make the venture. Twelve members formed the original society, which has plnce numbered some 200 members Ma the course of Its history.

iMrs. Robert Schell was responsible for the naming of the organization, the Atheneum club, suggesting that as the aims of the society were culture and self-improvement, the city of Athens would be a worthy patron saint. There are four charter members who are living today Mrs. Rebecca Janette and Mrs. Lena Nims, who are sisters, live in Lexington.

Miss Maggie McGill is In Detroit and Mrs. Lucy Seward Noble has her home In Fayetteville, N. Y. Noble is well known to troiters, however, as she has lived In this city for many years, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C.

F. lwson, and has been active in club affairs. Among the organizations to which she belongs are the Louise St Clair chapter of the D. A. the United States Daughters of 1812, of which she is honorary president for Michigan; the Historical Memorial society of Detroit, and the National League of American Pen Women, of Syracuse, N.

Y. At the time of the forty-fifth celebration of the club, the local press referred to It in glowing terms as "one of the oldest organizations of women's clubs In the state which has climbed to a position that Is foremost In the annals of clubs." rAUegan History Class Described MRS. K. B. JEWETT, one of the charter members of the Woman's History class of Allegan, which was formed in 1875, describes the organizing of the class as follows: The first meeting was on February 1, 1875, with 20 women present.

A plan of study was decided upon and a leader chosen to conduct the meetings, which were very informal at first. In July, of the same year, a constitution was drawn up and officers chosen. Mrs. O. T.

Booth was the first president, with Miss yrances Wilkes as secretary. The first year's study was the Bi-We, beginning with Genesis. Then the work was gradually brought down from ancient to modern times, the past year's study being United States colonial history. Exchange meetings have been held with other clubs and clubs from other towns have entertained and been entertained. "We flatter ourselves that the Woman's History class has meant something to our town," says Mrs.

Jewett, very Justly. "We know it has to our members personally. To those who are gone, we owe much 0t our success. There are six charter members still living." June), Mrs. James Parton (Fanny Fern) and Mrs.

Charlotte B. Wil-bour. Mrs. Croly called a meeting at her home, feeling that there were many like herself who hungered for the society of women interested in the thought and progress of the age and in what women were thinking and doing. Thus Sorosis came into being.

Perhaps it is the patriotic spirit of a Michlgander which notes with interest the first flights of this fledgling club but beg to offer a Michigan product as applicant for first place. However that may be. it Is for you to decide. But we call attention to the fact that 1868 is the date of New York Sorosis. Meanwhile, in 1852, one of the most remarkable little women of all time was paving the way for the intellectual emancipation of women through a club, or class, which went by the name of the Kalamazoo Ladies' Library association.

From time to time, in Kalamazoo, there had been gatherings at the home of Mrs. ucinda Hinsdale Stone, where the friendly, cultured flow of ideas was an inspiration to all who came. As time went on it seemed advisable to give these literary gatherings a more businesslike air. In January, 1852, at the home of Mrs. Frances Dennison, the Kalamazoo Ladies' Library association was organized, with Mrs.

Stone as Continued on rage Seventeen. Detroit Woman's Club Commands Seniority In City Mrs. John Bagley Responsible For Early Beginnings of Organization. THOUGHT is the property of him who can entertain it, said Emerson. In the year 1873, on the twenty-second day of October, to be exact, the first woman's club was formed In Detroit, with the above motto as its guide.

The Detroit Woman's club, while number five In the Michigan family of clubs, is the oldest of Detroit's own. Within the dignified walls of the Unitarian church which stood at the corner of Lafayette and Shelby avenues, the ladies of the association were wont to meet and sew and chat. During the summer months, while the church parlors remained closed to such activity, Mrs. Frances E. N.

Bagley, wife of Governor John J. Bagley, Invited the little gathering to her own home on Washington avenue, where they could sew to the accompaniment of a reader whose duty it was to furnish their minds with nourishing food. Another member of the group was delegated to note and jot down the consensus of opinion on the subject under discussion. So fascinating became the cultural angle of the meeting that when fall arrived It was decided to abandon the sewing and devote the entire attention to mental pursuits. And so it was that on Wednesday afternoon, October 22, 1873, the Detroit Woman's club was formed.

The officers of this daring project were as follows: President, Mrs. Bagley; first vice-president, Mrs. A. Elder; second vice-president, Mrs. G.

C. Lane; recording secretary, Mrs. E. C. Skinner; assistant secretary.

Miss Emma Pat-ton; corresponding secretary, Mrs. A. W. Leggett; and treasurer, Mrs. A.

W. Rice. In the neat and painstaking hand of Mrs. Skinner one reads the records of that first year of club existence. One of the problems which faced them, as it faces us now, wag the situation in the world about them.

Poverty cried for alleviation then, as now. Worthy but proud souls Btarved then, as now. Professional beggars thrived on misguided charity then, as now. To meet the demand, the Detroit Woman's club organized a relief committee under the title of the Women's Work Depository, where those women who would rather work than beg could find small tasks of mending, sewing and other handwork to do. The press was unsympathetic, we note from an article clipped at that Continued on Page Seventeen.

Lapeer Tuesday Club Organized THE Lapeer Tuesday club was organized in January, 1878, by Lucy White, Its first president There were five charter members Vernelia Rood (Mrs. J. H. Taylor), Nettie Taylor (Mrs. J.

F. Hopkm), Lucy White (Mrs. William B. Williams), stilt living, and Fanny Rood (Mrs. J.

H. Whitley), and Corrine Man warring (Mrs. Edward Hatch), now deceased. Mrs. Taylor and Mrs.

Williams are still doing active work in the club. Lucinda Hinsdale Stone, mother of women's clubs, was instrumental in the forming of this as well as many other groups. It was in the early days of the Sunday papers and people of culture did not all endorse the idea of a newspaper printed on Sunday. Mrs. Stone, whose husband was a Baptist minister in a regular contributor to the Sunday edition of the old Detroit Tribune, of which her son James was managing editor.

In one of her articles, Mrs. Stone urged the forming of reading circles or clubs, stating that a person following a systematic course of reading or study could not fail to become a stronger character through such work. And so the Tuesday club of Lapeer was formed. It has carried on all these years, exerting a strong influence on the literary life of the city. The membership has always been limited thus maintaining a high standard of scholarship.

Tuesday club was a charter member of the Michigan State Federation of Women's clubs organized in 1895. I Historical Club Follows Drama As An Avocation Second Oldest Organization In City Studies Events Of History. THE lure of the drama has exercised a strong attraction upon the Woman's Historical club throughout Its existence. This group, which is the second woman's club organized In Detroit, early gained fame for its histrionic ability. In and around 1900, the stately home of Mrs.

John Walker, at 47 Edmund place, was the scene of many a finished production given on uie inird noor ot me resiuence which was equipped with a cozy theater seating 100 people. Aside from the fact that the Thalia theater, as It was named by Mrs. Walker, was the only private theater in town. It was unique in that no man was allowed to profane its stage. The cast was composed entirely of women and the only male to be discovered In the audience was the benevolent policeman whose duty It was to stand guard at the door.

The club holds the distinction of being the first woman's club to give any dramatic performance. Mollere's "The Pretentious Young Ladies" was a favorite with the group, although Pinero came in for his share of attention. One of the highlights in the club annals, however, was an original play, Greek in setting, written by Mrs. Frank E- Robinson and presented by the members In 1887. The Woman's Historical club had Its Inception at the home of Mr.

and Mrs. William H. Brearley, at 180 Charlotte street, in February of 1877. Mrs. Brearley, who was active In religious and philanthropic work, was the mother of Mrs.

Charles G. Hampton, of Royal Oak, an active member in the club today. Mr. Brearley was the founder of Continued on Page Seventeen. Chautauqua Group Inspires Romeo Women THROUGH the Inspiration of Mrs.

Frances Wilder, a teacher in the public schools who, the previous summer, had visited Chau tauqua, N. the first woman's club was organized in Romeo In 1879. The full course of study as Drescrihed bv the Chautauqua Cir cle was adopted by the Romeo women and examinations were held at tha close of their work. For some years the club bore the name of the topics studied. So we find it called Chautauqua circle, Shakespeare club, Tourist club, Emerson club.

But in 1892, this club of many names was really christened and received its present cognomen, the Romeo Monday club, because from the very first of its existence, Monday had been elected the day for assembling. Ye shades of ancient wash days! Miss Marie Walsh, a French gov erness in the house of Mr. Henry Stephens, was chosen president in 1881. Fiom the records we glean "Many people remember the brilliant talks given by Miss Walsh, particularly on Shakespearean subjects, in which she was especially versatile" She also talked on Aior-monism, of which cult Bhe had been a disciple, as well as a Roman Catholic. In 1914, she was living In San Francisco and lecturing on theosophy, throughout California.

She was a woman of such strong personality and concentration that her influence and imDress on the I literary thought of Romeo remains to this day. A sample program for one day would stagger the most eager of minds. Eight topics were up for discussion when Egypt was the country under observation, for instance. The list Included the rulers of the seventh and eleventh dynasties; ancient commerce; mineral wealth; pyramids of Dashour; pyramids of Meydown; temples of Ser-apis; the influence of religion upon plastic arts, and last of all, astronomy. Today, the modern club woman would groan at more than two or three numbers on a program and rarely makes any preparation on the topic of the day herself unless she is scheduled to appear on the program Better than that, she contents herself with listening to a paid performer who enfolds her painlessly In-a mental atmosphere which she may absorb without effort.

During the winter of 1882, Mrs. Lucimla Hinsdale Stone gave an afternoon and evening lecture under the auspices of the club. The subject for the latter was a talk on Spanish bull fighting! In 1894, when interest lagged and attendance failed, someone suggested limiting the membership to 30. "No one then present will ever forget how perfectly absurd such a mo'ion sounded." comments the chronicler, "when not even one person cared to unite with us. But the plan worked wonders.

Immediately all the eligible ladies seemed to consider it of vital importance to join the Monday club while there was room. As a result, the full quota was soon enrolled." This plan worked so perfectly I that today, when active member-Continued on Page Seventeen, UVld-UUDiam LlUb Meets Rural Need Of Public Library THE Ladles Library association Ovid and Duplain, a rural society, was organized on April 4, 1879, at the instigation of nine charter members. Of these nine, onlv one charter member remains. She is Mrs. Ellen Gleason Lake, whose picture appears on this page.

She now resides in Emporia, Kan. The nine who met together for "the diffusion of knowledge and intellectual culture or literary pur suits" include: Mrs. Lake (then Miss Gleason), Mrs. J. C.

Woodard, Mrs. Sybil Sears, Mrs. him-mons, Mrs. William Hall, Mrs. Whitehorne, Mrs.

C. H. Gleason Mrs. Ella Guile and Mrs. P.

Arnold. The following officers were chosen to guide the infant club in its first steps: president. Mrs. Arnold; vice- president. Mrs.

Stone; treasurer, Mrs. Hall; secretary, Mrs. Guile; librarian. Miss Emma Woodard, as sisted by Mrs. Woodward; and four directors.

Mrs. C. Daley, Mrs. im mons. Mrs.

Gleason and Mrs, Woodard. An executive board con sisting of five members was elect ed: Miss Hall. Mrs. Guile, Mrs, Sears. Mrs.

Whitehorne and Mrs, Ellen Gleason Lake, the founder of the club. The membership was composed of three classes, active, juvenile and honorary, with an annual fee of 50 cents which was required before the member could draw books from the library thus formed. At the close of the first year there were 29 members and over 100 books in tne library. Today, the membership is limited to 50 and the library boasts 400 volumes, which are kept by tha librarian in her own home. A tragedy overtook the club In 1917 when all but 50 of the books were destroyed by fire, with no in surance to repair the damage.

In 1923. the name of the associa tion was changed to club and county federated. In 1925, the group loined the state federation. Members are drawn mainly from the counties of Ovid, Duplain and Clinton. On June 1929.

the club cele brated its eolden anniversary. Miss Emma Woodard, the first librarian, Is living near Ovid. The present librarian is Mrs. S. B.

Gleason and Mrs. Ray Miller is president for the coming year. Mrs. Lake, who now lives in Emporia, club, second in the city, was organized in H77 at the home of Mrs. Brearley, whose daughter, Mrs Charles (1.

Hampton, is an active member of the club today. Mrs. Arthur, though not strictly a clubs- serves special honor because of her work for cml dren's playgrounds in Detroit, her or-dent support of the woman suffrage movement and her active participation in the affairs of the Twentieth Century club. "Mother of Clubs," Lucinda Hinsdale Stone, can be found as the guiding spirit at the foundation of every club in Michigan and many outside the boundaries of our own state. Mrs.

Stone founded the Kalamazoo Ladies' Library association in the year USi. Dr. Shaw, ardent suffragist, Method' ist minister and doctor of medicine, should not be omitted from any pictorial gathering of Michigan women who have left their imprint on the his tory of feminism. The Detroit Woman's club, first club in this city, having been organized in IS73, claims Mrs. Bagley and Miss aates as distinguished members of its group.

Mrs. Bagley, wife of Governor uazley, was the first president of the ciuo ana Miss Bates was its fifth. Ipsitantt Ladies' Literarv club started its existence in JS76 under the leadership of Mrs Tenney, its first president. Miss Mellon is the only resident charter member of Romeo Monday ciuo, wmcn was organized in JS79. Lansing Woman's Club Owes Origin To Detroit Visitor INTERCHANGE of thought and 1 unity of purpose to the end that mental growth may be accom plished have formed the basic principle of the Lansing Woman's since nrst sprang into being, in the month of March Mrs.

John J. Bagley, wife of the governor, whose name appears in connection with the founding of the Detroit Woman's club of which she was the first president, was aiao me guiaing influence in the forming of the Lansing group. It was while Mrs. Lucinda Hinsdale Stone was in Detroit, giving of her enthusiasm and knowledge to the Detroit Woman's club, that Mrs. Bagley chanced to visit in Lansing.

Her interest In the club project of Mrs. Stone and her eagerness to share this interest resulted in the organization of the Lansing Woman's club. About a dozen women met to gether, Dy Informal invitation, at the home of Mrs. E. Longyear on tha afternoon of March 18.

1874. According to the record of the meeting, Mrs. Harriet Edgerton Tenney was chosen temporary chairman and Mrs. Fannie Cowles was made secretary pro tem. Mrs.

Tenney, who became the first president of the new group, was me state iiDranan, having been appointed to that Dost In lSf.9 by Governor Baldwin. She held this position for 22 years. Born In Essex, Vermont, on April 1, 1834, she received her education at Franklin academy. On March 29. 1854, she married Jesse Eugene Tenney and removed to Homer.

Michigan, where both engaged in teaching. In the fall of 1855, they removed to Marshall and took charge of the Union school, remaining there until April. 1859. when Mr. Tenney was appointed state norarian and tney moved to Lansing.

During- the Civil war, Mrs. Tenney was president of the Lansing Military Aid society and was the first recording secretary of the Michigan Pioneer society. She died on January 20. 1899, after a life filled with service and accom plishment. According to the constitution.

adopted May 29, 1874. the Lansing Woman's club divided Its members Into four committees: Art and literature, science, history and education. Each was delegated to Continued on Page 241 OftadoiDtyikfit Grand Rapids Club Founded By Niece Of Lucinda Stone Mrs. S. L.

Withey, Impressed By Classes, Suggests Home Group. THE LADIES' LITERARY CLUB of Grand Rapids is one of the pioneer clubs of Michigan. Though it did not take that name until 1873, it- has been meeting regularly since 1869. In that year Mrs. S.

L. Withey, while the guest of her aunt, Mrs. Lucinda Hinsdale Stone, of Kalamazoo, became intensely interested in the student classes of her aunt Returning to her home In Grand Rapids, she held an Immediate conference with Mrs. L. D.

Putnam, Mrs. Harvey J. Hollister and Mrs. S. L.

Fuller, who became enthusiastic over her proposed plan and the history class was immediately formed. The first meeting of this class, which later became the Ladies' Literary club, was held in the parlors of Park Congregational church. The church was still unfinished and the only seats available were the rolls of carpet waiting to be spread upon the church floors. In a city not yet 20 years old, the women found It both expensive and difficult to secure the books which they required to prepare themes assigned to them in the class. Something had to be done and that something proved to be the organization of the Ladies' Library association on March 21, 1870, by the women of the history class.

The object of the association, as stated in the constitution, was "To promote literary and scientific pursuits and to establish and maintain a library." Annual dues were $2. Men were permitted associate membership, but no vote. Through the newspapers, invitations to join the group were issued to all interested and the first secretary's book records 100 names. Under the direction of the energetic president, Mrs. Withey, there had been raised by May, 1870, the creditable sum of $1,000.

Subscriptions, operas, lectures, necktie parties and other ways of raising the money had been employed. With the purchase of the books came the desire that all classes of citizens might use them. With this in view, the name of the group was changed tcthe City Library associa tion. The library was established Continued on Page Seventeen. Ypsilanti Forms Literary Society BEFORE the era of women's clubs, little groups of women in Ypsilanti were studying art and literature, influenced toward liter ary and Intellectual development, perhaps, by the old "Seminary," now the Michigan State Normal college.

According to Harvey Col-burn's "Story of Ypsilanti," as early as 1861 such a group was reading Hume's "History of England." In 1865. a Ladles' Library association was formed by some public-spirited women and in 1868 a one-room library was opened. Out of this Ladies' Library asso ciation sprang the Ladies' Literary club of Ypsilanti, a group of 17 women who began meeting in June 1878, on alternate Tuesdays, to study "geography, natural re sources, art and literature." At the outset, there were no fees, no con stitution, only a president (Mrs. Daniel Putnam). Later, of course, came the usual paraphernalia of club organization.

For several years, the club devoted Itself to the study of foreign countries. In 1896, the club affiliated with the state and general federations. The club, house, the old Grant home built in 1R48, was purchased by the club In 1914. WOMEN'S CONGRESS November 14, 15, 16, 1888. MENU.

"A Feast of Reason" Loaves and Fishes" for the multitude Consomme of Statements Appeals, with backbones left In Hearts Bursting with Emotion, served with Sweet Memories Old Lights and Livers, preserved with Thyme Sage Ideas. "Old as the Hills," with Dressing Nouvelle Solid Truths, with Sauce Piquant Crisp Facts, ungarnished Old Legal Arguments, smothered in Technicalities Layers of Research, served with Fresh Data Side Issues, a la Rib d'Adam (no bones of contention) Spiced Tongue, served with Mercy Sections of Piths of Arguments, with Sauce au Loglque Bits of Information, served hot Spiced Items, Cut and Dried, with New Statistics (crop of '88) Marks of Attention, Served with Courtesy "Vital Thoughts" from les coeurs des femmes "Words that Burn" entree of Reflections Stern Reviews, Garnished with Charity Shoulder, with Correct Dressing Devilled Dish, garnished with Everlasting Faith Election Cake Lady Flgers Gems and Light Puffs Angel's Food Candied Truths, like those his mother used to make Refreshing Anecdotes (no chestnuts) "Apples of Gold" "Some Peaches" Dates and Candidates "Water of Life" "Overflow of Soul" Milk of Human Kindness fnot condensed) "Best of Spirits" The above menu, relating to "a feast of reason," Is a copy of the one written hy a member of the Detroit Woman's club at" the time of the convention of the Association for the Advancement of Women which met In Detroit in 1888. The humorous aptness of the fancy seemed worthy of being passed on to our readers..