Bainbridge Woman's Club, 1941

Mrs. Danforth Again Heads Woman's Club

Elected for 12th Term as Mrs. C.H. Clark Reviews Club's History

Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 20, 2014

 

Mrs. Edward Danforth was elected president of the Bainbridge Woman's Club for the 12th year, at the annual meeting for the election of officers held in the Town Hall [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], Monday afternoon.

 

Mrs. H.C. Newell acted a chairman.  The following officers were elected for the coming year:  president, Mrs. Edward Danforth; vice-president:  Mrs. Raymond Spahr; recording secretary, Mrs. Harold Salzberg; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Kenneth Eldred; treasurer, Mrs. F.A. Demeree.  Directors for two years are Mrs. R.W. Kirby and Mrs. Charles Clark. 

 

Mrs. Charles H. Clark gave a very interesting talk of the things accomplished by the club during its years of existence.  Mrs. Clark's talk follows:

 

I have been requested to explain to you newer members a few reasons why we older members are so pound of our club.  You probably will know it was organized 40 years ago, and at that time there were very few members--The Oneonta Club was the only one in this section.

 

Mrs. Kirby was our first president and we as other club members at that time studied history, art literature, languages, and we prepared papers and talks on the different subjects for our meeting.  Of course we had social life, teas each month, receptions, plays, etc. and our large social function of the year was called "Gentlemen's Evening," when we entertained the men with very elaborate programs.

 

But all through the years we have been mindful of Civic Bainbridge and it is of our civic work I wish to speak today.

 

You no doubt are all familiar with our Public Library--but do you know "Tag Day" sponsored by the Woman's Club started that splendid library?  We, each year held a Library Day when each member would contribute a good new book.  That may sound very small but the library was in its infancy and every little helped.  Later there were much larger contributions such as the desk, mantel clock, fire set, pictures.  As Mrs. Kirby would tell us, what was needed most, we would try to supply it.  There were quite large sums of money given also, the proceeds from plays directed by Mrs. Kirby.

 

The first year Mrs. Danforth was president in 1909, the club held an art exhibit.  Lovely framed pictures were shipped here and exhibited in the school building.  At that time a progressive bachelor in town, with plenty of money, told Mrs. Danforth he would double any amount of money contributed by the husbands of members to buy some of those pictures for the school.  With some state aid, over $400 was raised, several pictures were purchased and now hang in the school building. 

 

These curtains, now hanging in the Town Hall, were bought and presented to the school for the stage, one year Mrs. Ives was president.  About $450 had to be raised.  A large sum was realized from a home talent play, and other money making schemes brought in the desired amount.  And the president and club members were very happy when they saw those curtains hung.

 

A few years later when the school building was enlarged with a much larger stage, the Board of Education gave them back to the club and they were made over to fit this space.  As one good thing calls for another, we added the lamps, the rug for the stage floor, next the Venetian blinds, and the last purchase was the lectern.  We think we have a very complete and attractive hall.

 

We found the need for drinking fountains on the athletic field and the club provided those.

 

To celebrate our 25th anniversary we wanted to do a big thing and we presented to the village, the street signs, every intersection of every street in town was marked with its name printed with black on a white surface of hard wood.  We had no idea there were so many streets, until we arranged for the signs.  A few years later, Mrs. Dunham suggested the housed be numbered and that was arranged for.

 

Very  many trees have been planted about the village and the club has the credit for the splendid row of popular trees across the river.

 

We have given prizes to high school pupils and for prize speaking and over 50 dictionaries have been presented members of the seventh and eighth grades.

 

The club has contributed in money and service to every worthy cause in the village and all require, first of all interest, then thought and often a great deal of figuring.

 

No club can function for 40 years without a fluctuation of membership and interest.  Some of our most active members would leave town or sickness and home cares would interfere with club work.

 

There came a time ten years ago when after nominating a committee had failed to secure a member willing to accept the responsibility of president, and two meetings held for the election of officers with no success, and the Board of Directors were about to either suspend for a year or the directors carry on dividing the work.  One more appeal was made to Mrs. Danforth and she reconsidered and became our president and by her resourcefulness, tact and enthusiasm, brought renewed interest to the club which has continued and increased. 

 

She has held the office ever since for 10 years except the year Mrs. Bradshaw was president and the year Mrs. Pratt was president.

 

During our 40 years we have had 20 different presidents, most of them serving one year, two for two years, and five for three years each.  They have all given their time and energy.  Each meeting requires many details and in a greet measure the president supervises all of them.

 

We joined the N.Y. State Federation early in our club life and we have a very high standing in that organization. A few years ago a district meeting was held here and we are to have another in the Spring.

 

This district is the 6th Judicial, which comprises 10 counties and several cities--Binghamton, Ithaca, Elmira, Oneonta, Norwich, Cortland--we think it quite a compliment for the Federation officers to ask us to entertain the district for a meeting and especially for the second time.

 

I have told you a few of our accomplishments. We are proud of our 40 years of activities and those who share the responsibility of the club are very grateful to Mrs. Danforth for her many years as president.

 

And for our splendid membership of 117 and the present successful condition of the club.  We think a club of this kind is a great benefit to any community--and we are very sure it is a benefit to Bainbridge.  We are very happy to have you newer residents join our club and we hope you will enjoy your membership as much as we enjoy having you. 

 

The secretary's and treasurer's reports were given.  The board of directors presented Mrs. Danforth with a large bouquet of beautiful red roses. 

 

The one act play, "Ah, The Ladies," directed by Mrs. James Ireland, was given at the opening of the meeting.

 

When Mrs. Danforth was interviewed Wednesday morning she said, "Although the club has accomplished a great deal in the past, the future holds still greater opportunities for service to the community."

 

Interesting programs for the spring meetings include:  District meeting, May 3; piano recital by Edson Coleman and the spring luncheon.