\mnO\S HISTORICAL SURVEY. Tne Catnerine Club of GalesDurg, Illinois 1911 - 1947 D HIS VOLUME is dedicated to the Founders of the Catherine Club, tvhose vision created an institution which has benefitted young womanhood. rf s**"** ;# ,. ,Ji ^^, ^ !^.»^ CATHERINE CLUB BUILDING GALESBURG. ILLINOIS MRS. CATHERINE KNOWLES FOR WHOM THE CATHERINE CLUB WAS NAMED FOREWORD /"""^^Zi HOSE whose special duty it has been to prepare these V / pages reaHze that this history of the Catherine Club is ^-^^ incomplete. The records of the tangible accomplishments have been available, save for a iew early officers' books which a flood destroyed, but the history itself is so bound up in the personalities involved that the picture would be complete only if a" panorama could be arranged showing all the interested people whose contributions made the venture a success ; showing each forceful Board member in action as she worked on her assigned tasks ; showing the faithful members of the staff devotedly striv- ing to meet the needs of residents and keep them happy; showing the girls themselves, hundreds of them, as they lived in and enjoyed the comforts and privileges of the building that became a second home to them. Emerson's famous comment that every institution is the lengthened shadow of a man, might be paraphrased with pro- priety, to read that the institution called the Catherine Club is the beneficent, lengthened shadow of all the personalities whose contributions of money, service, ability and character have made the Club a living: force in Galesburg. THE CATHERINE CLUB OF GALESBURG, ILLINOIS Chapter I Early History The Catherine Club's early history dates back to about 1910, in the first years of the Galesburg Woman's Club. Among the various departments organized for specific purposes of accomplishment was the Civics Department, which included a broad field of activity and service, thereby attracting the largest membership of any department of the Club. One of the standing committees was one concerned chiefly with the welfare of young girls, not in a corrective or charitable way, but rather to extend its influence in any friendly, helpful way to young girls, without their own homes perhaps, or strangers in the city on their own resources seeking to further their education or secure employment toward self support. With these ideas in mind, Mrs. Frank S. Fowler appointed a committee to study the needs for all possible service to the young women of Galesburg. From these observations developed the fact that the young girl away from home, possibly for the first time, finds herself the victim of loneliness, has a difficult time to secure proper living accommodations within her means, and so becomes discouraged in trying to meet the problems of making her own way in the world. A suggested remedy for these difficulties was to provide a home where a young girl could find good living accommodations at reasonable prices, congenial companionship, and a home atmosphere. The possibility of carrying out such a project seemed very remote indeed because this task would take time and money, as well as willing hands to undertake the burden of sacrifice it entailed. However, after several months' dis- cussion, Mrs. Fowler appointed a committee to formulate plans for putting the idea of doing something along these lines into action. Of course this required much thoughtful deliberation by the women approached to assume this responsibility, but by the beginning of the Fall season for the activities of the Woman's Club the following women had consented to serve on what was termed the Girls' Club Com- mittee: Mrs. W. F. Bentley, Mrs. J. F. Percy, Mrs. F. W. Barndt, Miss Mary Smith, Mrs. Howard Knowles, Miss Margaret Phillips, Mrs. Charles Webster, Mrs. Henry Chase, Mrs. D. B. Swanson, Miss Maud Stewart, Mrs. Willard Noble, and Mrs. J. C. Toler. Page Seven THE CATHERINE CLUB OF GALESBURG. ILLINOIS . Under the leadership of Mrs. Bentley the Home idea materiaHzed in the minds of the committee sufficiently for them to secure the little house at 262 North Cedar Street. At this time the committee formulated a set of hy-laws as their working rules and elected the following officers from their membership: President, Mrs. W. F. Bentley; Vice-Presid;^nt, Mrs. J. F. Percy; Secretary, Mrs. F. W. Barndt; Treasurer, Miss Mary Smith. Mrs. Mary Kennedy of Chicago, who had had many years of practical and successful experience in this line of work, was secured as House-mother. THE FIRST CATHERINE CLUB HOME For over three years this little house opened its doors to the girls who came, giving permanent accommodations during that time to forty- eight young women, besides temporary help in various ways to scores of others. In August, 1915, a larger house was secured, the former W. H. Smollinger home at 440 North Cherry Street, whose spacious interior permitted a resident membership of sixteen girls. This location, too, soon proved inadequate to house all who applied for membership. Page Eight EARLY HISTORY By this time the need for such a civic enterprise as a building for young women in Galesburg was fully recognized. The group of club women who for six years had carried on this project pledged themselves to the task of securing funds for a new building. They realized that thev must give of their time and ability unsparingly, with no further recompense than the satisfaction of knowing that their efforts would be expended in a worthwhile cause and reap good results during the years to come in l)enefitting young womanhood. After much careful deliberation the lot at the corner of Prairie and \\'aters Streets was purchased as being an ideal location for a new building since it was close enough to the business center of the city to make it both convenient and safe in daily accessibility. A campaign for funds for the proposed new building was the next consideration. \A'ith this specific project now a])proaching time for action, the consensus of opinion developed that such an undertaking could not h? carried out successfully by so large an organization as the Woman's Club, so by mutual consent the Girls' Club Committee, which was originally a part of the Civics Department of the W^oman's Club, was permitted to withdraw and operate independently. The \\'oman's Club during the presidency of Miss Alice W'illard, pledged to the separate organization their continued support and the co-operation of its individual members. This promise was fulfilled to the letter and the assistance of the Woman's Club became one of the most helpful and heart-warming experiences of the Catherine Club board. The first money, in tlie amount of some SI. 100 serving as a nucleus for a new building, was derived from a l;enefit given by the \\'oman's Club at the Plaza Theatre in November, 1912. This enter- tainment was called "The Hippodrome and V/inter Circus" and included in its cast the leading dramatic and mu>ical talent of Galesburg, with memljers of the \\'oman's Club well represented. Names of those serving on committees and the program are given below : Committees (icncral Arranqoucnts — Mrs. ]. F. Percv, Miss Marv Smith, Mrs. R. G. Chap- pell. Mrs. W. F. Bertley, Mrs. E. C. Franing. Mrs. G. W. Thompson, Mrs. J. \V. Carney. Finance — Mrs. Howard Knowies. Page Nine THE CATHERINE CLUB OF GALESBURG, ILLINOIS Press — Mrs. J. W. Carney. Advertising Mrs. Fred Barndt, Mrs. A. J. Boutelle, Mrs. Wi'lard Noble, Mrs. R. T. Trankle, Mrs. G. A. Longbrake, Miss Katherine Percy, Miss Collins. Programs — Mrs. W. B. Horton. Decorating — Mrs. C. B. Ripley, Mrs. A. E. Wells, Mrs. M. I. Copeland, Miss Marjorie Felt. Tickets — Miss Maude Stewart. Mrs. G. O. Bechtel. Boxes — Mrs. Geo. W. Gale. Costumes — -Mrs. C. H. Trask, Mrs. Sidney Nirdlinger, Mrs. E. Mason. Candy— Mrs. T. H. Beals. Mrs. Thomas Brown. Mrs. F. L. Conger, Mrs. C. T. Childers, Mrs. Thomas Murdock, Mrs. H. A. Drake. PROGRAM ACT I Scene 1. (a) Grand Entrance Ring Master and Animal Trainer — Mr. Fred Powelson. (b) Wild West Show Sharp Shooting Act. Girl of the Golden West — Miss Rode Throon. Red Cross Nurse — Mrs. Helen Carlton Marsh. Dollies — The Little Misses Helen Cox, Caroline Wallace, Eleanor Franing, Janet Hazlett, Doris Hazlett, Llelen Godfrey. Masters Phillip Raymond. Eugene Shaw, Gerald Lawler, George Gale. Chaperon — Mrs. E. C. Franing. (c) Bronchos Mr. Fred Bohl and the Broncho Girls— The Misses Ro ie Throop, Doris Pat- more, Phyllis Rudd, Edith Aldrich, Ethel Judson, Marion Webb, Dorothy Weinberg, Gertrude Olson, Margaret Anderson, Do"othy Gordon, Olive Jackson. Chaperon — Mrs. J. W. Carney. Cowboys Messrs. las. Carroll, ^lason Perry. Leslie Taylor. William Tomlinon, Max Cavanaugh, Fritz Kerman. John Simpson, Chas. Purviance, Karl Shultz, Harold Elliston, Edwin Williams, Irvin Gabrielson. Chaperon — Mrs. Geo. W. Prince. (d) Indian Camp Indian Chief — Prof. W. F. Bentley. Indian Maidens — The Misses Keefer Lescher, Ruth Johnson, Louise Harring- ton, Katharine Harrington, Marjorie Fuller, Mildred Fuller, Gertrude Olson. Alma Lescher, Dorothy Gordon, Harriet Weinberg, Doris Patmore. Chaperon — Mrs. G. O. Bechtel. Scene 2. (a) The Zulus Miss Lillian Ellwood and the Misses Mary Munson, Helen Maddo -, Marjorie Mason, Helen Holmes, lone Judson, Jescica Deets, Eloise Ford, Chella Martin, Louise Drury, Dorothy Frymire. Chaperon — Mrs. W. F. Bentley. (/;) Russian Dance The Misses Gail and Genevieve ]McKenzic. Chaperon — Miss Mathis. (c) Little Dance. (Direction of Miss Mathis.) Farnham School Children. Page Ten EARLY HISTORY Little Misses Florence Swanson, Stella Lutz. Fern Spencer, Lojise Schamp. Etta Johnson, Agnes Hendrickson, Alta Sharp, Dorothea Ri:hard:on, Lena Sand- berg, Temple Rundle, Lucile Flint, Ruby Rose, Ruth Rose, Edith Lutz, Lily Wallmo, Miriam Bodds, Marian Ahlenius, Meita Rose, Dorothy Dalton, Naoma Warren, Adcle Swanson, Verna Lowe. Masters Donald McGowan, Charles \^'eeks, \'aner Benson, Phiilip Campbell, Willie Stromberg, Quenton Peterson, Benjamin Mallin, Karl Roje, Gerald B-adley. Gale Lindberg. Chaperon — Miss Gaumer. S-EXE 3. (d) Prof. Had-a-b.\ck's Wild Animal Show. (e) Sketch. "Mytyl Taft," "Tyl-Tyl Wilson" and "The Fairy" — Messrs, Horrell, Powelsoi and Piatt.^ IXTEUMISSIOX. ACT II (a) Sprixg Soxg "Isadore Duncan" — Miss Constance Harrison. "Poppy" — Dorothy Dean. "Rose" — Jeanette Gale. "Arbutus" — Eleanor Franing. "Forget Me Not"^ — Rosalie Raymond. "Blue-beli" — Barbara Conger. "Apple-blossom"- — Marjorie Longbrake. "Daisy" — Elizabeth Dunn. "Sweet-pea" — Emma Sutherland. "Snow-drop" — Phillips Raymond. "Pussy-willow" — Eugene Shaw. "X'iolet" — Frank Willis. "Jack in Pulpit" — W esleyan Chapman. "Lily" — Gale Wallace. "Ivy" — Robert Swank. "Tulip"- — Carrol Phillips. Chaperon — Mrs. Fred Dean. (/') Suffragettes. Recital Song— Mrs. G. O. Bechtel, assisted by Airs. Wa'.tsr Chase, Mrs. F. G. Gurley, Mrs. Sidney Nirdlinger, Mrs. H. F. Kimber. Mijce; Je?.nette Chapman. Georgianna Pugh, Edna Wood, Bessie Emery. Chaperon — Airs. Frank Conger, (c) Political Campaigx. By representatives of the various parties, exhibiting the Bull Moose, the G. O. P. Elephant, the Democratic Mule. ( They will speak for themselves. ) Scene 2. (a) The Italian Romeo. Mr. E. E. Hinchlifif and the Misses Marion Linsley. Mary Lewis. Estelle Burns. Eleanor Graham, Edith Dunlap, Helen Rhodes. Irene Bridge. Page Eleven THE CATHERINE CLUB OF GALESBURG, ILLINOIS Chaperon — Mrs. E. E. Hinchliff. (b) Impersonation. "Geo. Cohan" — Mr. Don Caves Scene 3. (a) The Persian Rose. Soloist — Mr. Chas. Hoyt. Dancers — The Misses Maude Coffman, Ethel Miller, Eudosia Bardens, Con- stance Harrison. Messrs. Robt. Carpenter, Cecil Lescher, Loyal Davis, Max Cavanaugh. Chaperon — Mrs. Chas. Trask. Intermission (b) The Swing Song. Miss Marjorie Carr and the Misses Edna Wood, Viola Ness, Ruth Thompson. Bernice Gordon, Messrs. Geo. Prince, Jr , Sylvester Matteson, Irving Prince. Jas. Carroll, Stephen Rush. Chaperon — Mrs. J. W. Carney. Intermission ACT III THE PASSING SHOWS. Scene 1. (a) Living St\tuary. Barcarolle Duet — Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Hinchliff. "Justice" — Mrs. Sidney Nirdliiiger. "Flora" — Mrs. Thos. Murdoch. "Meditation" — Mrs. F. G. Gurley. "Spring"- — Mrs. Walter Chase. "Summer" — Mrs. H. F. Kimber. "Diana" — Mrs. G. A. Longbrake. "Nydia" — Mrs. Geo. Smith. "Hebe" — Mrs. Frank Conger. Chaperon — Mrs. F. W. Barndt. Scene 2. (b) "Anna Held and Show Girls. Soloists — Miss Marie Cornell, Mr. Geo. Burns. Misses Phyllis Rudd, Marion Webb, Edith Aldrich, Ruth Johnson, Katharine Harrington, Ethel Judson, Dorothy Weinberg, Olive Jackson. Chaperon — Miss Mary Smith. (c) The Busy Bees. Soloists — Miss Katherine Percy, Mr. Ray Seeley. Misses Maude Coffman, Pauline Arnold, Harriet Larson, Ruth Meacham. Messrs. Sam Crawford. Sam Harrington, Sam Pollock, Stephen Rush. Chaperon — Mrs. J. F. Percy. (d) Impersonation. "Jack Noname," Original Compositions — Mr. E. Dale Horrell. Scene 3. (a) The Pink Lady. Mrs. Ada Harbison Kimber. Messrs. Sam Harrington, Edmund Elder, Stephen Rush, Ray Seeley, Sam Pol- lock, Sam Crawford, William Tomlinson, Jas. Carroll, Leslie Taylor, Max Cava- Page Tzveh'e EARLY HISTORY naugh. Dale Horrell, Fritz Kerman, Geo. Burns. Chaperon — Mrs. G. W. Prince. (b) Spanish Dancers. Soloist— Mrs. E. E. Hinchliff. Misses Ethel }vli!lcr, Katherine Percy, Eudosia Bardens, Pauline Arnold, Har- riet Larson, Maude Coffman, Bernice Gordon, Ruth Meacham. Chaperon — Mrs. J. F. Percy. (c) Island of Roses and Love. "Lillian Russell" — Mrs. Linda Holmes Chappell. Misses Roxie Throop. Helene Be'quist, Mildred Mabee, Ruth Thompson. Theo. Golliday, Marie Cornell. Viola Xess. Tetta Chase. Chaperon — Mrs. Geo. Prince. Scene 4. Girls ! Girls ! Girls ! Mr. Chas. Hoyt and the Misses Rone Throop. Iriez Webster, Mildred Mabee, Lillian Ellwood, Marie Cornell. Mrs. H. F. Kimber, Mrs. R. G. Chappell, Mrs. C. E. Marsh. Chaperon — Mrs. R. G. Chappell. Good Night, Mister Moon — Mrs. Kimber and entire cast. With the ownership of property and the prospect of incorporation in sight the committee began to give serious consideration to a name for the organization, which might also be applied to the hoped for new building. The Hon. Howard Knowles was approached to give his con- sent to having the building named The Catherine Club in memory of his mother, Mrs. Catherine Knowles. This he graciously consented to do, saying that the memory of his mother would be complimented and that the idea of benefitting young girls was uppermost in the mind of his wife, Ella Chase Knowles. He pledged ten thousand dollars as a nucleus toward the new building in behalf of his wife and his mother. This generous gift was a great stimulus to the zeal of the Com- mittee. A charter was applied for immediately and granted at Springfield, Illinois, September 29, 1915. It was incorporated under the name of the Catherine Association with the following women as charter members : Julia F. Bentley, Josephine L. Percy, Katherine A. Barndt, ^largaret Phillips, Mary L. Overstreet, Ella Chase Knowles, Stella Swanson, Eva K. Toler, Jennie T. Webster, ^lartha A. Safiford, Ella Bradshaw, Maud Stewart. Jane Chase, Mary F. Smith, Elsie H. Noble. In addition to these charter members Mrs. R. A. Chandler. Mrs. Horace Arnold, and Mrs. Helen Backman were soon elected to the directory. Page Thirteen THE CATHERINE CLUB OF GALESBURG. HXINOIS rr.HrMt^^ifllCuuir.dmiTtuia: UiWU^MtlUH'l'llf. //.;,.< .,./j,,j/ ///./,/ „,u/o>u>y- /■ .//^^ . //t,/'/u /,y/y ;,,;■,///,////,/////. //frA.j. '/// /vf^ //■> y///>n/ rff/,/ Fortieth. » C . ^! '-<^-L. J /"(/(/r /■'ourtccn CHARTER CONTAINING NAMES OF CHARTER MEMBERS »r.-- STATE OF ttLWOIS, Km couDtT To I.tiWlh (J ■ yEVh\ •< >\. Sf. >-• I i;i-. Sli: ,v .,, ,. , , RK" ^9 1915 '■■ ■ ' flO.iX F.L.B. H> ih. u'.!,, ■ .»,) JULIA W, BEBTLEt. JO' ::r«8IKS L. ?EKCY. JCilHEHIHH A. BARHM, K&EGARET TBIUIPS, K/v:-iY L. =:??.?;- --ET. F.LLA CHASE KH0WU3. STBLLA STABSOH, BVA K. TOIKR, JBHBIE ?. rsi - TEH. UARtiLi. A. S&yPORIi. ELLA BRADSaAt, H. MAUP STEWART. JaHK K, CH_.i:-E. U.u- ?. ? UITH. EL5IE H. NOBLE. IlUnrHv rntM. .' ' .\ , A for ihc imri^.-. ,.i -:..!■ !. The !..m ■■(■<. CHTHBWnL Ut.B 2 ni..-..;,,- ,. .-.i- ! i.;,- to provide a. B'ife. pleu3JSi.nt aid 'ineii^ensiva hOBB for 88lf aupportlng yaurig woK-sn. Club fift«»n ()r:,t .' fir 'if ■! ■■ ■^■■'■■ i" . ^i . . i 1/ JULIA W. BEBTffiy, JDSE?aiS?, L. rEi'Ti', K.vThT:;Hi:fE A. B-oiJLT. M-iHClARET PHILLIPS HAW L. OVERSTREST. ELLA CHaSS KSOW'^S. STF.LLa S^AliSOII, EVA K. TOLEB., JEHHH; T. VJgBSTER. UAi-.rH-i A. SiPPOHI', HLL. BK-DSRAW. il. MAUL 3TEr-^F.T, JAHE K, CHA3E, M.-U-.Y F. SMIffi. ELSER H. SOBW.. 5 Tllr I.-:,- .■: ;. :r I h, ., •• m'lh" Stau-.'i ITi-Hi . .11 ■! I'm- j- -'■ !•». Saleebiirg, 111. jannt * JAIB B. CHaSB MAST P. SiUIH Kl^IB E. HQBIE «««) OelBBburg „ ,,, , iCnox, .!r,. ., -K. •■.•,■:. . ■.;!.. ....X., 440 a. Choriy Street, •I. -1 '■•', Oaleeburg, lllinola. ■m:i-- JULIA w. BH3TI£y JOEEPHIIffl I. PERCY KATHBHIHE A. RiHUOT K-iEGARgr ?Ki:iIP£ MaPY L. OVSBSTHEET KLLA Cfi^SE KSOWLTIS STELLAA3WAH30H EVA K. TOLEB JE."r5IE T. WEBSTSR jUaRTHa a. SAPPORH KLLA BRaMEaT? M. MAUD S3SWARI "m^UL^ • ihmmii li ti Page Fifteen THE CATHERINE CLUB OF GALESBURG, ILLINOIS Chapter II Story of the Campaign Early in October, 1916, Mrs. Howard Knowles, Mrs. J. F. Percy, Mrs. Willard Noble, and Mrs. F. W. Barndt went to Chicago to secure professional help in outlining plans for the fund-raising campaign of the Catherine Club. This they accomplished through the Ward Systems Agency, who, at the appointed time, sent two of their representatives, Mr. A. F. Robbins and Mr. H. Carpenter to Galesburg. Headquarters were established in the Holmes luiilding. The campaign was mapped out with each Catherine Club director heading a list of solicitors and all preliminary plans were formulated to start the solicitation of $40,000 for the new building. A Men's Advisory Committee, numljering 125. was formed, in- cluding many of the prominent Inisiness and professional men of the city. To their whole-hearted support and tireless efforts toward helping the women accomplish their goal may he attril^uted the fact that the Catherine Club became a reality. (3fficers and some members of the Advisory Committee follow : Chairman Treasurer Secretary E. R. Drake Prof. J. L. Conger Prof. W. P.Drew Prof. H. E. Griffith Prof. J. H. Cox Prof. W. E. Simonds Dr. W. O'R. Bradley Dr. J. F. Percy R. A. Chandler H. Lass Dr. M. Olson Dr. Sargent C. O. Boydstun Dr. E. C. Franing Dr. J. D. Cabeen H. V. Lott Jr.dge J. D. Welsh F. N. Delavan C. T. Charlson F. W. Barndt C. M. Swank C. O. Lewis M. J. Doughertv D". G. A. Longbrake Wilfred Arnold Alatthcw Johnson A. O. Lindstrum W. A. Armstrong A. W. Alsen Dr. B. D. Baird R. G. Roadstrum H. M. Chase R. N. Shaw Judson Hoover E. S. Gunnell I. 1. Bondi Fred Hazlett W. H. Peterson W. A. Peterson Everett Hinchliff George B. Churchill Frank L. Conger R. G. Chappell J. W. Ahlenius Fred DuVon L. L. Steele Henry C. Hill E. C. Bittenger W. E. Doyle Rev. C. E. McKinley A. R. Anderson S. V. Stuckey J. I. Bemis Henry Hawkinson Harry Bates Webb Herlocker Chas. Hurburgh Frank Faulkner Fred Dean Prof. Willard R.N. Field K. McClelland The Campaign was formally launched on Thursday evening, November 23, 1916, at a banquet held at the First Methodist Church for Page Sixteen STORY OF THE CAMPAIGN workers, friends, and boosters of die cause. Some four hundred people attended this affair at which no soHcitations for funds were made. The after-dinner program arranged by Mrs. Chas. ^\'ebster, Mrs. W. F. Bentley and ^Irs. J. C. Toler, was announced by Mr. E. R. Drake, cha:rman of the evening, as follows: The Clulj. Its History - _ _ _ [Mrs. Howard Knowles The Club, A Civic Asset ----- Rev. C. A. x\lden The Club, Its Need - - - - Miss Jeanette ^NIcFarquer Davenport, Iowa The Club, A Pulilic Opportunity _ _ - ]\Iayor J. L. Conger The Club, \Miat It Means for Galesburg - Dr. W'm. O'Reilly Bradley The Club, Its Future ----- Mrs. A. C. Roberts President of the Woman's Club Particular interest was aroused by the presence of [Miss McFar- quer from Davenport, Iowa, who told of the work l)eing done by the Lend-a-Hand Club in that city, wliich is similar to the scope of work planned for the future Catherine Club. [Music of pleasing character was interspersed between the addresses by Prof. W. F. Bentley and by Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Hinchlift". Daily luncheons were held at which reports of the progress of the campaign were given and many interesting incidents were related by the solicitors. A daily tabulation of pledges, depositing of funds, and all financial business of the campa'gn was in charge of Directors Mrs. F. \\'. Barndt and [Mrs. R. A. Chandler. They successfully executed the listing and filing of the necessary records incidental to such a va-t amount of personal transactions as a campaign of this size entailed. The Campaign was scheduled to close Saturday, December second. At noon on that day the longest parade ever seen in Galesburg swung down the main streets. Over one hundred automobiles, gaily decorated with flags and bunting, as well as floats, bands and drum corps were in line. Riding in the parade were some of the best known men and women of the city, including many of the clergy and ministers of the Galesburg churches. Page Seventeen THE CATHERINE CLUB OF GALESBURG, ILLINOIS Carl Hart of the Kellogg, Drake & Co. was in charge of the parade, assisted by R. W. Ranney and Edward Tate as marshals of the day, and ten assistants. The parade was one mile in length and the most notable procession of its character in the history of the community. There was no doubt in the minds of even the most pessimistic that the people of Galesburg and the immediate vicinity were heartily in favor of showing their interest, and by their monetary contril)..ti3ns, of making possible the proposed Club building for young women as a highly important community project. \\'ith the forty thousand dollars pledged, the campaign was closed. After the final details of the campaign were completed satisfactorily, the task of executing the proposed plans for the new structure began in real earnest, necessitating almost daily meetings of the Board members. Members of the committee made visits to the Eleanor Clubs in Chicago, the Lend-a-Hand Club in Davenport, Iowa, and the Margarita Club in Evanston, Illinois, to study their plans of operation and secure valuable information which could be used in this undertaking in Galeslxirg. In February, 1917, the contract for the architect's plans for the new building was signed with J. Grant Beadle. In April, after careful consideration of all bids for construction, the contract was let to the Galesburg Construction Co. On May 23, 1917, the corner-stone of the building formally was laid l:)y the Directors of the organization in the presence of a large crowd of interested spectators. An historical sketch of the founding of the Catherine Club prepared by Mrs. W. F. Bentley, the first president, was put in the box to be placed in the cornerstone. A photograph of Mrs. Catherine Knowles for whom the building was named, and current copies of the Republican Register and Evening Mail, daily newspapers, were also inserted. Mrs. W. F. Bentley, Mrs. J. F. Percy, Mrs. J. C. Toler, and Mrs. Howard Knowles were appointed to represent the directors in placing the box in the cornerstone. Dr. Wm. Bradley, the Mayor of Galesburg, spoke congratulatory words concerning the enterprise and vision of those who had made the Catherine Club a reality and voiced the civic pride felt by the residents of the city in the organization. Each director in turn spread mortar upon the base and the cornerstone with its inscription, "Organized 1911, Erected 1917," as it was set in place. Page Eighteen STORY OF THE CAMPAIGN The Rev. Charles A. Alden, pastor of the Universalist Church, srave the followina" address : The great arginnent of the world has been that between the builder and the destroyer. Humanity has divided itself into these two camps and has used the maximum of its energy in each direction. But the hope of mankind has been to find that which shall endure. The heart of man longs for the eternal ever seeking the Most High to secure that which is from everlasting to everlasting. This has been the deciding factor in the argument of the world between building up and tearing down. Construction gives promise of endurance. Destruc- tion forbids endurance. The Galesburg women who have planned this work of human help- fulness, now familiarly known to us as The Catherine Club, have had the vision of construction, not destruction. In the hours of their con- sultation, when they wondered whether they could make it go or not they have had the Most High meeting with them in their councils. In the weary days of testing that come to all commendable enterprises they have waited on the Lord and their strength has been renewed according to His prom.ise, and underneath have been the Everlasting Arms. In the hours when they have been called upon to sacrifice and by unhesitating devotion have responded to the call, they have emulated the spirit of Him who turned not back from Gethsemane or Calvary that He might bear witness to the everlasting truth. In this hour when they see the coming of their heart's desire they listen to a voice which comes from the heaven, of harmony, of good-will among men, saying: Ye who have gone forth bearing precious seed come ye now with rejoicing, bringing your sheaves with you. Enter ye into the joy of your Most High. Thus does the Master give his crown of life to those who are faithful. These are the things that endure : Faith, hope, and love : and the greatest of these is love. The forces that stand for destruction in the world waver and fall backward before just such deeds as these women hav'e performed. The armies of separation yield the field before such labors of human fellow- ship which, without sectarian motive or partisan inclination, build on earth the temple where in the truest worship human love reflects the divinity of its heavenly Father. The things of life and love endure. The powers of death are vanquished. And the stone which the builders of empire reject has become the head of the corner. These are the Lord's doings. They are marvelous in our eyes. May the temple here erected be a sanctuary of helpfulness to many and an inspiration to a holier civic life in the citv of Galesburg. Page Nineteen THE CATHERINE CLUB OF GALESBURG, ILLINOIS Description of Building Located on the corner of North Prairie and East Waters streets the builcHny is of lirick and tile construction, stone trimmed, fully fire- proof. The cost was approximately $60,000. On the terrace floor are the Dining Room, Kitchen, Laundry and Storage rooms. On the first floor are a large assembly room, two private parlors, office, superintendent's room, several bedrooms, and baths. The second and third floors are given over to single and double bed rooms, shower rooms, sewing room, and linen rooms. THE LIVING ROOM Realizing that the amount subscribed in the campaign would not be available at once as many of the pledges extended over a period of three years, the board of management proposed a series of benefits in the nature of afternoon teas, musicals, and parties of different kinds to raise money to supplement the funds necessary for the fur- nishing of the club home. This met with a very generous response Page Tivcnty STORY OF THE CAMPAIGN and homes all over the city were thrown open for such gatherings with the result that several hundred dollars were added to the funds and made available for immediate use. A campaign tor membership also was instituted under which con- ditions a payment of one dollar a year made one an associate member, five dollars a sustaining member, and one hundred dollars a life member. Several life memberships were received, as also were donations for fur- nishing of individual rooms which helped materially in the huge task of getting the building ready for occupancy. The following rooms were furnished and bronze tablets bearing the name of the donor or persons in whose memory the gift was made were placed on each door : Carrie ^i. Stewart ^Mitchell Overstreet Libby Gross Mary Titus Mary Kufus Margaret McCornack Sarah Hoover C. C. Merrill Keefer Lescher Eliza Gilbert Hurd Hiram Morey Mary Frey Dick Elizabeth Craig The Elks Jennie T. Webster Josephine Percy Since 1917, several directors and interested friends have given sums which enabled the Board of ^lanagers to recognize their gifts by placing additional tablets on the doors of rooms hitherto unassigned. I'age Tzvcnty-one THE CATHERINE CLUB OF GALESBURG, ILLINOIS TWO VIEWS OF PRIVATE PARLORS Page Tiventy-livo THE CATHERINE CLUB OF GALESBURG, ILLINOIS Chapter III Plan of Operation The plan of operation of the Catherine Club is very similar to the Eleanor Clubs of Chicago, furnishing board and room to employed girls, as well as a homelike atmosphere, at a reasonable rate. No religious lines are drawn. The women responsible for the Club's being, feel that its inclusiveness is the truest sort of Christianity. At the time of registration of a prospective club resident, included in the necessary records for the Club office is the church affiiliation of the appli- cant. In due time the Club Relationships Committee of the Directory passes this information on to the pastor of the church designated and in this manner contact is established for the girl with the church member- ship and in the church activities. That the applicant is just a young, employed girl, with all a girl's needs, is the only requirement necessary for entrance. Continuous resi- dence entails good moral conduct and compliance with the simple rules governing such an assemblage of young women living together. The management of the Club is vested in a directorate composed of women representing the social and civic life of the city and all church denominations. They are elected to the Board for terms of three years and are chosen for their particular fitness to carry on the various depart- mental work of the Club. Each director serves without compensation, giving generously of her time and ability and contributing a yearly fee of five dollars member- ship dues. This sum over the period of thirty years of the Club's exist- ence has reached the amount of approximately $2,500. On vote of the Directory this account may be used when necessary for building improve- ment or as the occasion may arise as a benefit to ^^ome club resident in time of need. Page Tivcuty-three THE CATHERINE CLUB OF GALESBURG, ILLINOIS Chapter IV Reminiscences The experience of each director on the Catherine Club Board has been unique and varied. Each one has rendered valuable service in her own way and has her own treasured memories of the contacts made, the friendships deepened, the emergencies met and conquered. The charter memljers of the Board recall joyfully the personal services rendered to the little handful of girls in the Cedar Street home. Like fairy god mothers, Board women found clothes for needy girls, took pies and chickens to make special occasions more festive, lent table linen or silver, helped to locate girls in positions, had almost daily con- ference with the resident house-mother, whose duties at that time were so much like that of the mother of a family that she was covmselor and cook, bookkeeper and l)uyer, laundrv maid and mender for the household. \\'omen on the Board prior to 1917 will never forget the anxious and strenuous days leading to the Campaign for a Catherine Club building. With what j^roud concern they became conscious of the need for a home larger than the Cherry Street house into which sixteen girls could be crowded ! With what trepidation they made the decision to build a home with money which they themselves would become responsible for raising! How tremendous seemed the $40,000 goal towards which they valiantly strove ! These directors remember a long series of benefit parties, into which went the effort and time of every member. These parties, long among the most popular community social activities, were continued until the most urgent immediate need for funds became less critical. These directors, too, knew what it meant to advertise the Club and its needs, so that friends recognizing its worth were ready to make gifts. One device used was to have an Open House annually with the whole building on display, with music and dainty refreshments for all who wished to be shown through the building. Guides could always be found among the resident members. Those women who became directors after the present building was in use are conscious of changes in the building and its operation, as the years have swept along. The early dormitory rooms accommodating i'agc Tweniy-jour THE CATHERINE CLUB OF GALESBURG. ILLINOIS THE HOUSE MOTHERS ROOM THE DINING ROOM Page Ti<.enty-fivc THE CATHERINE CLUB OF GALESBURG, ILLINOIS VIEWS OF SINGLE AND DOUBLE ROOMS Page Twenty-six REMINISCENCES four, six and eight girls, gave way to the single and double rooms which business conditions made more desirable ; family style meals were re- placed by cafeteria service ; Sunday night suppers and later noon day lunches were discontinued because of week end absence and noon time remoteness from the building of a number of girls, plus stringencies of rationed foods during war days ; the closing hour became later, in con- formity to prevailing late party practices. There was a time when women from surrounding towns could rest and have lunch at the Club after a morning's shopping ; when fami- lies could have Sunday dinner at the Club ; when groups could be enter- tained at the building for the modest fee of one dollar or for two dollars if dining room service was required. Such privileges were open to all who held membership in the Club. As the resident membership grew so large as to fill the building, with a waiting Hst ready to be served, it be- came necessary to discontinue community membership, for every nook and cranny were needed to give proper service to those to whom the Club was home. As the building served more girls, the south wing of the first floor, designed as a Guest Wing, had to be used for residents. For the con- venience of women travelling alone, signs concerning transient accommo- dations had originally been placed in railway and bus stations and many a transient guest, glad for the comfortable room and friendly atmosphere of the building, had spread abroad her favorable impression, so that knowledge of the Club had become wide spread. It was a service which directors were sorry to be forced to discontinue, glad as they were to be of such large service to girls locally employed. Every director has contrilmted to the physical well-being of the Club. Sometimes it has been through service on a stated committee, often it has been in less formal ways. One director recalls driving through the countryside to buy apples. Several women remember a long drive to talk with the mother of a girl who needed special counsel. There are memories of days with the books, of taking inventories of supplies ; of house to house canvasses for members. Gay meetings were held to make curtains and to hem tea towels. Some recall an hilarious occasion when a feather bed was converted into pillows, after flying feathers were finally under control. Some recall house meetings with the girls, when Page Tzventy-seven THE CATHERINE CLUB OF GALESBURG, ILLINOIS READY FOR THE PARTY pr()l)lems aii'ecting the welfare of the Clul) were discussed and solutions sought. Christmas at the Club has always been a festive time, with Board contributions and Club activities making memorable days for all. Physical improvements in the building and its equipment have been generously made, since 1917, so that the present appraised valuation is three times its original worth. Plumbing, electricity, safety equipment, dishes, kitchen conveniences, l^eds, rugs, curtains — all directors working on House, Repair or Building committees know how carefully needs have been checked and met, how faithfully the house has been kept in the best possible repair and how funds have l)een planned for, to meet on- coming major necessities. Because the Catherine Clulj is a home and not a profit making institution, residents have such privileges as telephone and laundry service, the former without charge, the latter for a nominal fee. In the early days such services were simple to provide for half a dozen girls. To maintain them for ten times that numl)er require planning, equip- ment, replacements, safe-guards. Practically every resident does her own washing and ironing. In the early days a sewing room was maintained, for many girls lessened expense by making their own clothes. Even yet the Club machine and other equipment are available to girls and a number Page Ticciity-cight REMINISCENCES of them do at least part of their own sewing. Directors subscribe for a number of good magazines, which, with the books in the Club library, are available to all girls. A book could be written about the Club residents through the years. The earliest girls were very young, some of them in high school. There have always been Business College girls, training themselves for positions. Although the Club is for employed young women, it has been the policy to include as well those in training who will soon be ready for employment. In recent years there have been a number of residents who were studying Beauty Culture. Students in other fields also whose preparation would not take too much time and so replace for long some employed girl, have been received. Today the average age of the resi- dents is probably higher than it was a few years ago, for some girls have lived at the Club over a period of years and have, by reason of their loyalty, been fine influences in the building. The directors give preference always to young girls, whose inexperience makes them need the protec- tion of the home and whose income may l^e low. Right is reserved also to ask those who have long enjoyed the Club home, to make way for young, inexperienced girls whose mothers may wish them to have the watchful care of the Club as they leave home for the first time. The Club has been the only home which some girls had. Conse- quently there have been weddings in the Ijuilding. One girl moved from A FESTIVE TABLE Page Ti^'ciity-ninc THE CATHERINE CLUB OF GALESBURG, ILLINOIS Cedar Street to Cherry Street with the Cluh and then to the present building where she remained until her retirement. She treasured the memory of the party and gifts as she left. Perhaps the wisdom of staff and directors was most tested during the war period, when the problems of soldier lovers and their Catherine Club lassies were paramount, when long distance calls at night kept the house-mother from her bed, when weddings were hastily i)lanned and carried out before ships sailed, when war brides with husbands overseas were lonely and distraught, when Catherine Club girls, po])ular as hostesses at Camp ElHs and U. S. O. parties, desired many late passes. Back of all physical improvement and a part of every phase of changing policies, has been the business integrity which has marked the Club's financial status from the beginning. Even when at the Cedar Street house, bills were paid from the house-mother's apron pocket, there was a sound policy of thrift and careful expenditures, with no bills con- tracted which could not bs met. Many people provided funds, most of them small sums, in the early days. Directors have always felt a trusteeship for these funds, not only because many gave small amounts sacrificially, but also because the public, confident of the worth of the cause, entrusted a responsibility with the fifteen women who comprised the first directorate. This responsibility of the Board women was passed on to their husbands. Any account of tlie Club would be incomplete without men- tion of and tribute to the husbands whose advice and time, whose cars and means, were used to further the cause to which the women had committed themselves. To maintain the singleness of purpose the first directors had in mind has always been the desire of the managing Board. To provide a home for employed young women of modest wage, to give them a maxi- mum of service and comfort for a minimum charge ; with wholesome food and safeguards to health, to keep them physically fit ; with friendly staff members and Christian environment to enrich their lives — these few goals have been basic throughout the life of the Association, whether six or sixty girls benefitted because of them. The success of the venture has proved its worth. The devotion of directors has brought its reward to each one who has given without stint of her ability, training and interest to the end that young women employed in Galesburg may do their work and live their lives well, in part at least, because of the Catherine Club. Page Thirty RECORD OF SERVICE O ■4-' o =: i P u O l-'age Thirty-one RECORD OF SERVICE Honorary Members of the Board of Directors ^Irs. J. F. Percy Mrs. J. F. Corbin Mrs. Mary Overstreet Mrs. G. W. Marks Mrs. Nelle Packard IMrs. Helena Backman 3(n Jl^cimirtam ]\lrs. Ella Bradshaw Mrs. Gus Wenzelmann Mrs. Martha Safford ^Ir^. C. A. Webster Mrs. Horace Arnold ^Irs. \A'illard Noble Miss ]\Iary Smith Miss Maud Stewart ^Irs. y. C. Tolcr ]\lrs. Howard Knowles Mrs. H. M. Chase Mrs. W. F. Bentley Mrs. A. B. Deets .Mrs. D. B. Swanson Page Thirty-tivO RECORD OF SERVICE The Board of Directors A RECORD OF SERVICE Figures indicate years of service. * — Charter Member. Mrs. Horace Arnold — 1916-1921. Endowment Committee, 4, Chairman, 2 ; House Committee, 2. Although not a charter memher, Mrs. Arnold did pioneer service for the Club, serving on special committees which provided furnishings for the new building, and doing outstanding work on the Endowment Committee, the result of whose efforts laid the foundation for the Club itself. Mrs. Arnold's quiet, conscientious cooperation in a cause she con- sidered worthy, was of lasting benefit. Mrs. Helena Backman — 1918-1943. RecoT-ding Secretary, 7; House Committee, 8; Finance Committee, 4; Publicity Committee, 2; Welfare Committee, 10, Chairm.an, 4; Endowment Committee, 10, Chairman, 6. Civic minded, interested in girls, with broad experience on com- munity and church boards, Mrs. Backman was able to make a large contribution to the Clui) in ways practical and idealistic. It was the custom of Mrs. Knowles, as president and as luncheon hostess at annual meetings, to ask Mrs. Backman to express in prayer the Board's thank- fulness for the successful year just concluded. Her devotion to the task and her gracious personality were notable. *Mrs. F. W. Barndt— 1911- President, 2; First Vi'e President, 5; Recording Secretary, 7; Finance Committee, 25, Chairman, 25; Executive Board, 5; House Committee, 6; Revision Comm.ittee, 2; Cafe'ena Committee, 1; Auditing Committee, 10; Invoice Committee, /: Pjbli:ity Conm.it- tee, 10; Heating and Plumbing Committee, !; Cl.ib History, 2. With a single minded purpose rarely equalled, Mrs. Barndt has served the Catherine Club in its every activity. The financial stability of the undertaking was assured and has been maintained largely because of her consistent attention to business detail in the operation of the Club. During the campaign she arranged for accurate records of every pledge and all cash received ; as Club business developed the system of book- keeping was adjusted to account for every complex detail. Directors and Stafif through the years have depended on her wise judgments and un- Pagc Thirty-three THE CATHERINE CLUB OF GALESBURG, ILLINOIS failing interest, an interest that is not hampered by distance, but continues with loyal and generous outpouring of effort and ability, even though her residence is now in another state, *Mrs. W. F. Bentley— 1911-1944. President, 6; First Vice President, 2; Second Vice President, 3; Finance Committee, 11; House Committee, 10, Cliairman 6; Wel- fare Committee, 6; Revision Committee, 2; Membe'ship Commit- tee, 3. The establishment of the Catherine Club can be traced to Mrs. Bentley and the several others who envisioned a Club home for girls. As its first president, she met and conquered problems whose solution fol- lowed no tried and true pattern long established. Her leadership was wise and far reaching. When illness forced her to retire from active service, she followed the fortunes of the Club with lively interest and often, from her bed, counselled with directors. She remained on the Board until her death. Mrs. I. I. BoNDi— 1921- Treasurer, 20; Finance Committee, 18; House Committee, 2; Mem- bership Committee, 5 ; Heating and Plumbing Committee, 5 ; Execu- tive Committee, 5 ; History, 2. In Mrs. Bondi. the directors found an alert business woman, ready to give the Club unstintedly, the benefit of her experience. As treasurer for twenty years she was valuable in all financial decisions, her sound business judgment being relied upon for every detail. During the period of benefit parties, she usually acted as chairman of the large parties which helped so much to advertise the Club and to provide means to meet imperative demands. Her wise counsel in Board decisions has been constantly available and as constantly sought. *Mrs. Ella Bradshaw — 1915-1928. House Committee ; Endowment Committee. Mrs. Bradshaw is remembered best by her early colleagues on the Board for her generous hospitality in opening her home for Board meetings and for her several gifts towards furnishing the new building. Although her term of service was short, her interest and loyalty to Club ideals were memorable. Mrs. Charles Boydstun — 1945- Building Committee, 2 ; Grounds Committee, 2. Page Thirty-four RECORD OF SERVICE Coming to the Board only two years ago, Mrs. Boydstun has quickly endeared herself to the directorate, by reason of her immediate interest, her cooperative attitudes, her practical suggestions, her willing- ness to do assigned tasks, in the best possible way. She spares no effort to meet conscientiously the responsibilities of committees and Board work. The Board considers itself fortunate to have her help. Mrs. George Campbell — 1944- Hoiise Committee, 3; Building Committee, 1. From the first day of her three years' service on the Board, Mrs. Campbell has been a member to depend upon. She has been under- standing in contacts with employees in her services on the House Com- mittee, practical and helpful in suggestions affecting Club Welfare, thoughtful and gracious in all relationships. The future of the Club is safer because of her presence on the Board. Mrs. J. D. Cabeen — 1933- Corresponding Secretary, 11; Cafeteria Committee, 5; House Com- mittee, 11; Grounds Committee, 9, Chairman, 8; Building Commit- tee, 4, Chairman, 3. Coming to the directorate after the Club was well established, Mrs. Cabeen quickly proved her worth and her versatility by her quick understanding of Catherine Club values and her sincere readiness to work actively to promote the welfare of the Association. Her work as Corresponding Secretary has been notable, as with friendly courtesy or sympathy or gratitude she has caught and expressed the feeling of the Board in its relationships with the public. As chairman of the Grounds Committee, she has done careful work. The concrete slabs at the curb are an example of her thoughtful attention to the needs of motorists who come to the Club. *Mrs. Henry Chase — 1915-1921. Endowment Committee. 2 ; House Committee, 2. The directorate profited by the wholesome interest of Mrs. Chase from its earliest days and many meetings to plan or sew for the Club were held in her home. Her husband, a brother of Mrs. Knowles, was frequently enlisted in service, too. Finance Committee members cannot forget the hours of work he cheerfully gave to detail records of campaign pledges. The generosity of the Chases was an asset to the Club. De- parture from the city made her resignation necessary. Page Thirty-five THE CATHERINE CLUB OF GALESBURG, ILLINOIS Mrs. Robert A. Chandler — 1916- First Vice President, 3 ; Second Vice President, 7 ; Third Vice President, 5 ; Recording Secretary, 6 ; Executive Board, 5 ; Revision Committee, Chairman, 2; Press and Publicity Committee, 13, Chair- man, 8; Finance Committee, 20; Welfare Committee, 18, Chairman, 5 ; Club Relations Committee, Chairman, 5 ; Auditing Committee, 2 ; Invoice Committee, 3 ; Club History, 2. Mrs. Chandler's work as Chairman of the Club Relationships Com- mittee has been otttstancling. No effort was ever too great for her to make as each year she presented the ideals of the Board of Management to the new girls either in a personal interview or dttring an evening when all assembled to exchange ideas and discuss policies governing the every day routine of Club Hfe. Mrs. Chandler's cultural background and fine personality, dominated by sincerity of purpose, makes her a valued mem- ber of any group and gives inspiration to all associated with her. Mrs. J. F. Corbin — 1925-1934. Recording Secretary, 3 ; Finance Committee, 3 ; House Committee, 2; Cafeteria Committee, 4, Chairman, 2; Press and Publicity Com- mittee, 1 ; Membership, 1. A meml:)er of the Board for less than ten years, Mrs. Corbin's work and personality made a lasting contril)ution, for her every assign- ment was undertaken earnestly and executed faithfully. Her minutes, as Recording Secretary, are accurate and complete. Her thinking was clear cut, her decisions carefully made. Removal from Galesburg ter- minated her connection with the Club. Mrs. a. B. Deets — 1926-1927. House Committee, 1 ; Membership Committee, 1 ; Welfare Com- mittee, 1. Mrs. Deets came to the work of the directorate with highest recom- mendations and with a l)road background of fine accomplishment in many worth while activities. She accepted promptly the duties given to her and was active and helpful until her death, following a sudden illness. Mrs. Deets was a member of the Board about a year. Mrs. Edwin Gumm — 1942- Second Vice President, 3 ; Cafeteria Committee, 5, Chairman, 3 ; House Committee, 2. Mrs. Gumm has had a long personal interest in the Catherine Club, for she is a granddaughter of Mrs. Catherine Knowles. During the five years she has served on the Board she has been faithful to every Page Thirty-six RECORD OF SERVICE obligation. Her experience in foods has made her expert help, valuable on the Cafeteria and House Committee where she has been of real service. *Mrs. Howard Knowles — 1914-1941. President, 18; Building Committee. 2. Mrs. Howard Knowles, an active charter member, was a force in determining policies from the beginning. She would have been a power on the Board if she had never held an office or served on a specific com- mittee, so great was the strength of her personal convictions, so courageous were her impulses. She will Ije remembered as the president about whose hospitable table many grave problems were solved and many friendships deepened. Her intrepid and forthright leadership was invaluable in criti- cal years. The Club commanded her interest literally to the la^t day of her life. Mrs. F. M. Kinzel— 1942- First Vice President, 1; Finance Committee, 5. Chairman, 2; Execu- tive Committee, 3. It is amazing how quickly one who has served only five years on the Board can seem to become a veteran member, carrying heavy respon- sil)ilities and exemplifying the highest ideals of the founding mothers. Mrs. Kinzel, an experienced business woman, immediately made her knowledge and judgment available, as business decisions were to be made, so that the impact of her personality quickly became an asset to the Club. Generous and tactful, gracious and practical, she possesses qualities every directorate needs. As Financial Secretary, she holds one of the most responsible positions on the Board. Mrs. G. W. Marks — 1920-1941. Second Vice President, 1 ; Finance Committee, 1 ; House Commit- tee, 6; Cafeteria Committee, 7; Membership Committee, 11, Chair- man, 6 ; Endowment Committee, Chairman, 3. For twenty-one years as a Board member and since that time as a loyal friend, Mrs. Marks has served the Club. To secure members or funds, to drive to the country for vegetables, to scurry about town to secure the best values for food, to carve a turkey for a festive dinner, to sit upon any one of several committees — these were tasks which Mrs. Marks undertook unhesitatingly Ijecause she believed in the cause for v/hich she worked. Page Thirty-seven THE CATHERINE CLUB OF GALESBURG, ILLINOIS Mrs. J. R. Moreland — 1922- Corresponding Secretary, 12; Recording Secretary, 10; Publicity, 8; House Committee, 2; Grounds Committee, 1. It is often said that a president stands or falls because of her secretary. Mrs. Moreland has been either Corresponding or Recording Secretary for almost her entire period of service on the Board. Quiet and thoughtful in personality, accurate and clear in letters or mintites, she has kept such careful account of Board activities that her service and faithful attention to necessary detail place her high in the record of service well rendered. *Mrs. Willard Noble— 1915-1939. First Vice President, 6 ; House Committee, 12. Chairman, 10 ; Membership Committee, 10, Chairman, 5 ; Press and Publicity Com- mittee, 1 ; Building Committee, 2 ; Invoice Committee, 3, Chair- man, 2. For a period of twenty years, during critical years of the Club's history, Mrs. Noble stood firmly and steadily, loyally and generously, for the Catherine Club. When tickets were to be sold for benefit parties, she sold the largest number ; when solicitations were made for the Club, her Hsts topped all others ; when supplies were needed for the building they appeared, in spite of obstacles. Like a veritable Rock of Gibralter, Mrs. Noble was one of those sources of strength which gave stability to the Club. *Mrs. Mary Overstreet — 1915-1921. House Committee, 2 ; Membership Committee, 3 ; Endowment Committee, 2 During her six years on the Board in its early history, Mrs. Over- street, with her southern charm and gracious manner, made many friends for the Club. She was a promoter in a fine sense, helping many to see the need for a Girls' Club in Galesburg. She was an earnest canvasser, making those who gave proud to share in a worthy cause. She helped greatly in securing furniture for the new building. Her resignation was a matter of regret to all, Mrs. C. H. Olson — 1928- President, 3 ; Second Vice President, 5 ; Executive Committee, 5 ; Revision Committee, 1 ; House Committee, 10, Chairman, 6 ; Cafe- teria Committee, 7, Chairman, 4 ; Building Committee, 9 ; Welfare Committee, 10, Chairman, 4; Membership Committee, 4; Grounds Committee, 3. Page Thirty-eight RECORD OF SERVICE Mrs. Olson's services to the Club are many and varied. She has served on almost every committee. Her executive experience has made her resourceful and able to cope successfully with knotty problems. Her habit of attention to others before expressing an opinion, makes her decisions wise and dependable. The quiet execution of her plans is accomplished without friction and with the cooperation of all. Mrs. Olson in a line of distinguished presidents, is living up to the heritage of the Club. Mrs. N. K. Packard— 1920-1922. Membership Committee, 3 ; House Committee, 2 ; Building Com- mittee, 1 ; Endowment, 3. Even during her two }-ears of service on the Board, a service terminated to the regret of all. Mrs. Packard found many ways to prove herself a valuable member. She was of help in securing funds and finding members, in the days when memberships were vital in promoting every enterprise undertaken. Early directors have happy memories of Mrs. Packard's worth as a member and all are now aware of her con- tinuing interest and loyalty. Mrs. Loren M. Peterson — 1942- House Committee, 5. Chairman. 3 ; Executive Board, 3. Mrs. Peterson, with five years of service to her credit, has become a pillar of the Board. The work of the House Committee, which requires tact and ability in high measure, has been her particular field. In times when the employing of help has been especially difficult, Mrs. Peterson and her committee have shown great resourcefulness and tact in keeping the building running smoothly. *Mrs. J. F. Percy— 1911-1920. Vice President, 6 ; Endowment Committee, 3 ; Building Commit- tee, 3 ; Grounds Committee. 3 ; House Committee, Chairman, 3. An incoming Board member during early years, had the impres- sion that Mrs. Percy lived for the Catherine Club. Her time, her unusual abilities, her home, her means were constantly available, if the Club needed something. Her "electric" seemed to belong to the Club, so con- stantly did it run necessary errands, by day or night. Perhaps her greatest gift was her enthusiasm. It was honest and infectious. It could override all opposition and make a casual interest become deep and last- ing. Her personality has been an abiding asset of the Qub. Since her departure from Galesburg, ]Mrs. Percy, having cultivated with success and distinction a talent for painting, has presented to the Club an oil painting in still life designed especially for the Club dining room. Page Thirty-nine THE CATHERINE CLUB OF GALESBL'RG. ILLINOIS *Miss AIargaret Phillips — 1915- Treasiirer, 5; Finance Committee, 4; Hnjse Committee, 3; Cafeteria Committee, 2 ; Heating and Plumbing Committee, Chairman, 7 ; Membership Committee, 5; Welfare Committee, 20, Chairman, 10; Invoice Committee, 5 ; Publicity, 6 ; Club History, 2. For thirty years Miss Phillips has heen a gtiiding star for the Club. She has worked on all committees. She has been a faithful officer. She never has made a decision that was not kindly, sane, broad in its un- derstanding, far reaching in its wisdom. Her quiet humor and keen analysis at critical times have been a joy. Her service has always had a personal touch. If the "sitter" at the desk wished to be relieved for an hour, it was Miss Phillips who knew and took her place. If a girl was in some personal need, Miss Phillips helped her meet it. Every girl, stafif member and director admires and loves Miss Phillips. AIrs. a. \'. RowE — 1920- Corresponding Secretary, 5 ; House Committee, 5 ; Cafeteria Com- mittee, 10, Chairman, 4; Membership Committee, 7, Chairman, 4; Building Committee, 16; Grounds Committee, 5; Welfare Commit- tee, 7. Mrs. Rowe has given helpful service on almost every committee, serving steadily and consistently to further the work to which she has given her allegiance. Often at personal sacrifice, she has been faithful to her Club obligations and has done her work loyally and well. Especially fine has besn her contact with girls who were sick or unhappy. Some will never forget her kindness to them when as hospital patients, they enjoyed her mothering. *Mrs. Martha A. Safford— 1914-1917. Endowment Committtee ; House Committee ; Membership Commit- tee. For several of the Club's earliest years, ^Irs. Safiford was one of the indespensable promoters of a cause at that time not too well known in Galesburg. She helped to secure gifts for the new building and to buy linens for it, working on the House Committee as it strove to solve its ntmierous problems when apparently everything about a new building was still to be done. *Miss Mary Smith — 1912-1920. Treasurer, 6; Grounds Committee, 2; House Committee, 3; Welfare Committee, 2. For pioneering years Miss Smith was an imtiring member of the Board. She resigned to become Superintendent of the Club, a position which she ably filled. There was never any question about Miss Smith's Pacie Forty} RECORD OF SERVICE interest and loyalty. Of her ability and training she gave without stint. She stands among the honored women who helped to make the Club possible. *Miss AI. Maud Stewart— 1912-1941. First Vice President, 1 ; Finance Committee, 2 ; Cafeteria Com- mittee, 2; Revisions Committee, 3; Membership Committee, 10, Chairman, 6; Grounds Committee, 19, Chairman, 15; Endowment Committee, 10, Chairman, 7; Building Committee, 13. The personality of Miss Stewart — unique, forceful, courageous, forthright, wholesome, generous — was one of the foundation stones of the Club. If the work to be done was impossible to accomplish, she gloried in bringing it to pass. If a need demanded unconventional treatment, she was the volunteer to undertake it. Her friends responded to her magnetic interest and money was drawn from their pockets, even on street corners. Clients of hers remembered the Club in their wills, workmen she could command met l:»uilding emergencies. Miss Stewart was a power upon the Board. *Mrs. D. B. Swanson — 1915-1946. Second Vice President, 4 ; House Committee, 2 ; Membership Com- mittee, 7 ; Finance Committee, 5 ; Building Committee, 20, Chair- man, 15; Auditing Committee, 3; Publicity Committee, 3. Mrs. Swanson was a charter Board member whose large home was repeatedly opened for benefit parties and whose abilities were freely used to win friends and support for the Club. For twenty years she served on the Building Committee, all but five of those years as chair- man, and during that time her sound judgment and careful administra- tion were responsible for minor and major repairs and alterations, made with precise care. Mrs. Swanson's interest, transmitted to. her children, manifested itself in their recent memorial gift to the Club. Mrs. Edward S. Stickney — 1942- Treasurer. 3; Finance Committee, 3; Executive Boa''d, 2; Welfare Committee, 4. Mrs. Stickney came to the Board five years ago, even in her busy days of Red Cross war activities, because she was ready to help in a local worthwhile cause to which she could turn her talents. Quickly coming into the treasurership she became a valuable member of the Executive Committee, where good judgment and careful decisions are especially needed. On the Club Relationships Committee she has been a most valu- able member because of her understanding and sympathetic approach to girls and their problems. Page Forty-one THE CATHERINE CLUB OF GALESBURG, ILLINOIS *Mrs. J. C. ToLER— 1914-1921. President, 2; Vice President, 2; Building Committee, 2. Mrs. Toler was one of the most active of the early (Hrectors. Her home was a center of Board activities, especially during the years when she was president. She worl ed closely with Mrs. Knowles and the two women almost wore a ]~)ath hetween their nearby liomes, as they went back and forth in frequent conferences. Airs. Tole-'s re-i-joval from the city deprived the Board of an able and devoted memjjer. *Mrs. C. A. Webster— 1911-1933. Corresponding Secretary, 1 ; Recordin:^ Secretary, 2 ; House Com- mittee, 4; Welfat'e Committee, 9; Revisions Comrrittee, 5; Grounds Committee, 5. In retrospect, the personalities of earlv Board members seem al- most to have been planned to meet th:? needs and to complement each other. Mrs. ^^'ebster"s broad acquaintance, her quick appreciation, her high ideals, seem now to have fitted perfectly into the requirements for Board usefidness. Those who worked with her can never forget her gracious personality. Her very presence helped to solve difficulties and make the plans easier for a better future. Her family, honoring her interest, after her death gave the Club valuable pieces of furniture and five hundred dollars in money. Mrs. F. C. Webster— 1934-1946. President, 2 ; First Vice President, 6 ; Second Vice President, 3 ; Executive Board, 1 ; Finance Committee, 4 ; Heating and Plumbing Committee, 4; House Committee, 6; Revision. 1. At the time of Mrs. C. A. Webster's death, it seemed itnthinkable that there was no Webster on the Board. In the daughter-in-law, Mrs. F. C. Webster, the directors found a person who cotild carry on the traditional work expected of one who bore the name. Mrs. Webster's charm and ability, her background and idealism brought to the work an impetus which gave it new strength. In her several official capacities and as president she built well and brought new and lasting improvements in policies becaitse of her wisdom. Mrs. Gus Wenzelmaxx — 1921-1924. House Committee, 4 ; Cafeteria Committee, 1 ; Grounds Com- mittee, 2 ; Building Committee, 3. Those who knew Mrs. Wenzelmann during her three years of Board membership speak still of her contribution to the Club — of those practical abilities which were an asset to such committees as House, Cafe- teria, Building, as well as those idealistic qualities which made her atti- ttides so wholesome and her ])ersonality so pleasing. The Club will always be finer because of the fact that such a woman as Mrs. Wenzelmann served tipon its Board. Page Forty-tzvo RECORD OF SERVICE u O +-> o a; u Q O u ^ -a "a; >> c -to tn in a r, :::; p J= t/i P-i •o >, ^ n m J3 n a; o ^ u