General Federation of Women's Clubs
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The General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC), founded in 1890 during the
Progressive Movement Progressivism holds that it is possible to improve human societies through political action. As a political movement, progressivism seeks to advance the human condition through social reform based on purported advancements in science, techn ...
, is a federation of over 3,000
women's clubs The woman's club movement was a social movement that took place throughout the United States that established the idea that women had a moral duty and responsibility to transform public policy. While women's organizations had always been a par ...
in the United States which promote civic improvements through volunteer service. Many of its activities and service projects are done independently by local clubs through their communities or GFWC's national partnerships. GFWC maintains nearly 70,000 members throughout the United States and internationally. GFWC remains one of the world's largest and oldest nonpartisan, nondenominational, women's volunteer service organizations. The GFWC headquarters is located in
Washington, D.C. ) , image_skyline = , image_caption = Clockwise from top left: the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall, United States Capitol, Logan Circle, Jefferson Memorial, White House, Adams Morgan, ...


History

The GFWC was founded by
Jane Cunningham Croly Jane Cunningham Croly (December 19, 1829 – December 23, 1901) was a British-born American author and journalist, better known by her pseudonym, Jennie June. She was a pioneer author and editor of women's columns in leading newspapers and magaz ...
, a leading New York journalist. In 1868 she helped found the
Sorosis Sorosis Club rules in 1869 Sorosis was the first professional women's club in the United States. It was established in March 1868 in New York City. History The club was organized in New York City with 12 members in March 1868, by Jane Cunningham ...
club for professional women. It was the model for the nationwide GFWC in 1890. In 1889 Mrs. Croly organized a conference in New York that brought together delegates from 61
women's club The woman's club movement was a social movement that took place throughout the United States that established the idea that women had a moral duty and responsibility to transform public policy. While women's organizations had always been a par ...
s. The women formed a permanent organization in 1890 with Charlotte Emerson Brown as its first president. In 1901 it was granted a charter by Congress. Dietz proclaimed, "We look for unity, but
unity in diversity Unity in diversity is used as an expression of harmony and unity between dissimilar individuals or groups. It is a concept of "unity without uniformity and diversity without fragmentation" that shifts focus from unity based on a mere tolerance ...
" and that became the GFWC motto. Southern white women played a central role in the early years. Local women's clubs initially joined the General Federation directly but later came into membership through state federations that began forming in 1892. The GFWC also counts international clubs among its members. In 1900, the GFWC met in Milwaukee, and
Josephine Ruffin Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin (August 31, 1842 – March 13, 1924) was an African American, African-American publisher, journalist, civil rights leader, Women's suffrage, suffragist, and editor of the ''The Woman's Era, Woman's Era'', the first n ...
, a black journalist, tried to attend as a representative of three Boston organizations – the New Era Club, the New England Woman's Club and the New England Woman's Press Club. Southern women led by president Rebecca Douglas Lowe, a Georgia native, told Ruffin that she could be seated as an honorary representative of the two white clubs but would not seat a black club. She refused on principle and was excluded from the proceedings. These events became known as "The Ruffin Incident" and were widely covered in newspapers around the country, most of whom supported Ruffin. In a time when women's rights were limited the State Federation chapters held grassroots efforts to make sure the woman's voice was heard. Through monthly group meetings, to annual charter meetings, women of influential status within their communities could have their feelings heard. They were able to meet with state officials in order to have a say in community events. Until the right to vote was granted, these women's clubs were the best outlet for women to be heard and taken seriously. Women's clubs spread very rapidly after 1890, taking up some of the slack left by the decline of the
WCTU The Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) is an international temperance organization, originating among women in the United States Prohibition movement. It was among the first organizations of women devoted to social reform with a program th ...
and the temperance movement. Local clubs at first were mostly reading groups focused on literature, but increasingly became civic improvement organizations of middle-class women meeting in each other's homes weekly. The clubs avoided controversial issues that would divide the membership, especially religion and the prohibition issue. In the South and East, suffrage was also highly divisive, while there was little resistance to it among clubwomen in the West. In the Midwest, clubwomen had first avoided the suffrage issue out of caution, but after 1900 increasingly came to support it.


Representative activities

Historian Paige Meltzer puts the GFWC in the context of the
Progressive Movement Progressivism holds that it is possible to improve human societies through political action. As a political movement, progressivism seeks to advance the human condition through social reform based on purported advancements in science, techn ...
, arguing that its policies: :built on Progressive-era strategies of municipal housekeeping. During the Progressive era, female activists used traditional constructions of womanhood, which imagined all women as mothers and homemakers, to justify their entrance into community affairs: as "municipal housekeepers," they would clean up politics, cities, and see after the health and wellbeing of their neighbors. Donning the mantle of motherhood, female activists methodically investigated their community's needs and used their "maternal" expertise to lobby, create, and secure a place for themselves in an emerging state welfare bureaucracy, best illustrated perhaps by clubwoman Julia Lathrop's leadership in the US Children's Bureau. As part of this tradition of maternal activism, the Progressive-era General Federation supported a range of causes from the pure food and drug administration to public health care for mothers and children to a ban on child labor, each of which looked to the state to help implement their vision of social justice. Kansas was a representative state, as the women's clubs joined with local chapters of the WCTU and other organizations to deal with social issues. The clubs continued to feature discussions of current literature, culture, and civic events, but they also broadened to include public schools, local parks, sanitation, prostitution, and protection of children. Paula Watson has shown that across the country the clubs supported the local Carnegie public library, as well as traveling libraries for rural areas. They promoted state legislation to fund and support libraries, especially to form library extension programs. GFWC affiliates worked with the American Library Association, state library associations, and state library commissions and gave critical support to library education programs at the universities. Many clubs were especially concerned with uplifting the neglected status of American Indians. They brought John Collier into the forefront of the debate when they appointed him the research agent for the Indian Welfare Committee in 1922. The GFWC took a leadership role in opposing assimilation policies, supporting the return of Indian lands, and promoting more religious and economic independence. For example, Southwestern clubs help support the Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA) and became advocates and consumers for authentic Native American arts and crafts. Even more important, in Western states GFWC affiliates cooperated with Collier when he served (1933–45) as the New Deal's Commissioner for Indian affairs, in his campaign to reverse federal policies designed to assimilate Indians into the national culture. In May 1925 Edith Brake West conducted a survey of county organizations which was recognized by the National Federation of Women's Clubs. For the first time in the history of federated clubs the actual accomplishment and the organization of these bodies were set forth. The membership peaked at 850,000 in 16,000 clubs in 1955, and has declined to about 70,000 in the 21st century as middle-class women have moved into the public mainstream. During the Cold War era the GFWC promoted the theme that American women had a unique ability to preserve world peace while strengthening the nation internally through local, national, and international community activism. The remaining 70,000 members are older now, and have less influence in national affairs. The affiliated clubs in every state and more than a dozen countries work locally: :to support the arts, preserve natural resources, advance education, promote healthy lifestyles, encourage civic involvement, and work toward world peace and understanding. In 2009, GFWC members raised over $39 million on behalf of more than 110,000 projects, and volunteered more than 4.1 million hours in the communities where they live and work.


Notable clubwomen

*
Annette Abbott Adams Annette Abbott Adams (12 March 1877 – 26 October 1956) was an American lawyer and judge. She was the first woman to be the Assistant Attorney General in the United States. Biography Born Annette Grace Abbot in Prattville, California, to storek ...
, chairman of Legislation, California Fed. of Women's Clubs *
Jane Addams Laura Jane Addams (September 6, 1860 May 21, 1935) was an American settlement activist, reformer, social worker, sociologist, public administrator, and author. She was an important leader in the history of social work and women's suffrage ...
(1860–1935) *
Effie Adelaide Payne Austin Effie Adelaide Payne Austin (November 18, 1880 – October 18, 1949) a professional musician and clubwoman. Early life Effie Adelaide Payne was born in Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City (abbreviated KC or KCMO) is the largest city in Misso ...
, State Trustee of the California Federation of Women's Clubs *
Edith Vosburgh Alvord Edith Vosburgh Alvord (1875-1962) was an American suffragist and active Detroit clubwoman. Biography Alvord was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, in 1875. At twenty years old (in 1895), she began attending Olivet College, where she would gradu ...
(1875–1962) *
Helen Bagg Helen may refer to: People * Helen of Troy, in Greek mythology, the most beautiful woman in the world * Helen (actress) (born 1938), Indian actress * Helen (given name), a given name (including a list of people with the name) Places * Helen, G ...
, for several years served as chairman of Literature for Illinois Fed. of Women's Clubs *
Alice Barnett Alice Barnett (17 May 1846 – 14 April 1901) was an English singer and actress, best known for her performances in contralto roles of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company. Barnett began her career by 1873 in ...
, Southern District chairman, California Fed. of Women's Clubs, for Motion Pictures; local chairman of Motion Pictures; president of San Bernardino Women's Club *
Annie Little Barry Annie may refer to: People and fictional characters * Annie (given name), a given name and a list of people and fictional characters with the name * Annie (actress) (born 1975), Indian actress * Annie (singer) (born 1977), Norwegian singer The ...
, Served for many years as State Parliamentarian of the California Fed. of Women's Clubs *
Mary Lathrop Benton Mary may refer to: People * Mary (name), a feminine given name (includes a list of people with the name) Religious contexts * New Testament people named Mary, overview article linking to many of those below * Mary, mother of Jesus, also calle ...
, Fed. of Women's Clubs *
Mariana Bertola Mariana Bertola (May 7, 1865 — December 7, 1955) was an American educator, physician, and reformer based in California. Early life Mariana Bertola was born in Pacheco, California, the daughter of Italian immigrant parents, Antonio Bertola and ...
, General Federation Director and President of the California Federation of Women's Clubs *
Edythe Mitchell Bissell Edythe or Edyth is a female given name. It may refer to: ;Edythe *Edythe Baker (1899–1971), American pianist *Edythe Chapman (1863–1948), American stage and silent film actress from Rochester, New York * Edythe D. London, Professor of Psychiat ...
, President, San Luis Obispo County Fed. of Women's Clubs *
Fannie Jean Black Fannie Jean Black was the president of the San Francisco California Club from 1910 to 1912 and the chairman for San Francisco County on Woman's Auxiliary Board for the Panama–Pacific International Exposition in 1915. Early life Fannie Jean Lyne ...
, chairman of the Press Department of the California Federation of Women's clubs *
C. Louise Boehringer Cora Louise Boehringer (1878 – September 11, 1956) was the first female superintendent of schools in Yuma County, Arizona. She has been called "the mother of the Arizona educational system". In 2008 she was inducted into the Arizona Women's Hal ...
, Arizona Federation *
Harriet Bossnot Harriet Bossnot was a social and civic worker, and the first vice president of the Montana Federation of Women's Clubs. Early life Harriet Bossnot was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the daughter of E. Markle. Career She was active social and civic ...
, first vicepresident of the Montana Federation of Women's Clubs *
Leah Belle Kepner Boyce Leah Belle Kepner Boyce (died April 5, 1960) was a journalist, civic worker and clubwoman. Early life Leah Belle Kepner was born in Port Carbon, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Howard Douglas Kepner (1854-1922) and Emma Rebecca Chillson Vose (185 ...
, Press Chairman of California Federation of Women's Clubs, Member Western Federation of Women's Clubs * Esto Bates Broughton, State chairman of California Fed. of Women's Clubs *Clementine Cordelia Berry Buchwalter (1843–1912) * Dorothea Dutcher Buck (1887–1986), president of the GFWC 1947-1950 * Clara Bradley Burdette, First president of California Federation of Women's Clubs * Nellie T. Bush, member of State Legislative Commission, Federation of Women's Clubs * Mary Ryerson Butin, district chairman of Public Welfare, for California Federation of Women's Clubs * Grace Richardson Butterfield, President, City and County Fed. of Women's Clubs of San Francisco, State and District chairman of Junior membership, California Fed. of Women's Clubs * Vera McKenna Clayton, Santa Cruz Woman's Club *
R. Belle Colver Rhoda Belle Colver (October 3, 1882 - January 24, 1977) was the Club Editor of ''The Spokesman-Review'' in Spokane. Early life Rhoda Belle Colver was born in Missouri Valley, Iowa, on October 3, 1882, the daughter of James E. (1859-1915) and Em ...
, Woman's Club of Spokane * Ione Virginia Hill Cowles (1858-1940), eighth president, GFWC; president, California Fed. Women's Clubs * Inez Mabel Crawford, First president of Ottawa Federation of Women's Clubs *
Jane Cunningham Croly Jane Cunningham Croly (December 19, 1829 – December 23, 1901) was a British-born American author and journalist, better known by her pseudonym, Jennie June. She was a pioneer author and editor of women's columns in leading newspapers and magaz ...
(1829–1901) * Katherine Davis Cumberson, member of State Executive Board, California Fed. Women's Clubs, for 6 years chairman of its Committee of International Relations, founder and honorary president Lake County Fed. Women's Clubs * Ellen Curtis Demorest (1824–1898) * Nina F. Diefenbach, Ventura County Fed. of Women's Clubs *
Sophia Julia Coleman Douglas Sophia Julia Coleman Douglas (1851–1902) was the founder and first president of the Federation of Women's Clubs for Oklahoma and Indian Territories. She served as principal of Oklahoma City High School before statehood. Biography Douglas née Co ...
, founder and first president of the Federation of Women's Clubs for Oklahoma and Indian Territories (1898) * Saidie Orr Dunbar, Oregon State and National Organization of Women's Clubs, elected President of the (National) General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) in 1938 *
Mary Elizabeth Downey Mary Elizabeth Downey (c. 1872 – May 25, 1949)Stauffer, "She Speaks as One Having Authority," pg. 54. was a librarian and activist who created and promoted library science education courses across the Midwestern and Western United States. She is ...
(1872–1949) *
Freda Ehmann Freda Ehmann (1839-1932) was a farmer who has been credited with launching California's olive industry by perfecting a process to preserve the fruit for shipment. Krissman, Carol. ''Encyclopedia of Women in Business''. Greenwood Publishing, 2005, ...
, Active in Women's Clubs affairs * Augusta Louise Eraser, president, San Diego County Federation of Women's Clubs * Oda Faulconer, State Chairman of American Citizenship of the California Federation of Women's Clubs * Harrye R. P. Smith Forbes, For twelve years was State or District Chairman of California History and Landmarks Dept. for California Fed. of Women's Clubs *
Abigail Keasey Frankel Abigail Keasey Frankel (died August 15, 1931) was a prominent club and civic worker of Portland. When the Oregon Federation of Business and Professional Women was formed, she was its first President. Early life Abigail Keasey was born in Fayette, ...
, President of the State Federation of Women's Clubs. She was member of the Board of the Missouri Federation of Women's Clubs and President of the 8th District of the Missouri Federation. She was the President of the Portland Woman's Club and the chairman of the finance of the Woman's Building association *
Lizzie Crozier French Margaret Elizabeth Crozier French (May 7, 1851 – May 14, 1926) was an American educator, women's suffragist and social reform activist. She was one of the primary leaders in the push for women's rights in Tennessee in the early 1900s, and ...
(1851–1926) * Laura E. Frenger, organized the State (New Mexico) Federation of Women's Clubs * Thora B. Gardiner, President of the Oregon City Women's Club *
Anna Boley Garner Anna may refer to: People Surname and given name * Anna (name) Mononym * Anna the Prophetess, in the Gospel of Luke * Anna (wife of Artabasdos) (fl. 715–773) * Anna (daughter of Boris I) (9th–10th century) * Anna (Anisia) (fl. 1218 to 1221) ...
, served 6 years on State Board of Fed. of Women's Clubs * Mary E. Gartin, President of Stanislaus County Fed. of Women's Clubs; for 3 years president of Modesto Woman's Club * Mabel Barnett Gates, in 1915 Gates represented Ebell Club at the 14th annual California Federation of Women's Club in San Francisco *
Dale Pickett Gay Iva Dale Pickett Gay (June 25, 1891 - 1988) was a Wyoming clubwoman and one of the best known women of her time in the oil business. Early life and family Iva Dale Pickett was born in Rockford, Iowa, on June 25, 1891, the daughter of John Rober ...
, President of Wyoming Federation of Women's Clubs and she was active in all club work *
Esther Rainbolt Goodrich Esther is the eponymous heroine of the Book of Esther. In the Achaemenid Empire, the Persian king Ahasuerus seeks a new wife after his queen, Vashti, is deposed for disobeying him. Hadassah, a Jews, Jewess who goes by the name of Esther, is ch ...
, served in many offices in California Fed. of Women's Clubs * Annie Sawyer Green, President, California Fed. of Women's Clubs, Has held several high offices in Federation of Women's Clubs * Harriet A. Haas, On Speakers' Bureau of County Fed. of Women's Clubs and Community Chest * Sharlot Mabridth Hall, Women's Clubs of Arizona * Ceil Doyle Hamilton, president of City and County Fed. of Women's Clubs of San Francisco * Susie Prentice Hartzell, secretary of San Joaquin Valley District Federation of Women's Clubs *
Fanny G. Hazlett Frances Ann Gore Hazlett (August 31, 1837 - April 3, 1933) was one of the oldest pioneer women of Nevada. Early life Frances Ann "Fanny" Gore Hazlett was born on August 31, 1837, in Massachusetts, the daughter of Stephen Gore and Joan Whitcomb. ...
, in 1932 was presented with a certificate by the General Federation of Women's Club for being the oldest American born mother in the state of Nevada *
Maude B. Helmond Maude may refer to: Places *Maude, New South Wales, a village on the lower Murrumbidgee River in Australia *Maude, South Australia, a locality in South Australia *Maude, Victoria, a town in Australia *Cape Maude, a high ice-covered cape forming ...
, For six years was Child Welfare Chairman for Federated Women's Clubs of Alameda District during which time she was instrumental in establishing Well Baby Clinics in the schools *
Una B. Herrick Una Brasfield Herrick (August 24, 1863 – August 10, 1950) was an American educator. A pioneer in higher education for women, she was the first Dean of Women at Montana State College (now Montana State University). Early life Una Olive Brasfie ...
, Member *
Ada Waite Hildreth Ada may refer to: Places Africa * Ada Foah, a town in Ghana * Ada (Ghana parliament constituency) * Ada, Osun, a town in Nigeria Asia * Adeh, Urmia, Ada, Urmia, a village in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran * Ada, Karaman, a village in Karaman P ...
, San Diego County and Southern District Chairman, Indian welfare, California Fed. of Women's Clubs, Second Vice-President, San Diego County Fed. of Women's Clubs * Etha Izora Dawley Holden, From 1925–27, auditor of California Federation of Women's Clubs * Dorothy D. Houghton (1890–1972) *
Julia Ward Howe Julia Ward Howe (; May 27, 1819 – October 17, 1910) was an American author and poet, known for writing the " Battle Hymn of the Republic" and the original 1870 pacifist Mother's Day Proclamation. She was also an advocate for abolitionism ...
(1819–1910) * Grace Youmans Hudson, Chairman of Community Service, Los Angeles District, California Fed. of Women's Clubs, Member Women's Club of South Pasadena * Jane Denio Hutchison, president of Tri County Fed. of Women's Clubs, Auditor, Northern District Fed. of Women's Clubs * Vernettie O. Ivy, president, Central Arizona District Fed. of Women's Clubs * Christine A. Jacobsen, Council of International Relations, California Fed. of Women's Clubs * Lotta Hetler James, chairman Child Welfare, San Joaquin Valley and State Fed. Women's Clubs, chairman, Resolution Committee, State Fed. Women's Clubs *
Kate Wetzel Jameson Kate Wetzel Jameson (October 15, 1870 - 1967) was a professor at several colleges and Dean of Women at Montana State University, the University of Arizona and then Oregon State College. Early life Kate Wetzel Jameson was born on October 15, 1870 ...
, member * May Mann Jennings (1872–1963) *
Hope Pyburn Johnson Hope is an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one's life or the world at large. As a verb, its definitions include: "expect with confidence" and "to cherish ...
, for two terms District chairman, Public Health, California Fed. Women's Clubs *
Antoinette Kinney Antoinette Brown Kinney (1862–1945) was an American politician and community leader who served in the Utah State Senate. She spent her childhood in New York (state), New York and Tennessee before attending the University of Michigan as a young ...
, founder and first president of the Utah Federation of Women's Clubs * Edith O. Kitt, Tucson Woman's Club (president), Southern Arizona District Federation Women's Clubs (president), Arizona State Federation Women's Clubs (president) * Nannie S. Brown Kramer, organizer, vice-president and chairman of the Oakland Women's City Club; this club had three thousand members and erected a new building which cost $600,000.00 * Bertha Ethel Knight Landes (1868–1943) *
Julia Lathrop Julia Clifford Lathrop (June 29, 1858 – April 15, 1932) was an American social reformer in the area of education, social policy, and children's welfare. As director of the United States Children's Bureau from 1912 to 1922, she was the first wo ...
(1858–1932) * Jeanette Lawrence, State Chairman of Literature of the California Federation of Women's Clubs * Nancy A. Leatherwood, president of Utah Federation of Women's Clubs and Director for Utah of the General Federation of Women's Clubs * Mab Copland Lineman, State Chairman of Law for the Business and Insurance California Federation of Women's Clubs * Georgina G. Marriott, Utah Federation *
Edith Bolte MacCracken Edith Maude Marie Bolte MacCracken (February 16, 1869 – April 1946) was an American club woman and civic leader. Early life Edith Maude Marie Bolte was born on February 16, 1869, in Chicago, the daughter of William Henry Bolte and Jane Usher Bak ...
, president of the District Federation of Women's Clubs * Laura Adrienne MacDonald, president of Tonopah Woman's Club * Olive Dickerson McHugh, President of the Federated Woman's Club of Mullen * Ruth Karr McKee, Washington State Federarion of Women's Clubs and Director of the General Federation *
Jane Brunson Marks Jane Brunson Marks (born 1888, died after 1970) was active in civic work. Early life and family Jane Brunson was born in Mount Hope, Wisconsin, in 1888, the daughter of J.W. Brunson, Delford Benton Brunson and Effie Fox. She attended Milwaukee-Do ...
, served as Philanthropic Chairman of Woman's Club of Burbank and was the President of Woman's Club of Burbank from 1927 to 1928 and reelected from 1928 to 1929 *
Maybelle Stephens Mitchell Mary Isabel "Maybelle" Stephens Mitchell (January 13, 1872 – January 25, 1919) was an American suffragist, clubwoman, and activist. Born into a prestigious planting family of Irish Catholic background, she was educated at the Villa Maria Conve ...
(1872–1919), served in the
Atlanta Woman's Club The Atlanta Woman’s Club is one of oldest non-profit woman’s organizations in Atlanta, organized November 11, 1895. It is a 501(c)3 non-profit philanthropic organization made up of professional women of all ages, races and religions. The At ...
*
Eva Perry Moore Eva Perry Moore (July 24, 1852 – April 28, 1931) was an American clubwoman based in St. Louis, president of the General Federation of Women's Clubs and the National Council of Women.Karen J. Blair"Eva Perry Moore"in ''American National Biograph ...
(1852–1931) * Evelyn Williams Moulton, president of the Wilshire Woman's Club and the Dean Club of Southern California *
Jacqueline Noel Jacqueline Noel (June 28, 1886 – 1964) was librarian for the city of Tacoma, Washington. She was a leader in promoting the colonial history of the United States and helped to expand Washington State's public library system. Noel is also credite ...
, served as chairperson to the Division of Literature at the Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs * Virginia Keating Orton, vice-president of Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs *
Fanny Purdy Palmer Fanny Purdy Palmer (, Purdy; pen name, Florio; July 11, 1839 – 1923) was an American author, poet, journalist, lecturer, social activist, and clubwoman. She began club work in 1876 and was one of the originators of the General Federation of Wo ...
(1839–1923), one of the originators of the General Federation of Women's Clubs * Fannie Brown Patrick, president of the State Federation of Women's Clubs of Nevada *
Mary Gray Peck Mary Gray Peck (October 21, 1867January 11, 1957) was an American journalist, educator, suffragist, and clubwoman. She was interested in economic and industrial problems of women, and investigated labor conditions in Europe and the United States. ...
, chair, Drama Sub-Committee of the Committee on Literature and Library Extension in the General Federation. * Phebe Nebeker Peterson, vice-president of the State Federation of Women's Clubs * Grace Gimmini Potts, chairman of Literature and Drama for the California Federation of Women's Clubs * Lois Randolph, State Chairman of Americanization under the New Mexico Federation of Women's Clubs *
Edith Dolan Riley Edith is a feminine given name derived from the Old English words ēad, meaning 'riches or blessed', and is in common usage in this form in English, German, many Scandinavian languages and Dutch. Its French form is Édith. Contractions and vari ...
, chair of the Motion Picture Committee of the Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs * Lallah Rookh White Rockwell, member of the State Federation of Women's Clubs *
Eleanor Roosevelt Anna Eleanor Roosevelt () (October 11, 1884November 7, 1962) was an American political figure, diplomat, and activist. She was the first lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945, during her husband President Franklin D. Roosevelt's four ...
(1884–1962) * Margaret Wheeler Ross, president Arizona Fed. Women's Clubs * Nellie Tayloe Ross (1876–1977) * Fannie Forbis Russel, one of the pioneer women of the state of Montana, was active in organizing and building the local Woman's Club *
Julia Green Scott Julia Green Scott (February 14, 1839 – April 29, 1923) was an American socialite, philanthropist, businesswoman, and landowner who served as the President General of the Daughters of the American Revolution from 1909 to 1913. She was one of the ...
(1839–1923), president of the
Daughters of the American Revolution The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a lineage-based membership service organization for women who are directly descended from a person involved in the United States' efforts towards independence. A non-profit group, they promote ...
*
Mary Belle King Sherman Mary Belle King Sherman (December 11, 1862 — January 15, 1935) was an American clubwoman, parliamentarian, and conservationist who lobbied for the creation of the National Parks system. In 1924 she was elected president of the General Federatio ...
(1862–1935) *
Margaret Chase Smith Margaret Madeline Smith (née Chase; December 14, 1897 – May 29, 1995) was an American politician. A member of the Republican Party, she served as a U.S. representative (1940–1949) and a U.S. senator (1949–1973) from Maine. She was the firs ...
(1897–1995) * Mary Jane Spurlin, president of the Portland Federation of Women's Clubs * Helen Norton Stevens, editor of the official bulletin of the Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs and chairman of Civic Department of the Seattle Woman's Club * Emily Jean Crimson Thatcher, president of the U. A. C. Woman's Club * Frances F. Threadgill, first president of the Oklahoma State Federation of Women's Clubs (1909), Treasurer GFWC (1910–1912) *
Catherine E. Van Valkenburg Catherine E. Fogarty Van Valkeburg (September 2, 1880 - February 12, 1961) was an American concert pianist. Biography Catherine E. Fogarty was born on September 2, 1880, in De Graff, Minnesota, the daughter of Jeremiah and Mary Fogarty. She move ...
, State Chairman of Music of the Idaho Federation of Women's Clubs * Edith Brake West, From 1911 to 1914, president of the Nevada Federation of Women's Clubs, and from 1918 to 1920 she was director from Nevada of the General Federation of Women's Clubs. She was vice-chairman of the Junior Memberships of the General Federation of Women's Clubs. She was the life secretary of the Presidents of 1912 of the General Federation of Women's Clubs. She compiled a collection of Nevada Poems for the Nevada Federation of Women's Clubs *
Laura Lyon White Laura Lyon White (April 12, 1839 – January 18, 1916) was an American activist, best known for founding the California Club, working to preserve groves of redwoods in California, and promoting the City Beautiful movement. She wrote several pi ...
(1839–1916) * Gertrude B. Wilder, president of the San Bernardino County Federation of Women's Clubs *
Frances Willard Frances Elizabeth Caroline Willard (September 28, 1839 – February 17, 1898) was an American educator, temperance reformer, and women's suffragist. Willard became the national president of Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) in 1879 an ...
(1839–1898) * Jane Frances Winn, one of the founders of the Century Club in Chillicothe, Ohio * Alice Ames Winter, national president of the GFWC *
Belle Wood-Comstock Belle Jessie Wood-Comstock (November 20, 1880 - May 22, 1961) was an American physician and author of medical advice books. Early life Belle Jessie Wood-Comstock was born on November 20, 1880, in Fargo, Wisconsin, the daughter of William Wood an ...
, chairman of Public Health at the Los Angeles District of California Federation of Women's Clubs * Orpha Woods Foster, president of the Ventura County Federation of Women's Clubs *
Ellen S. Woodward Ellen Sullivan Woodward (July 11, 1887 – September 23, 1971) was a federal civil servant and a Mississippi state legislator. She served as director of work relief programs for women organized as part of the Roosevelt administration's New Deal ...
(1887–1971) *
Valeria Brinton Young Valeria Erepta Brinton Young (December 13, 1875 - October 22, 1968) was an American educator, president of the Women of the University of Utah. Early life Valeria Erepta Brinton was born on December 13, 1875, in Holladay, Utah, Cottonwood, Utah, ...
, member of the Executive Board of the State Federation of Women's Clubs * Zitkála-Šá (1876–1938), also known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin. A
Yankton Dakota The Dakota (pronounced , Dakota language: ''Dakȟóta/Dakhóta'') are a Native American tribe and First Nations band government in North America. They compose two of the three main subcultures of the Sioux people, and are typically divided in ...
writer, editor, translator, musician, educator, and political activist, she joined the GFWC in 1921, was active in its women's rights efforts, and created the Indian Welfare Committee in 1924. She co-founded the
National Council of American Indians The National Council of American Indians (NCAI) was established in February 1926. The beginnings of inquiry about this council began with Zitkála-Šá (also known as Gertrude Bonnin) and Theodora Cunningham on March 1, 1926. This organization's ...
in 1926.


See also

*
Anchorage Woman's Club The Anchorage Woman’s Club (AWC) is a woman's club founded in 1915. It was instrumental in organizing the construction of the first schoolhouse in Anchorage. History Mrs. Fredrick Mears and other women organized the Anchorage Woman’s Club i ...
*
Casa Grande Woman's Club The Casa Grande Woman's Club Building, at 407 N. Sacaton Street in Casa Grande, Arizona, USA, is an historic women's club building which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The Casa Grande Woman's Club Originally organi ...
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Federation of Women's Clubs for Oklahoma and Indian Territories The Federation of Women's Clubs for Oklahoma and Indian Territories was formed in May, 1898. The motto selected for the organization was "Kindliness and Helpfulness". The first president was Sophia Julia Coleman Douglas. The charter women's club ...
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General Federation of Women's Clubs of South Carolina The South Carolina Federation of Women's Clubs (SCFWC) is a woman's club founded in 1898. The name was changed to the General Federation of Women's Clubs of South Carolina (GFWC-SC) in 1990. In 1899 the SCFWC became a member of the General Federa ...
* Glendale Woman's Club *
Mississippi Federation of Women's Clubs The Mississippi Federation of Women's Clubs Headquarters houses the Mississippi Federation of Women's Clubs (MS FWC). It was constructed in 1936 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Mississippi Federation of Women's Clubs The Mississippi F ...
*
National Association of Colored Women's Clubs The National Association of Colored Women's Clubs (NACWC) is an American organization that was formed in July 1896 at the First Annual Convention of the National Federation of Afro-American Women in Washington, D.C., United States, by a merger of ...
* Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution * Ossoli Circle *
Women's club movement The woman's club movement was a social movement that took place throughout the United States that established the idea that women had a moral duty and responsibility to transform public policy. While women's organizations had always been a part ...
* Woman's Club of Olympia *
Women's Institute The Women's Institute (WI) is a community-based organisation for women in the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand. The movement was founded in Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada, by Erland and Janet Lee with Adelaide Hoodless being th ...
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Women-only space A women-only space is an area where only women (and in some cases children) are allowed, thus providing a place where they do not have to interact with men. Historically and globally, many cultures had, and many still have, some form of female sec ...


References


Further reading

* Blair, Karen J. "General Federation of Women's Clubs," in Wilma Mankiller et al. eds., ''The Readers Companion to U.S. Women's History'' (1998) p 242 * * Houde, Mary Jean. ''Reaching Out: A Story of the General Federation of Women's Clubs'' (Washington, DC: General Federation of Women's Clubs, 1989). * Meltzer, Paige. "The Pulse and Conscience of America" The General Federation and Women's Citizenship, 1945–1960," ''Frontiers: A Journal of Women Studies'' (2009), Vol. 30 Issue 3, p52-76
online
* White, Kristin Kate, "Training a Nation: The General Federation of Women's Clubs' Rhetorical Education and American Citizenship, 1890–1930" (PhD dissertation, Ohio State University, 2010). DA3429649. *


External links


General Federation of Women's Clubs


Members


GFWC Atlanta Woman's Club

GFWC California

GFWC Connecticut

GFWC Florida

GFWC Georgia

GFWC Iowa

GFWC Kentucky

GFWC Maryland

GFWC Massachusetts

GFWC Mississippi

GFWC New Hampshire

GFWC New Jersey

GFWC New York

GFWC North Carolina

GFWC Ohio

GFWC Pennsylvania

GFWC Rhode Island

GFWC South Carolina



GFWC Virginia
{{Authority control Organizations established in 1890 Service organizations based in the United States History of women's rights in the United States Feminist organizations in the United States Women's organizations based in the United States Women's clubs in the United States Patriotic and national organizations chartered by the United States Congress