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CHAPTER XXIII
WOMAN'S WORK THROUGH ORGANIZATIONS
All religious, social, beneficial and public work can be most successfully
carried on, and the greatest efficiency accomplished by organization.
The meeting of minds, the free expression of opinion and sentiment,
and the diffusion of knoAvledge individually acquired is an educational
advantage Avhich the busy Avoman can obtain in no other way.
Few have the time to undertake the laborious task of delving into all
the subjects Avhich should be understood, and Avith Avhich we should be
familiar in order to get the best there is in life. The primary object
of all women's organizations, except those of purely beneficial character,
is the intellectual development of its members, and the organizations
that aim at the highest ideals and Avork unceasingly for their accomplishment
Avill not only stimulate its members to a greater growth intellectually,
but its influence for good will be felt throughout the community.
Refinement, culture, a clearer insight and a closer touch with
the great minds of the past and present, love of art and a better appreciation
of the beautiful, are the inevitable consequences of such organizations.
The life, character, thoughts and aims of each individual member
in all such organizations are broadened.
Women have not confined their organized Avork to these purposes
alone. Realizing the necessity for organized effort on behalf of the poor
and unfortunate, and appreciating the strength of organization, especially
in work of a beneficial nature, many societies and clubs have been
formed for this purpose.
The Avomen of Sandusky AA'ere among the very first to fully appreciate
the advantages of organization. They have been leaders in this
movement.
In 1876 some ladies of our city organized a reading circle Avhich Avas
in existence many years and Avas the source of great pleasure and profit
to its members.
In 1881 the Congregational Reading Circle Avas organized, having for
its object the intellectual and social culture of its members. This is
one of the oldest literary clubs in Ohio. Through all the intervening
years it has kept up active Avork and is still one of the most influential
clubs in this city.
In February, 1899, a meeting Avas called in the assembly room of
the courthouse to take steps toAvard forming the Avomen's organizations
of the city into a federation. The presidents of the various clubs Avere
appointed to draw up a constitution for such an organization. Later in
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