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296 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
The thirty women on the editorial staff were divided into three committees,
viz.:' The business committee," who negotiated with the newspapers
of the city for terms, entered into contract with the lowest bidder,
edited the paper and transacted ah business connected with the printing;
the advertising committee, who solicited advertisements; the circulating
committee, who received subscriptions and sold the issue.
The president of the Civic Club now appointed seven women to work
with her as a board of managers. After the expenses of printing the
paper were paid, the funds proA'ed sufficient, with the addition of a
lew voluntary contributions, to repair and furnish a comfortable rest
room, to install a sanitary toilet and to equip simply a lunch room
and a small kitchen.
The board then engaged a matron. At first tea, coffee, milk and
sandwiches were daintily served for a small charge. Demands Avere
soon made for a greater variety of menu, so that in three months the
matron and her assistants served soup, meat, vegetables, salads and
desserts. These home-prepared meals became so popular that it Avas
often necessary to turn people aAvay.
A room on the third floor AA'as then remodeled and equipped for
classes in dressmaking, millinery, cookery, arts and crafts, embroidery,
crocheting, etc. In these classes work AVIIS planned and finished under
trained supervision. A small tuition helped defray expenses, so that
instruction in various branches Avas available in day or evening classes
by any Avoman or girl at a nominal cost.
The work progressed steadily for about four years. Meanwhile the
title of the property changed, and could not be re-leased, so that it became
necessary to seek new quarters. A desire to own a building with
dining room space on the first floor had long been in the minds of the
members of the rest room board and others interested in the cause. In
order to bring this about a larger and permanent organization was
required.
A note was sent to the Daughters of the American Revolution, inviting
them to co-operate with the Rest Room Board in the industrial department.
The request was met with a hearty response. A committee was
sent to assist in the work. To help financially, a colonial ball was given
on the night of the wedding anniversary of George and Martha Washington.
Later the City Federation of Women's Clubs assisted by donating
a part of their funds, giving a picture show and appointing a committee
to help in the work.
On January 22, 1912, a meeting of the various committees was called
to consider ways and means for an association. A permanent home for
the work Avas discussed, resulting in appointing a committee on association
and one to investigate prices and a suitable location for an available
site.
An association- not for profit, whose object shall be the social, educational
and general welfare of women, was incorporated under the laws
of the state. Seventeen regulations govern the corporation. A board of
fifteen women are elected as trustees annually by the active members of