[Page 16] The Queen Esther class of the First Methodist Church is to ob part of the Centennial celebration in Mason City with a dinner at the fellowship hall of the church Wednesday evening, June 10, starting at 6:30.

To be honored on this occasion will be F. R. Currie, who was the teacher of the class in 1903 when it was organized and who continued in that role for 35 years. The theme of the dinner meeting will be "Fifty Golden Years." Speakers will be Mrs. Earl Baker, Cedar Falls, former member of the class, Dr. Lloyd Gustafson, pastor of the First Methodist Church, and Mr. Currie.

The class has from the beginning been an important factor in the life of the church, numbering at one time 270 members. The last few years the group disbanded as a class for lack of a meeting room, but continued to meet socially and continued to have an important part in the church program.

Spearheaded by a group of Queen Esthers in California, the class raised $834 for the purchase of a pulpit for the new church and presentation of this fund was made to Dr. Gustafson last November.

[Page 33] The Mason City Women's Club had its origin in a growing demand for a common voice for community betterment among the women of the city and first took the name of the Civic League. At a meeting in the courthouse May 9, 1911, a meeting was held at which the first steps were taken for such an organization.

Mrs. W. H. Hathorn, then president of the city federation of clubs, presided. Mrs. F. M. Norris was secretary, pro tem. Mrs. Nate Kotchell explained the purpose of the meeting and others who spoke were C. H. McNider, Mrs. C. W. Damon, Mrs. John D. Glass and Mrs. S. R. Miles. John A. Ely, secretary of the Commercial Club, was also a speaker.

A committee consisting of Mrs. Chan Dakin, Mrs. C. H. McNider, Mrs. E. V. Franke, Mrs. N. C. Kotchell and Mrs. William Colby was named to draft a constitution.

The Globe-Gazette in its story of the meeting said:

"Mason City took another step toward the city beautiful at a mass meeting at the courthouse yesterday, attended by over 100 women. What the future 10 years will see will probably be a cleaner and more sanitary city, a people with deeper moral convictions, more sanitary regulations of the grocer and fruit vendor, improved and beautiful parks with swimming pools, drives and beauty spots and the city's natural scenic areas preserved and beautified."

With these high hopes was the Civic League launched.

A week later a constitution was adopted and the following officers elected: President, Mrs. L. R. Bailey; vice president, Mrs. Fred Colloton; secretary, Mrs. H. J. Steinberg; corresponding secretary, Mrs. E. V. Franke; treasurer, Mrs. Lyle Kirk. The name accepted for the organization was the Women's Civic League of Mason City.

Because of unsanitary conditions, which club members claimed prevailed in streets and highways and vacant lots, and careless handling of food and milk in public places, the new organization states s its first object, "to promote the establishment of beautiful and sanitary conditions in Mason City."

The theory of germs being in its infancy, many unsanitary spots existed which threatened public health. The club sought to establish more parks and playgrounds and the removal of unsightly signs and billboards and generally to promote the physical and moral welfare and well being of Mason City.

The first year steps were taken toward beautifying the school grounds. At Central School shrubs and vines were planted. Syringa bushes were planted around the High School and flower beds placed in Central Park. More than 400 packets of flower seeds were distributed to school children free.

On May 1, 1912, the club sponsored a rest room for rural women who came to Mason City to shop. Help for this project was procured from Mason City merchants. This project was maintained until the YWCA was started here.

In the spring of 1913 the club sponsored a cleanup day in co-operation with Mayor John Stanton and other city officials. A leader in this work was Mrs. G. C. Stockman. Owners of vacant lots were urged to plant them in gardens or turn them over to others who wished to garden.

Among speakers brought in by the club in these early days were Prof. Smith of Ames, who talked on "Smoke and Smoke Prevention," and Prof. Seashore of the University of Iowa.

The first move for a police woman for Mason City was originated by the Civic League. It met a cold reception on the part of city officials. The club persisted, however, with the result that a police woman was appointed.

Baby health and child welfare became a project of the league with examination centers held at different times and places for the convenience of mothers.

In 1915 under the presidency of Mrs. F. B. Conaway, the work cleaning vacant lots was pushed by a committee consisting of Mrs. Charles Ogden, Mrs. Ralph Decker, Mrs. Amos Potts, Mrs. F. E. Palmer and Mrs. Bertha Baird. The outdoor art committee emphasized the planting of shrubs and grass.

On May 9, 1916, talks were given by Prof. Schimek of Iowa City, who spoke on the flora of Cerro Gordo County and the unusual geological formations in this vicinity, and Mrs. Frederick Lazelle of Cedar Rapids, who talked on bird life. It was evident the interests of the league encompassed a wide field.

Another 1916 meeting was addressed by Mrs. James Blythe, who talked on oriental rugs. Mr. and Mrs. Blythe opened their home to the members and their husbands for this occasion.

In the 1916 fall election a straw vote by the members showed a large majority for Charles Evans Hughes.

Mrs. W. G. C. Bagley succeeded to the presidency of the club in 1917 and when the United States entered the war that year the club turned all its attention to war work. At the October meeting Mrs. C. W. Damon spoke on the Liberty Loan Drive. Miss Doris Markley spoke on the Women's Land Army. A fund of $248 was raised by the league and given the local Red Cross shop to aid in its war work.

A collection of clothing for Belgium women and children was made. A French orphan was adopted. A project of essays by the school children on food conservation was carried on. Sponsoring of war gardens got an enthusiastic response.

In the summer of 1918 a variety of activities interested the League members. They prepared a float for the parade held in connection with the dedication of the MBA building, now the Brick and Tile building and distributed copies of the president's address before congress. They received a letter from Carrie Chapman Catt, outlining the part women should take in the war.

Among war activities was the collection of 1,600 music records, which were sent to war camps. Money was also raised to purchase two record players to be sent to the camps. Names prominent in war work included Mrs. C. A. Parker, Miss Vesta Barton, Mrs. Frank Miller, Mrs. A. E. Eberhart, Mrs. F. C. Goodman and Mrs. William McAuley.

It was to provide an outlet for vegetables raised in war gardens that led the league to approach the city commissioners for the establishment of a city market. Such a market was opened in co-operation with the city on the lot just south of the present police station on Washington S. W. Here women brought flowers, vegetables, home baking and canned fruit for sale. Produce from gardens of the school children was also sold through this establishment.

In 1919 Mrs. Blythe succeeded Mrs. W. P. James as president. Members still recall the excellent talks she gave the club on a variety of topics in these early days. Under her administration the league completed its war camp activities and allied itself with every good cause in Mason City and many in the state.

During the presidency of Mrs. C. H. McNider from 1921 to 1923, the name of the organization was changed to the Mason City Women's Club and many of the activities that are now a part of the far-flung program of the club adopted.

Mrs. McNider was succeeded as president by Mrs. T. T. Blaise, who opened a book review department and turned the attention of the membership to one of her chief interests, that of a welfare program for Mason City. A baby clinic was sponsored at the YWCA and in the infant department of a downtown store, the foundations were laid for a visiting nurse program.

When Mrs. F. T. Vasey became president in 1925 the Mason City Women's Club voted to give $500 toward a state park at Clear Lake. Projects included a pre-school clinic. An active music department was maintained. The club held several monthly study meetings with programs.

With the consent of Supt. F. T. Vasey, a citywide music memory contest was held throughout the grades. At Christmas time the chairman of this department, Mrs. William H. Hathorn, organized a group of carolers, the first in Mason City, with the help of Miss Ellen Smith of the High School music department. Merchants at that time complained such singing "would detract from business." Since then they've changed their minds.

The music department sponsored a community sing at the armory with more than 600 attending and brought the Manhattan Opera Company to Mason City to give "Pagliacci" and Ruth St. Denis and Nijinski for a ballet.

The Women's club also opened a school cafeteria so that children could have hot lunches. The drama department developed much interest and presented some top plays with excellent talent. The art department, co-operating with Browning Society, brought the Rev. Graves from London, England, for an address and the showing of Browning relics. Other noted speakers were also on the program.

Under Mrs. William H. Hathorn's administration from 1927 to 1929, two new departments were organized, philosophy, led by Mrs. R. F. Clough, and current events, in charge of Mrs. John Senneff and Mrs. Harvey Bryant. A Woman's Club chorus of 40 voices was formed under the direction of Mrs. Merl Sims. Women within a radius of 30 miles of Mason city were invited to join and as a result the club membership went up to 830. The club gave support to the movement to change the name of Lime Creek to Winnebago River.

In 1929 Mrs. Curtis Amen was elected president. The work of the club continued to expand in the years that followed, but it was the effort of these early leaders and members that set the pattern for this great women's organization.

[Page 34] The Maria Mitchell Club, one of the oldest organizations in Mason city, was organized March 1, 1879, by five friends and neighbors at the home of Mrs. W. W. Knapp. The organizers were Mrs. Frederick Hanford, Mrs. Lyle Hoxie, Mrs. G. W. Sanborn and Mrs. W. V. Tichenor.

There were a few study clubs in Iowa at that time and this was the first in Mason City. Mrs. S. D. Allen and Mrs. Dan Farrell were invited to make the number of the charter members seven.

Mrs. Knapp's home at the time was on the corner where the Good Samaritan Home now stands. The women in the club represented the town's important families and were interested in good schools, good churches and a progressive town.

Mr. Sanborn at the time was superintendent of the Milwaukee Railroad and Mr. Tichenor, express agent. Husbands were entertained as the club gained new members and many gala parties are recorded in the club minutes. There were no dues but fines were imposed for tardy or absent members.

The club was called "Saturday Club" at first and formed an early adult education class with a leader. Cares and sewing were left at home.

May 21, 1880, was the first record serving of refreshments by Mrs. Knapp of "strawberries and cream and other good things." Lessons included poetry, science and literature.

In 1881 the first study of Shakespeare was begun and has continued intermittently to the present. In 1884 the membership was limited to 18. Mrs. C. H. McNider became a member that year.

"The bond between these women seemed stronger than ever - each meeting seemed to more strongly unite all members," wrote the secretary in the minute book.

In those early 80's there were the names of Mrs. James Stewart, mother of Mrs. Pansy Decker Whitcomb; Mrs. Emsley Adams, mother of Mrs. J. E. E. Markley, whose daughter, Mrs. H. D. Page, followed the family tradition and gave the club many delightful lessons on Shakespeare's life and plays.

In 1880 the poets, Milton, Pope, Wordsworth, McAuley and Goldsmith, were studied. Mrs. Schermerhorn and Mrs. A. C. Hart joined. Mr. Hart was superintendent of schools.

In 1885 the Chautauqua course of study was used by the Maria Mitchell and Monday clubs and the two met in June for the year's closing exercises, opening with music and a toast to C.L.S.C., which stood for Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. There were printed invitation for the meetings. One read, "Reception by the Maria Mitchell, C.L.S.C., June 5, 1888, residence of Mrs. T. G. Emsley."

A city federation of clubs was organized and in 1893 Maria Mitchell joined the Iowa Federation and in 1900 the club became a member of the General Federation.

The name, Maria Mitchell, was suggested by Mrs. Allen to honor the famous scientist, an astronomer and teacher at Vassar College. All problems such as women's suffrage, temperance, labor, civic improvement, public libraries were discussed. A public reading room was started by the club women.

In 1939 Mrs. C. H. McNider wrote a history of Maria Mitchell to celebrate its 60th anniversary.

A committee made up of Mrs. R. B. Irons, Mrs. Rob Roy Cerney and Mrs. V. L. Sanders, who compiled a record of the club's history, paid this tribute to Mrs. C. H. McNider:

"We honor Mrs. C. H. McNider for her help in making possible our beautiful public library and her devotion to Maria Mitchell Club as a member for 69 years."

[Page 38] The Twentieth Century Club was founded on Dec. 14, 1895, at the home of Miss Anna Adams. The club was composed of 12 members with Miss Adams as president; Miss Farrell, vice president; and Miss Day, secretary and treasurer.

The first year's study was English history and literature with Wheeler's Sketchbook of English History as a standard. Other subjects have been art, science, music, current events, German, Dutch and Flemish art, Italian history and poetry.

The club had outgrown its constitution in 1896, so a new one was drafted and Mrs. Shattuck's Rules of Order were adopted.

Amateur actresses demonstrated their abilities when W. D. Howell's farce, "The Unexpected Guest," was presented on Feb. 19, 1898. It was such a success that "A Proposal Under Difficulties" by J. K. Bangs was launched and scored again.

One project of the club was the Industrial School which was held in Central School on Saturday afternoons with the hope of brightening and benefiting the lives of some of the less fortunate children. Another annual project was the reception given to all the study clubs of the city similar to the Twentieth Century Club.

[Page 39] On Jan. 26, 1889, nine women met with Mrs. James E. Blythe and organized a literary club that later came to be known as Sorosis.

The first officers were: President, Mrs. Blythe; vice president, Mrs. George Winter; secretary, Mrs. F. M. Norris. Other charter members were Mrs. Nellie Skiff, Mrs. Cora Keeney, Miss Stilson, Miss Blythe, Mrs. May Barber, Miss Crippen, Mrs. Norris, Georgia Hanford, Laura Parker, Nellie Hale, Hattie Smith, Mrs. Ogden and Mrs. Burdic, according to the club records.

At the third meeting of the club it was christened "Jean Carlyle Club" and the motto chosen, "Neglect not the gift that is in thee." A club flower and color were discussed and heliotrope was finally selected. On Dec. 13, 1889, the name of the club became Sorosis.

In 1895 the club joined the state federation and was made a part of the national federation in 1898.

The literary study of the club embraced much of Shakespeare, various parts of art and the lives and works of artists, Tennyson's "Idylls of the King," for example, was thoroughly perused. Mrs. Browning and Wordworth were, according to the club's minutes, thoroughly enjoyed.

One of the early acts of the club was to pass a resolution for the protection of bird life.

[Page 39] Although Mason City has had an interest in music since pioneer days, the most pronounced development in this field has come the last three decades.

Thirty years ago there was little music in the schools compared with today. There was no Community Concert series or its equivalent. There was not the general appreciation of good music as found at present.

Responible to a large degree in raising the music standards of the community is the Matinee Musicale Club, an organization of women interested in and active in music.

The idea of the club was first conceived by Mrs. J. E. Stinehart, Mrs. Ralph Patton and Mrs. Harlan MacMillan who telephoned a number of their friends who were like-minded and in February, 1921, organization of the club took place at the YWCA. Mrs. Stinehart became the first president.

The club from the start has had two purposes, that of developing music in Mason City and giving each member an opportunity to improve her own musical attainments by active participation.

The programs of the club are presented by active members. The organization also has a list of associate members who do not appear on programs. Two women, Mrs. James E. Blythe and Mrs. Chet Dike, have been voted honorary members because of their many contributions to the community.

Among the members are teachers, choir leaders, organists and others who have active work in music.

Among the projects of the club is sponsoring deserving musicians. The club also sponsors two junior clubs, Miniature Matinee Musicale, for children up to high school age, and the Etude Club for students in high school.

[Page 39] Another musical group here is the Mason City chapter of the American Guild of Organists, organized three years ago. The chief purpose of this organization is to raise the standard of church music. The 30 members in the Mason City chapter are from both Mason city and surrounding communities. Earl Stewart of Charles City is the chapter president.

[Page 42] The Occident Club was formed by 12 school friends in October of 1897. The group organize for the purpose of continuing literary studies and also to retain friendships.

Shakespeare, universal history and general literature have been the courses of study throughout the years. Aside from the studies, social functions are planned from time to time for added enjoyment.

Charter members of the club are Miss May Currie, Miss Maude Freeman, Miss Buena Bogardus, Miss Marie Gregory, Miss Edna Harding, Miss Charlotte Irwin, Mrs. Jennie Mickey, Miss Myrtle Murray, Miss Julia Shipley. Miss Bertha Talmadge, Miss Ada White, Mrs. Myrtle Van Wie and Mrs. Gertrude Currie.

[Page 42] The Chautauqua Circle, with a membership of 20, began its life in 1894, the meetings being held at the homes of members.

This group was a revival of a previous Chautauqua Circle organized 10 years before, but which became extinct after a four year course of study. The organization continues today as the Chautauqua Club.

The club records of early years show the members studied many branches of education, including astronomy, philosophy, psychology, political economy critical studies in literature, such studies in art such as painting and sculpturing and different branches of history.

[Page 44] The Mason City Band of 1906 is shown on a tag day conducted in May of that year, at which $575 was raised for the group. The members were, from left: Front Row - Ray Seney, Art Spohr, E. E. Batty; Second Row - Jeffries, Lindstrom and Smith; Third Row - C. W. Wallace, Earl Barlow and James Eby; Fourth Row - J. M. Jenny, W. A. McCarty, unidentified, Ramsey, Sidney Dent, Ed Hitchcock and Smith.

Unless otherwise noted, photographs courtesy of The Globe-Gazette.
Some of the photographs did not scan well. In such a case the photograph
has been substituted with a clearer copy if available.

Transcriptions by Sharon R. Becker, November of 2014