Woman's Christian Temperance Union - Chickasaw County, Iowa GenWeb!

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WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION

Nashua Reporter
Centennial Edition, 1955

W. C. T. U. HAD START HERE IN 1914 WITH 15
... It is most regrettable that the earliest records of the Nashua Woman's Christian Temperance Union were misplaced or destroyed. The checking of dates and recording of incidents of the period, the listing of names of people who were active in church circles and community affairs have been assembled like a jig-saw puzzle and a satisfactory date has been accepted.
... Either in the month of February or March, 1914, two representatives of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union met a group of women in the Methodist church for the purpose of organizing a Union in Nashua.
... Mrs. Mary Ryan of Charles City, who at the time was a district officer, came as a neighbor and to offer encouragement. Mrs. Isbell Smith, editor of the Chammpion, which is the W.C.T.U. official paper, was the organizer.
... Charter members were: Mrs. Lucia Bird, Mrs. Mary Bowen, Mrs. Ella Butler, Miss Matie Butler, Mrs. Jennie Ernwine, Mrs. France Fletcher, Mrs. Loretta Geishert, Miss Mae Geishert, Mrs. Clarinda Hall, Mrs. Annette Pierce, Mrs. Iowa Pierce, Mrs. Lanora Pierce, Miss Merie Scoles, Mrs. Jessie Troutner.
... Mrs. Jessie Troutner was the first president and the first meeting was held at her home.
... Now in the year 1955 there are two of the charter members living. One has held an uninterrupted membership through the years. The other dropped her membership for a number of years and the minutes of the August 13, 1943 quote (she) "has become a new member and has paid her dues."
... The ladies chose the name Nashua for their union and it is known as the Nashua Woman's Christian Temperance Union. The emblem is the "white ribbon bow" and the chapter tune is "Blest Be the Tie That Binds."
... At the present time there are fifty-six active members. There are also a number of Friend members and Honorary members.
... This is strictly a Christian organization. Many times it has served as loyal friend and invisible benefactor.
... It would take much space to record the accomplishments of the past forty-one years. However, a record will be put on file and we hope it will be available in 2055.

Contributed by Claudia Groh. Transcribed by Mike Peterson.

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