In Times Past: Not Just Social Clubs

Larry Coffin’s ‘In Times Past’ is featured on the front page of the B Section this week:

“By being involved in church or charitable groups, women were able to find companionship and a way to facilitate change in their community.” Jane Cunningham Croly, founder, General Federation of Women’s Clubs 1898.
America has seen a decline in “active civic engagement,” partially attributed to membership loss in traditional women’s clubs. Many such local organizations have ceased to exist.
This column details women’s roles in just a few of the many local causes and organizations active in our area at one time. The ones identified below are just a sample of those that played an important role in their communities.