HISTORY: Altoona Sunshine Club, 1933, Altoona, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Banja Copyright 2004. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ NOTE: Use this web address to access photos: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/1picts/sun1933/sunshine.htm _______________________________________________ -1- HISTORY OF ALTOONA SUNSHINE SOCIETY Organized - November 4, 1900 Federated - November 10, 1906 Incorporated - May 6, 1912 By Vida W. Decker JANUARY, 1933 -2- EXECUTIVE BOARD, 1933 [photo] Top Row - Mrs. Frank Hunter, Mrs. P. H. Swanger, Mrs. C. E. Bloom Lower Row - Mrs. G. A. Howell, Mrs. L. W. Borland, Miss Matilda Delo, Mrs. H. P. Wilson -3- PREFACE THIS book is intended to review the past years of the activity of the Altoona Sunshine Society. As a succession of happenings the past, even the most recent past, is forever gone if not recorded. In selecting material for this volume, the historian has attempted to record only the important doings. In reading books and books of old minutes, some of a quarter century ago, poorly written and incomplete, some important event may not have been recorded; then the historian has no account of it. Many will read this history and approve it; some will be disappointed. It is obviously impossible to include in a book of the size and scope of this one a complete presentation of all the facts bearing upon the various activities of thirty years of service. The historian has attempted, therefore, rather to present the facts recorded so that the reader will have an idea of the work done each year. To our former members who no longer greet us month by month, this volume may find a more enduring place among the pleasures of their memories. In that case this history will be well worth while for pleasant memories can never be taken away from us; they are the only joys of which we can be absolutely sure. Coming together is a beginning Keeping together is progress Working together is success. VIDA W. DECKER. -4- MRS. W. N. DECKER, Historian [photo] -5- ALTOONA SUNSHINE SOCIETY HISTORY On November 4, 1900, the Altoona Sunshine Society, the oldest federated club in Blair County, was organized by a group of young ladies at the home of Byrde Slayman, 1119 Fourteenth Avenue, with Miss Byrde Slayman as the president and Miss Mary G. Davis, Secretary. The girls, inspired by the ideals of Mrs. Cynthia Alden, as expressed in the Sunshine Column of the "Ladies' Home Journal" of "passing a kindness on", and making the world a brighter, happier place in which to live, began spreading deeds of kindness throughout the community. For they believed that "kindness is the greatest thing in the world." For sometime the Sunshine meetings were held monthly in the homes of the members. No dues were charged, but a pledge to do acts of kindness was exacted. Among the organizers who became charter members were the following: Miss Byrde Slayman Miss Cora Bowers Miss Matilda Delo Miss Margaret Nicholson Miss Mary Davis Miss Ethel Linton Miss Mary Woodle Miss Margaret Riley Miss Cornelia Woodle Miss Gertrude Taylor Miss Anna McCauley Miss Helen Nicholson Miss Henrietta Leisinring Miss Mame Bowman The organization soon outgrew the homes, and its influence for good was felt far and wide. The Benevolent Order of Elks, wishing to aid the Sunshiners in their many charitable efforts, especially the Christmas treat, invited the Sunshiners to their home as a meeting place, and they gladly accepted this invitation. The membership grew, and one dollar was voted as annual dues. Committees regularly visited the hospitals, the shut-ins, the less fortunate families, furnished braces for crippled children, wheel chairs for the sick, crutches for broken limbs, passed on books and magazines, sent out baskets of fruit and flowers, distributed new and second hand clothing, gave groceries to the needy, and in a large and beautiful way aimed to contribute to the needs of the community. -6- Many delightful social functions were held, plays put on in the Mishler Theatre, from which large sums of money were obtained and were at the disposal of the Society. In this way for years its members did a large part of the relief work of Altoona and vicinity. Miss Matilda Delo has been Third Vice President in charge of relief, with the exception of a few years, ever since the Society was organized. Through the efforts of the Altoona Sunshine Society, the Young Women's Christian Association was organized, and frequently some of her members filled offices in this organization without pay, the same offices now paying salaries. Partly through the efforts of this society, too, the Mothers' Pension Bureau was established, and a probation officer was appointed. It was while Miss Mary G. Davis, the present probation officer, was President, that Judge Ben Lindsey, the well known authority on reclamation of juvenile offenders of the law, was brought here as a speaker, and later Dr. Bertha Caldwell, then probation officer of Cambria County. Through these speakers public sentiment was created and Judge Thomas J. Baldrige appointed Miss Davis as Probation Officer. Rooms were furnished at both the Altoona and the Mercy hospitals, and two rooms were furnished for the Y. W. C. A. An operating table for orthopedic cases was furnished for the Altoona Hospital. Our Society has always contributed to the work of caring for blind children as carried on by the International Sunshine Society, with a home at Summit, N. J., which in recent years has become a National Home for the Blind. It is a happy thing to know that the Sunshine Society was responsible for the initial placing of a community Christmas tree in the Logan House yard in our city - a tree that all might enjoy, the poor as well as the folks in more pleasant walks of life. During the war, our organization was one of the first to offer its services for patriotic duty. After the close of the war a number of other organizations sprang up to take charge of the philanthropic work of the city; but in this organization many women received their valuable training and development for the various civic, social and political clubs of today. Early in our history, 1906, we joined the Federated Clubs of Pennsylvania Women. One of our greatest sources of help and inspiration came from our affiliation with this large organized -7- group of intelligent club women throughout the State of Pennsylvania. It is to be regretted that a detailed history of the early years can not be found. The first list of officers of which we have a record begins with 1908, eight years after organization. In an October issue of the Altoona Mirror, 1931, I read in the "23 Years Ago Today" column, the Altoona Sunshine Society elected these Officers: President Miss Susan Taylor First Vice President Mrs. W. F. Sellers Second Vice President Mrs. Oliver Rothert Third Vice President Miss Matilda Delo Secretaries Mrs. Fred Bloomhardt Miss Agnes Taylor Treasurer Mrs. M. W. Miller 1909 The first year book was published in 1909. Officers President Mary G. Davis First Vice President Mrs. W. F. Sellers Second Vice President Miss Susan Taylor Third Vice President Miss Matilda Delo Recording Secretary Mrs. Fred Bloomhardt Corresponding Secretary Miss Agnes Taylor Treasurer Mrs. M. W. Miller April 1st - Judge Lindsey lectured in the Mishler Theatre. Proceeds, $527.00; cleared, $197.00. August 26th - Benefit ball game at Columbia Park. Cleared, $209.00. Contributed to Altoona School District Shoe Fund, $25.00 In savings account that year, $1,356.00. October 12 - Sewing School opened with the following teachers: Mrs. William Siers Mrs. Levi Kantner Mrs. Fred Bloomhardt Mrs. O. L. McCartney Mrs. Frank Stehle Mrs. Harry McCartney Mrs. H. C. Cunningham Mrs. Miles Keesey Mrs. Charles Kelley Mrs. Lloyd Cooper Mrs. R. L. Schell Mrs. C. W. Gearhart The Kate McKnight Domestic Science Scholarship for State College was started and continued for several years. -8- Miss Mary G. Davis [photo] 1910-1911 Officers President Miss Mary G. Davis First Vice President Mrs. Arthur Winter Second Vice President Mrs. H. M. Steckman Third Vice President Miss Matilda Delo Fourth Vice President Mrs. W. W. Blake Recording Secretary Mrs. H. C. Dunmire Corresponding Secretary Mrs. Frank Stehle Treasurer Mrs. M. W. Miller The end of that year the Constitution was changed, the office of Fourth Vice President being discontinued. The Recording Secretary and the Corresponding Secretary were made one office, and the new office of Financial Secretary was created. Mrs. Dunmire was the first Financial Secretary. On recommendation of the membership committee, the Society, by unanimous vote, elected as an honorary member Mrs. Byrde Slayman Nicholson, of Ardmore, Pennsylvania, who organized our branch and who was its President for the first five years. -9- That year an Easter Carnival was held which netted the Society $313.00. Dances at Lakemont yielded $114.00. A picnic for children of the Orthopedic ward of the Altoona Hospital was held July 13th, at Lakemont Park, with Mrs. Scott Crane as hostess. In October a delegate was sent to the convention of the Federation of Women's Clubs, in Scranton, and to the International Sunshine convention in New York City in May. Names of delegates not recorded. 1911 The Current Events Club was organized with twelve members of the Altoona Sunshine Society. Mrs. B. B. Osborn, now of Cincinnati, Ohio, was the first Chairman. Met in homes. The membership in this club increased so rapidly that during the next year it was decided that the Club had outgrown both the homes and the teacups so we met at the Elks Home for one year. In 1913 it returned to homes again with Mrs. John Hogue, Chairman, and printed programs in book form appeared. The club was active for about six years. In March, Mrs. Benjamin Dreifus sponsored a benefit entertainment in the Mishler Theatre to secure artificial limbs for Ross Cramer. Receipts, $205.00. Dances at Lakemont were held during the summer, the proceeds of which were $181.57. Mrs. S. S. Crane sponsored them, giving dance pavilion free. An Easter Bazaar netted $623.00. For several years annual bazaars were held. -10- 1912 Officers President Mrs. R. A. Henderson First Vice President Mrs. Arthur Winter Second Vice President Miss Mary G. Davis Third Vice President Miss Matilda Delo Recording Secretary Miss Susan Taylor Financial Secretary Mrs. H. C. Dunmire Treasurer Mrs. Mayberry Miller We secured a charter on May 6, 1912, being incorporated under the laws of Pennsylvania, and as a branch of the International Sunshine Society, offices in New York City. Mrs. Cynthia Alden, founder and President. The motto of the Altoona Sunshine Society, adopted from the parent Society, is: "Have you had a kindness shown? Pass it on. 'Twas not given for you alone, Pass it on. Let it travel down the years, Let it wipe another's tears, Till in heaven the deed appears, Pass it on." A new Constitution was drafted in 1912 with Miss Cora Eynon Hicks, Chairman. November 18th and 19th - Gave a benefit play in the Mishler Theatre entitled "Old Vermont Farm". Proceeds as follows: Gross Receipts $1,605.00 To Mishler Theatre $482.00 To Manager 468.00 950.00 Net Proceeds for Sunshine Society $ 655.00 The Society took charge of the Red Cross seals two weeks before Christmas. Distributed 52 baskets, all contents given by school children. -11- 1913 In March, held a three-day bazaar, Mrs. S. S. Crane, Chairman. Net profit, $279.00. Same month received carload of coal from the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. That year received coffee urn, valued at $65.00, by agreeing to send several hundred coupons for Satisfaction Coffee, that sold for $.30 and $.35. In April of that year a piece of playground equipment was purchased for the first playground in Altoona, which was to be opened by the Salvation Army. This was a Health Merry-go-round. In April, the Elks informed the Society by letter that after May 1st, the use of their rooms for the Society's meetings would be discontinued. The May meeting was held in the University Club House, Twelfth Avenue, next to the Methodist Church. In June, the meeting place was moved to Russell's Hall in the Wolfe Building, Eleventh Avenue near Twelfth Street. On June 10th, Mrs. Samuel Semple, the President of the State Federation, was entertained at a reception in Russell's Hall, refreshments being served by the Current Events Club. Federated Clubs of Pennsylvania Women met in Swarthmore that year, Mrs. Grace McMurtrie and Mrs. W. T. Godard delegates. 1914 In May, the International Sunshine convention was entertained in Altoona, meetings held in Jaffa Temple. This year the Altoona Sunshine Society had 250 members on its roll and 22 standing committees. Mr. Mishler donated the proceeds of the first night of the show by "Hunter Bradford Players", known as America's best stock company. $523.00 was realized. This amount was part of a fund being raised to defray the expenses of entertaining International Sunshine convention. After convention when all bills were paid $190.00 remained. International Society paid a percentage of expenses. September of that year, Miss Susan Taylor was elected President. In September held a cafeteria in Russell's Hall. Cleared $101.00. Mrs. C. W. Hawkins, Chairman. That year the Society gave Adjutant Calhoun of the Salvation Army $25.00 a month for relief. One wheel chair was owned by the Society at this time. -12- Mrs. R. A. Henderson [photo] 1915 In September of this year Mrs. R. A. Henderson was again elected President; Mrs. C. E. Torrance, Recording Secretary; Mrs. William Ketler, Financial Secretary; Mrs. A. P. Rupert, Treasurer. Receipts amounted to $2,449. Disbursements, $2,341. In August a lawn fete was held on the lawn of Mrs. R. A. Henderson. Receipts were $89. The State Federation of Pennsylvania Women met in Wilkes-Barre. Our delegates were Mrs. W. K. Baird, Mrs. Charles Hawkins. 1916 At this time the Society owned three wheel chairs. Five hundred ninety garments received from the Needlework Guild. Three hundred thirty-six orders of groceries and one hundred tons of coal were distributed. Furniture of all kinds from bed springs and mattresses to cooking stoves, were supplied. -13- At Thanksgiving the Society gave out 167 well filled baskets of groceries, vegetables, jellies, etc., that were donated by the public school children. At Christmas 150 baskets were sent out. Gave Christmas treat to 600 poor children on Logan House lawn. Sent a barrel of food and clothing to Garnet Industrial School for colored children at Pollocksville, N. C. International Sunshine Convention met in New York. Mrs. R. A. Henderson and Miss Lila Jellison were delegates. There were 65 women present at March meeting. Johnny Jones shows were sponsored during week of June 12th. Big financial success. Cleared more than $1,000.00. State Convention delegates were Mrs. G. A. Howell and Mrs. R. A. Henderson. Portmanteau Theatre was held that year in Mishler Theatre. Expenses $479.00 Receipts 342.00 Deficit $137.00 1917 Changed the meeting place to Y. W. C. A. parlors. Supported two Sunshine business scholarships. Current Events Club held a big luncheon at Logan House in January. Miss Florence Dibert, Johnstown, Vice President of Southwestern District, was guest speaker. In May, International Sunshine Convention was held at Wilmington, Delaware. Mrs. Mac Wilson and Mrs. R. A. Henderson were delegates. In June bought two $50.00 Liberty Bonds. In October the Federated Clubs met in Erie, Pennsylvania. Mrs. W. F. Isenberg and Mrs. R. A. Henderson were sent as delegates. 1918 Held big musical production, "Hello Uncle Sam", with Mrs. G. A. Howell, General Chairman and Manager. Young girls sold candy. Proceeds, $3,000.00. Cleared $1,400.00. Forty per cent given to manager of show. Invested $300.00 in Liberty Bonds of Third issue. Only nine meetings were held this year on account of the flu epidemic. No meeting held in November. Board of Health asked public meetings discontinued for a while. -14- Took charge of Big Brothers' treat, conducted by Altoona Times. Took charge of Doughnut Day for Salvation Army. Solicited flour and sugar, and Haller's Bakery worked all night baking doughnuts. The Society sold these doughnuts. Gave $100.00 to Mercy Hospital Building Fund. Contributed $25.00 toward Course of Lectures given by Earl Barnes in High School Auditorium. Contributed $25.00 to an Overseas Hospital. Contributed $25.00 to Victory Arch. 1919 Officers President Mrs. R. A. Henderson First Vice President Mrs. George A. Howell Second Vice President Mrs. F. E. McElroy Third Vice President Mrs. A. S. Kech Financial Secretary Mrs. W. N. Decker Recording Secretary Mrs. Robert McMurtrie On Cherry and Ruebina Shows cleared $624.00. Contributions from a Friend, for use of a wheel chair, $25.00. Gave $25.00 to New Sodality Home, Father Liddy, Secretary. Most of us remember the Austin flood, Austin, Texas, on September 30th, when an entire town was wiped out by the breaking of the dam of the Bayless Pulp Mill. A call for relief was sent broadcast. Mrs. Grace McMurtrie as Chairman of a specially appointed committee gave an entertainment in the High School Auditorium and raised $125.00 for the relief of the flood victims. The October report showed we cleared $96.20 on Park cup vendor machines at Lakemont during the summer. On Methodist Day sold 2,700 cups. The October meeting had 12 members present. The November meeting had 17 members present. Sent $5.00 to Antwerp Hospital in Belgium. 1920 In January, the Knights of Columbus offered their home for holding our meetings. Mrs. McElroy moved, seconded by Mrs. A. Fleitzer that this invitation be accepted. Motion carried. Seventeen members were present at this meeting. -15- Sixteen members were present at the March meeting. Mrs. T. J. Trout and Mrs. H. C. McClellan's names are mentioned often during these years. Bought a chair for dental work for school children. Dr. S. H. Layton was then superintendent of schools in Altoona. Gave $60.00 to keep Armenian child for one year. Constant requests for contributions from headquarters were received, so we decided to send $25.00 to Mrs. Alden yearly. Sent to the soldiers at Camp Dix a box containing cake, nuts, candy, jellies, cigarettes and tobacco. International Sunshine Convention was held in Boston. Sent two delegates, Mrs. R. A. Henderson and Mrs. F. E. McElroy. Gave $25.00 to the Salvation Army. At July meeting, elected delegates for State Federation Convention to be held in Harrisburg in October. Mrs. W. N. Decker and Mrs. W. K. Baird, delegates. Met all summer long in 1920. 15 members present in July; 11 present in August. Seven new members joined in October. November 5, six new members were added. Thirty-five members were present at this meeting. Served refreshments at meetings - cocoa and cookies, or coffee and sandwiches. 1921 Officers President Mrs. R. A. Henderson First Vice President Mrs. George A. Howell Second Vice President Mrs. A. Fleitzer Third Vice President Miss Matilda Delo Financial Secretary Mrs. W. N. Decker Treasurer Mrs. O. B. Earhart Recording Secretary Mrs. Walter Davis Sent $10.00 to Chinese Famine Fund. May 17th to 20th, International Sunshine Convention was held in Harrisburg. Our delegates attending were Miss Cora Hicks and Mrs. George Howell. Mrs. C. E. Knighton and Mrs. R. A. Henderson also attended. Federated Clubs met in Pittsburgh. Mrs. R. A. Henderson and Mrs. Walter Davis were delegates. -16- 1922 May 5th, a business meeting in K. of C. Home. Refreshments were served. Mrs. A. Fleitzer served fish prepared after Russian recipe; other refreshments served by Mesdames George B. Bennett, M. Berman, W. Frank Vaughn and Miss Matilda Delo. During the social hour, an engraved gold bracelet was presented to Mrs. Fleitzer, who was leaving the city to make her home in California. Contributed $25.00 to American Legion Camp at Saranac Lake. International Sunshine Convention held in New York City in May, Mrs. R. A. Henderson and Mrs. Frank. Vaughn delegates. Federated Clubs met in October in Reading. Delegates, Mrs. W. N. Decker and Mrs. J. M. Runkle. In October, Mrs. J. M. Runkle was elected President. In November same year it was voted to hold meetings in Penn-Alto Hotel, an invitation having been extended by letter from Manager George Worthington. December 7th, first meeting in Hotel. Mrs. H. H. Hoover reported having received $90.25 from "Rainy Day Bags". A large group joined that day. In September, bought two anti-freeze drinking fountains for the city. Total Receipts $1,239.44 Disbursements 1,173.22 Balance $ 66.22 Programs were customary after meetings. At this meeting Mrs. Grace McMurtrie and Mrs. Benjamin Dreifus read. A Minuette by ten children in costume from Martha Hoffman's School in the Emerson building was given. New impetus was given to the meetings by moving to the hotel. Second meeting, 41 present. In December we entertained Mrs. Cynthia Alden, President-General of the International Sunshine Society, and Miss Florence Dibert, President of Federated Clubs of Pennsylvania Women, at a luncheon in the Penn-Alto Hotel. Two hundred seventy were present at the luncheon. Miss Cora Hicks was General Chairman and toastmistress. The Society presented Mrs. R. A. Henderson, who retired as President after 10 years' service, with a beautiful string of pearls. -17- Greetings were read from Miss Cora Bowers, now of Los Angeles, a former charter member. Mrs. Byrde Slayman Nicholson, First President of the Sunshine Society, was introduced by Mrs. Alden and she made a few remarks. 1923 April 6th, ten shares of Building and Loan stock were purchased. International Sunshine Convention met at Sharon, Pennsylvania. Our delegates were Mrs. Annie Leader and Mrs. George Curran. The State Federated Clubs met in October at Erie, Pennsylvania. Our delegates were Mrs. Walter Davis and Mrs. J. M. Runkle. Many baskets filled with a variety of food were given to the worthy poor at Christmas. Hundreds of home-made cookies baked by the Sunshine ladies were sent to the Sanatorium at Cresson. 1924 Officers, 1924-25 President Mrs. J. M. Runkle First Vice President Mrs. W. F. Isenberg Second Vice President Mrs. R. A. Henderson Third Vice President Miss Matilda Delo Financial Secretary Mrs. W. N. Decker Recording Secretary Mrs. L. W. Davis Treasurer Mrs. O. B. Earhart The outstanding event of that year was the revision of the Constitution. The Committee on Revision was Mrs. Walter Davis, Mrs. W. N. Decker and Mrs. W. F. Isenberg. Big Rummage Sale, Mrs. O. B. Earhart and Mrs. W. H. Tyson, chairladies, cleared $152.00. Entertainments of a musical and literary character were held after each meeting. Mrs. R. A. Henderson gave a travelogue on Europe, in the Logan Room of the Penn-Alto Hotel. A silver offering netted $22.00. Mrs. Henderson accompanied her husband on an extended tour through Europe, including the British Isles and the continent this summer. Purchased second hand wheel chair for $15.00. -18- Mrs. J. M. Runkle [photo] 1925 In May, the Society celebrated its Silver, or Twenty-fifth, Anniversary with a luncheon at the Penn-Alto Hotel. Mrs. John Hamme, President of the State Federation, was our honored guest and speaker. Her subject, "Club Conscientiousness", was given in a beautiful and impressive manner. Mrs. Hamme is a charming woman. Her visit to the Altoona Society left an indelible impression upon all present. Miss Cora Hicks was General Chairman and toastmistress. There was but one change in the officers this year, that of Recording Secretary, Mrs. Harry Shipp filling this office. 1926 With the revised Constitution in effect, the President's term is limited to two years. A complete change was made in our Executive Board. All progress in life has been attended by change in policy and personnel. The history of many great movements proves this. So in October, those who had been privileged to serve the organization in the same office year after year, stepped aside and gave others the opportunity of carrying on the work to which they had contributed their portion. -19- Miss Lila Jellison [photo] The Nominating Committee of that year was Mrs. W. N. Decker, Mrs. Walter Davis, Mrs. W. H. Tyson, Miss Matilda Delo, Mrs. B. Cohn. Officers submitted by them and elected in October were: President Miss Lila Jellison First Vice President Mrs. George Leach Second Vice President Mrs. W. K. Baird Third Vice President Mrs. Lloyd Cooper Recording Secretary Mrs. Philip Swanger Financial Secretary Mrs. Miles Keesey Treasurer Mrs. George Howell In May the International Sunshine Society met in Batavia, N. Y. Mrs. J. M. Runkle and Mrs. Harry Shipp were delegates. 1927 January, 1927: Received from the Westfall Estate $100.00 Inheritance Tax 10.00 Balance $ 90.00 Used this amount for the purchase of two wheel chairs. -20- Still having programs after business sessions. Mrs. George Leach, First Vice President, filled the chair for several months during the absence of Miss Jellison, who was absent on account of the illness of her brother in Richmond, Virginia. Mrs. Leach compiled the annual report, which was no light task, and rendered splendid service in the President's absence. A new committee was formed that year by the President - Current Events group, with Mrs. A. W. Epright, Chairman. It is a large committee and meets monthly at the homes. Current Events are discussed, refreshments served, and a social time enjoyed. This group has aided the work in a splendid financial way. Many baskets of food were distributed to worthy families at Christmas. Treats at the County Home and hospitals were given. Several hundred new garments from the Needlework Guild were distributed through our Relief Committee, Miss Delo, Chairlady. 1928 Officers President Mrs. W. N. Decker First Vice President Mrs. O. B. Earhart Second Vice President Mrs. Walter Davis Third Vice President Miss Matilda Delo Recording Secretary Mrs. George Leach Financial Secretary Mrs. Miles Keesey Treasurer Mrs. George A. Howell Instead of literary or musical programs which we had had so many years, club institutes were started with Mrs. Walter Davis as Chairman. Different subjects were selected for each meeting. One member was selected to give opening talk on the subject. All members present were asked to participate in the discussion. Among the subjects discussed were the following: Your Favorite Magazine - Why? The Younger Generation, Favorite Author, Club's Responsibility to the Community, What Constitutes a Good Citizen? What Three Attributes Should a Club Woman Cultivate? All members took an active part in these discussions, which proved quite helpful. December 20th, the County Home Committee under the leadership of Mrs. Philip Swanger as Chairlady, sponsored a play entitled "Deacon Dubbs" for the entertainment of the inmates of the Blair -21- County Hospital. After the play was presented, the patients were treated to ice cream and home-made cake, the cake being furnished by members of the committee. The Emergency Aid, under the capable leadership of Mrs. O. B. Earhart, is our largest and most active committee. They meet monthly at the homes, patch quilts, make surgical dressings for the hospital, baby garments for the maternity committee to distribute. Supper is always served and a jovial social afternoon enjoyed. At Christmas all the men and women at the County Home were treated to oranges, supplied by Mrs. B. Cohn, and a box of candy. The children in both Altoona and Mercy Hospitals were given bright-colored boxes containing oranges, supplied by Mrs. George Howell; home-made cookies, supplied by Mrs. C. E. Bloom; a toy and candy. The Society purchased a five dollar health bond from the Tuberculosis Society. 1929 There were no changes in the list of officers this year. The Society established a loan scholarship by providing for some worthy girl a better preparation for life through a course of training in one of our local business colleges. In October the State Federation of Pennsylvania Women met in Erie. Mrs. W. N. Decker and Mrs. O. B. Earhart represented the organization at the annual convention. In December the Society celebrated its Thirtieth Anniversary with a huge social affair in the Logan Room of the Penn-Alto Hotel with the presidents of leading Women's Clubs in Altoona and Hollidaysburg as guests. The following clubs were represented by their presidents: Quota Club - Miss Gertrude Koch. Catholic Daughters - Mrs. James Breth. Council of Jewish Women - Mrs. J. Bechhoefer. College Club of Blair County - Dr. Sara Davies. Women's Club of Hollidaysburg - Mrs. Elwood Stitzel. Each brought greetings from her organization. The speaker of the afternoon, Rev. Robert M. Campbell of the First Presbyterian Church of Johnstown, was one of the best after-dinner speakers to which the members ever had the pleasure of listening. His speech was brimful of wit and humor, but vitally -22- interesting all the way through, so that the large group of women present paid the strictest attention to his discourse on "The Place of Woman in Society and the World Today". Mrs. W. N. Decker, the President, presided. Opened the session following the luncheon with a short introductory address of welcome. Miss Cora Hicks was the brilliant, sparkling toastmistress. Miss Irene Snyder, one of the best soloists in the city, sang "The Old Refrain" and "By the Bend of the River". The meeting was closed with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne". The usual Christmas treat, consisting of oranges, apples, candy, were given to the County Hospital and Home under the direction of the Chairlady, Mrs. Philip Swanger. The children in both Altoona and Mercy Hospitals were given toys, fruit, homemade cookies and candy by Miss Blanche Bender and her committee. Mrs. George Howell supplied the fruit for the children in the hospitals, Mrs. C. E. Bloom the cookies. 1930 The first meeting of the New Year was preceded by a luncheon at the Penn-Alto Hotel given by the President, Mrs. W. N. Decker, to her Official Family, the Executive Board. They were: First Vice President Mrs. O. B. Earhart Second Vice President Mrs. Walter Davis Third Vice President Miss Matilda Delo Recording Secretary Mrs. George Leach Financial Secretary Mrs. Miles Keesey Treasurer Mrs. George Howell Special guests were Miss Lila Jellison and Mrs. W. K. Baird, Past Officers. Club institutes were continued monthly. At the meeting in May, Mrs. W. S. Isenberg gave an interesting report of the International Sunshine Convention, held in Wilmington, Delaware, with Mrs. Cynthia Alden presiding. Mrs. Isenberg, a past officer, was visiting in Wilmington during April and took this opportunity of attending the convention. Two large wheel chairs, not suitable for private homes, were given to the County Home at Hollidaysburg. Hundreds of new and second hand garments were distributed, grocery orders given, the usual treats to the County Home and hospitals. -23- Mrs. O. B. Earhart [photo] The Society has bought most everything from artificial teeth, a cow, a coffin, down to artificial legs for poor unfortunates, and this year one of the outstanding gifts of the holiday season was something new, a radio for a poor, hopeless invalid, bedfast for fourteen years. This gift brought her untold cheer and happiness. Sometimes the spirit is more in need of nourishment than the body. Total disbursements for the year $579.87 Balance October 3, 1930 $115.78 In October, the following officers were elected: President Mrs. O. B. Earhart First Vice President Mrs. George Leach Second Vice President Mrs. W. H. Tyson Third Vice President Miss Matilda Delo Corresponding and Recording Secretary Mrs. Walter Davis Treasurer Mrs. G. A. Howell Financial Secretary Mrs. Philip Swanger At December's regular monthly meeting the Thirtieth Anniversary was celebrated with a Past Presidents' tea. -24- All Past Presidents, nine in number, were invited to the tea, and asked to give a resume of the history of their term of office. All responded except Mrs. Byrde Slayman Nicholson of Ardmore, Pennsylvania, and Mrs. J. B. Boyer of Hollidaysburg, who were absent. A huge birthday cake with thirty candles had been prepared for the occasion, and each Past President lighted a candle for each year she had been in office. Mrs. Miles Keesey served for Mrs. Boyer and Miss Matilda Delo for Mrs. Nicholson. As they lighted the candles, the President presented them with large yellow chrysanthemums, yellow being the Sunshine color. It was a very effective ceremony. Mention was made of three active members of the Society who died during the year, Mrs. T. J. Trout, Mrs. Morris Arstein and Mrs. Ida Rowan. "Crossing the Bar" was read in their memory by Mrs. H. F. Moffitt. One of the members, Mrs. A. E. Warner, prepared an original poem for this occasion which was read by Mrs. S. B. England, as follows: GREETINGS TO THE SUNSHINE SOCIETY "There are many kinds of sunshine, dear, So much need of Sunshine here; So many ways to make folks glad, Let us help them lest they be sad; So many kind little things to do, So much of giving for me and you; So many folks here need our aid, In each of us a share is laid. Flowers need sunshine, folks need love, Each is noted and blest from above." GREETINGS TO RETIRING PRESIDENT Mrs. W. N. Decker "To our retiring President and friend, A host of hearty wishes we extend; She leaves behind a gentle, sweet regret, For life has been made richer since we met, And so to her our hearty wishes go, Just wishes that she reaps as she doth sow." GREETINGS TO NEWLY-ELECTED PRESIDENT Mrs. O. B. Earhart "We pledge fidelity and faith, if sent On journeys to help others or to give. We hope to scatter sunshine as we live, -25- And looking up we give salute to thee, With faith that close united we shall be; To work, and help: to give and cheer, And scatter sunshine all the year." 1931 On February 6th, Mrs. John Phillips, Pittsburgh, head of the American Home Department of the State Federation of Pennsylvania Women, gave a most delightful talk on "The Home". Mrs. Phillips has a pleasing personality and captivated her hearers from the very beginning. In her opening address, she explained that in visiting and addressing clubs she was in no way neglecting her home, as her five children were in college and were, at their age, able to care for themselves. On March 30th, Mrs. John A. Frick, Allentown, State President of the Federation of Pennsylvania Women, addressed the Society on the subject "Why Federate?" Mrs. Frick is serving her second term or fourth year as State President and will retire in October. She is one of the most popular state officers and is always enthusiastically received at her speaking engagements, as she is a forceful and an interesting talker. This was her first visit to Altoona. Past Presidents of the Sunshine Society poured tea following the address. These Presidents included Mrs. R. A. Henderson, Miss Lila Jellison, Mrs. W. N. Decker and Mrs. J. M. Runkle. At the election of officers in October, all the officers who served the previous year were re-elected, with one exception: the First Vice President could not serve, and Mrs. W. N. Decker was elected to fill this vacancy. In December, the Past Presidents' tea was again given in the Logan Room of the Penn-Alto Hotel. A splendid musical program was rendered, after which Mrs. Walter Davis paid tribute to each Past President and presented each with a bouquet of pom pom chrysanthemums. Only three were present on this occasion, Miss Lila Jellison, Mrs. J. M. Runkle and Mrs. W. N. Decker. Presiding at the tea tables were Mrs. G. A. Howell and Mrs. Philip Swanger. Several months before this affair the President appointed one of the Past Presidents, Mrs. W. N. Decker, as historian. A history of the organization had never been compiled. A partial history was read at this affair. -26- On January 8, 1931, Mrs. Cynthia Westover Alden [photo], the Founder and President General of the International Sunshine Society, died at her home, 340 Dean Street, Brooklyn, New York, in her 71st year. She was the wife of John Alden, poet, editorial writer of the Eagle, and direct descendant of the John and Priscilla Alden of Longfellow's poem, "The Courtship of Miles Standish." Mrs. Alden had a remarkably varied career at a time when careers for women were exceedingly rare. Born in Afton, Iowa, May 31, 1861, she was reared in the west. She taught school and studied music. Coming east, she was Secretary to Hans S. Beattie, then surveyor of the Port of New York in the Cleveland Administration. Mrs. Alden was a graduate of Denver Business College. In 1896 she married Mr. Alden. For a number of years she was a reporter on the New York Recorder. She was on the editorial staff of the Ladies' Home Journal for ten years. It was while working for the New York Recorder that she founded the Sunshine Society. She left that service and turned to newspaper and magazine writing. It was then that the plight of the blind, particularly of blind babies, aroused her sympathies. Existing institutions for the blind admitted no one under eight years of age. She felt that by that time children had become almost unteachable because their faculties had been permitted to remain dormant and undeveloped. The result was that the International Sunshine Society established the Dyker Heights Home for Blind Children and later the Arthur Sunshine Home and Kindergarten for Blind Babies, in Summit, N. J. Mrs. Alden's fatal illness dated from October 18, 1930, when she became bedridden and unable to walk. Medical means were powerless to restore proper circulation in her limbs. To the last Mrs. Alden was brave, although she knew she was going on her "last journey", and the Monday before she died, she bid goodbye to three workers from headquarters, and she said "Wouldn't it be nice if I could come back and tell you all about it?" Mrs. Alden was always loved by those who worked with her. All over these United States and in foreign countries, Sunshine Societies are carrying on the good work she started. Funeral services were conducted at the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd at two P. M., Saturday, January 10th, -28- by Dr. Rodgers and Dr. W. C. Groves. After the ceremony the body was taken to Fresh Pond, Long Island, for cremation, where most of the friends followed in cars, all were so reluctant to finally part with one who had been their leader and friend over a generation. 1932 The committee work carried on during the year was similar to previous years. A list of committees with chairladies follows: Relief Miss Matilda Delo Membership Mrs. C. E. Bloom Maternity Mrs. W. H. Tyson Flower Mrs. O. H. Travis Magazine Mrs. B. Cohn County Home Mrs. W. K. Baird Legislative Mrs. W. N. Decker Wheel Chair Mrs. G. A. Howell Child Welfare Mrs. L. W. Borland Emergency Aid Mrs. O. B. Earhart Current Events Mrs. A. W. Epright Needle Guild Mrs. S. B. England Surgical Dressings Mrs. A. E. Warner Program Mrs. B. Dreifus Motion Picture Mrs. C. W. Gerhart Club Magazine Mrs. H. P. Wilson In honor of the two hundredth anniversary of the birth of George Washington a special program was arranged for the February meeting as follows: Mrs. J. M. Runkle spoke of "The Boyhood of Washington" Mrs. Frank Phillips "His Military Career" Mrs. D. L. Claycomb "His Presidential Career" Miss Lila Jellison "Home Life at Mt. Vernon" Mrs. Benjamin Dreifus gave several appropriate readings. At the June meeting, Mr. Maurice Hamilton, Warden of Blair County jail, gave a most interesting talk on the various phases of his work. He illustrated his talk with a number of real life stories from his experiences as warden of the jail, and paid high tribute -29- Mrs. G. A. Howell [photo] -30- to organizations like the Sunshine Society for their efforts to make this world a better place in which to live. After the summer vacation our September meeting was marked by a travelogue by Mrs. W. N. Decker, who during the summer had traveled with her husband across the continent to California, with stops in New Mexico, at Santa Fe, through the Indian country, and at the Grand Canyons in Arizona. In California they spent some time in Los Angeles, taking side trips from there to Pasadena, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Catalina Island and Yosemite National Park, sailing from San Francisco by way of Panama Canal to New York. Stopping several places in the Canal Zone and at Havana, Cuba. She used many cards and folders to show places she described, had beautiful pieces of granite showing the rock formation in Yosemite Park, cones from the Mariposa grove of big trees - oldest living things in the world, these trees; you can't burn them and they don't decay. At this meeting Mrs. C. W. Montgomery told us about the honor system at the West Point U. S. Military Academy, where her son Richard is a cadet. Both talks were highly instructive and entertaining. In October, officers for the following year were elected: President Mrs. G. A. Howell First Vice President Mrs. H. P. Wilson Second Vice President Mrs. Lawrence Borland Third Vice President Miss Matilda Delo Recording Secretary Mrs. Frank Hunter Financial Secretary Mrs. Philip Swanger Treasurer Mrs. C. E. Bloom Officers who served the longest terms in office, a period of more than ten years each, are: Miss Matilda Delo Mrs. R. A. Henderson Mrs. G. A. Howell Mrs. W. N. Decker -31- Miss Matilda Delo [photo] Miss Delo, a charter member, is still active. She has served longer in office than any other member. The Presidents who by unselfish contribution of time, thought, and service have helped make the Altoona Sunshine Society one of the foremost women's organizations in Central Pennsylvania are ten in number: 1. Mrs. Byrde Slayman Nicholson 2. Miss Mary G. Davis 3. Mrs. W. F. Sellers 4. Mrs. Susan Taylor Boyer 5. Mrs. R. A. Henderson 6. Mrs. J. M. Runkle 7. Miss Lila Jellison 8. Mrs. W. N. Decker 9. Mrs. O. B. Earhart 10. Mrs. G. A. Howell It is impossible to put into words what has been accomplished by this Society, for by suggestions there have been put into proper -32- hands some things which others are carrying on, and the influence of kind acts grow rather than diminish. The requests that came to this organization through the many years' service rank from "the sublime to the ridiculous". The historian has endeavored to stress the spiritual values rather than to put a commercial valuation upon the work of the Society, for neither dollars nor deeds can adequately measure the loving service that has gone into its accomplishments. The membership endeavored to make the world richer and better by acts of kindness, the influence of which it is hoped may be transmitted to many generations. Our organization has been of inestimable value to its members also, serving as a great educational influence, as a means of keeping in step with the times, and as an avenue for finer social life. I liken the work of our organization to a golden thread, running through the warp and woof of the lives of all about us, for the greatest thing in the world is kindness. Along the dull and drab and unhappy ways of life, we are indeed busy "Painting Life's Clouds with Sunshine." -33- MEMBERSHIP - 1933 The bigness of the organization depends not upon the number enrolled, but upon the service rendered. Baird, Mrs. W. K. 1218 Twenty-fifth Avenue Bender, Miss Blanche 1418 Washington Avenue Blake, Mrs. W. W. 1106 Fourteenth Avenue Borland, Mrs. L. W. 2614 Sixth Avenue Brett, Mrs. Jacob 208 Logan Avenue, Llyswen Bastian, Mrs. George 19 Fifty-eighth Street, Eldorado Bloom, Mrs. C. E. 1608 Tenth Street Breidenstein, Mrs. J. I. 2226 Second Avenue Bechhoefer, Miss Pauline 1408 Eleventh Street Cooper, Mrs. Lloyd 2203 Broad Avenue Craine, Mrs. Haiman 2724 Fifth Avenue Claycomb, Mrs. D. Lloyd 934 Twentieth Street Curran, Mrs. George 2323 Broad Avenue Cohn, Mrs. B. 3105 Broad Avenue Craine, Mrs. W. M. C. 408 Howard Avenue Creighton, Mrs. I. G. 428 Walnut Avenue Caraher, Mrs. R. R. 2521 Lark Avenue Davis, Miss Mary Hollidaysburg Delo, Miss S. Matilda DeLena Apartments Dreifus, Mrs. Benjamin 2101 West Chestnut Avenue Decker, Mrs. W. N. 202 First Avenue Davis, Mrs. L. Walter 537 East Harrison Avenue Drass, Mrs. John N. Hollidaysburg Earhart, Mrs. O. B. 826 First Avenue Epright, Mrs. A. W. 1106 Nineteenth Avenue England, Mrs. S. B. 301 Aldrich Avenue, Llyswen -34- Freshman, Mrs. Annie 2423 Broad Avenue Gerhart, Mrs. C. W. 2830 West Chestnut Avenue Gwin, Miss Florence 810 Chestnut Avenue Henderson, Mrs. R. A. 927 Twenty-fifth Street Howell, Mrs. G. A. 1326 Fifth Avenue Henderson, Mrs. Morris 1927 West Chestnut Avenue Houseman, Mrs. Clarence 2628 Quail Avenue Hesser, Mrs. W. L. 206 Browning Avenue Hamilton, Mrs. G. W. 912 Fifty-eighth Street, Eldorado Hamma, Mrs. M. W Springfield, Ohio Harris, Mrs. John G. 2103 Maple Avenue Hunter, Mrs. Frank 901 Logan Avenue, Llyswen Isenberg, Mrs. W. F. 1225 Sixteenth Avenue Jellison, Miss Lila 205 Browning Avenue, Llyswen Kelley, Mrs. Blair 3509 Shawnee Avenue Keesey, Mrs. M. R. 1717 Seventh Avenue Kazmaier, Mrs. John Ant Hills Knighton, Mrs. C. E. 1009 Eighteenth Avenue Kohn, Mrs. M. 2522 Broad Avenue Kennedy, Mrs. H. A. 912 Third Street, Juniata Kinch, Miss Isabella 1114 Fifth Avenue Klepser, Mrs. H. M. Sylvan Hills Loose, Mrs. H. 813 Fifty-eighth Street Levan, Mrs. Walter 2317 Maple Avenue Leader, Mrs. A. W. 2528 Seventh Avenue Lantz, Mrs. J. A. 1508 Eighth Avenue Leach, Mrs. George 2610 Tenth Street Luddeke, Mrs. Fanny 2221 Broad Avenue -35- March, Mrs. Martin Penn-Alto Hotel Morgan, Mrs. E. B 2326 Broad Avenue Montgomery, Mrs. C. W. 5411 Fifth Avenue Miller, Mrs. Henry 800 First Avenue Mong, Mrs. C. C. 112 Ninth Street Martin, Mrs. S. A. 13 Logan Avenue, Llyswen McLanahan, Mrs. J. King 819 Allegheny Street, Hollidaysburg McComas, Mrs. J. R. Rhode Island Avenue, Eldorado McBride, Mrs. M. W. 305 Aldrich Avenue, Llyswen Parrish, Mrs. A. 3010 Union Avenue Phillips, Mrs. Frank 2024 Broad Avenue Perry, Mrs. Lawrence 1200 Seventeenth Street Runkle, Mrs. J. M. 611 Eighth Street Rote, Mrs. J. L. 816 Crawford Avenue Stahl, Mrs. William 1113 Twenty-fifth Avenue Sutton, Mrs. D. C. 1022 Twenty-third Avenue Silverman, Mrs. Louis 2300 West Chestnut Avenue Salyards, Mrs. Charles L. 2908 Union Avenue Slutzker, Mrs. Anna Penn-Alto Hotel Shipp, Mrs. Harry 2429 West Chestnut Avenue Swanger, Mrs. P. M. 506 Seventeenth Street Scheinberg, Mrs. S. 307 Aldrich Avenue Sax, Mrs. L. T. 2227 Beale Avenue Steiner, Mrs. Charles 3404 Fort Roberdeau Avenue Smay, Mrs. D. P. 310 East Fifth Avenue Travis, Mrs. Oscar 1709 Thirteenth Street Taylor, Miss Emma 2416 Third Avenue Torrance, Mrs. C. E 2700 West Chestnut Avenue Tyson, Mrs. W. H. 114 Ninth Street Thomas, Mrs. H. C. 2410 Broad Avenue -36- Wenrick, Mrs. M. L. Point View, Williamsburg Weil, Mrs. Caroline Penn-Alto Hotel Wilson, Mrs. H. P. 1130 Fifteenth Avenue Warner, Mrs. A. E. 2512 Pleasant Valley Boulevard Wengert, Mrs. C. H. 209 East Fourth Avenue Yeater, Mrs. I. F. 1127 Seventh Avenue Cosmetics recommended for the members: For the lips Truth For the voice Prayer For the eyes Pity For the hands Charity For the heart Love ~~~*~~~