Scranton Women Teachers' Club

als. During its first decade, 1933-1943, the club was led by these competent and able presidents. The first president was Miss Angela Blewitt, followed by Miss Hazel Davies, Miss Katherine O’Dea, Miss Mary Barrett and Miss Margaret Dyer. Under the leadership and guidance of these women, membership in our organization ranged from 600 to 700 members. In the year 1936-1937, 23 Scranton School had 100% membership – and the dues were $1.00 annually. It was in these early years that the Scranton Women Teachers’ Club began its cooperation and financial support to various community organizations, Annual Christmas shows and gifts were provided to the needy children of our community. Many local groups benefited from the generosity of the Women Teachers’ Club treasury – The Red Cross, The Scranton Nursery School in South Scranton, the North Scranton Public Library, the West Scranton Public Library, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, the Scranton State Hospital’s Children’s Ward, the Oral School, St. Patrick’s Orphanage, the Albright Memorial Library were just a few who received monetary donations during these early years. The Teachers’ Club was also very active in its community development and problems. In 1937-38, alarmed by the harmful literature being read by school age boys and girls, the Scranton Women Teachers’ Club sponsored various radio broadcasts aimed at curtailing this dangerous and harmful pastime. When Flood came to the city of Scranton, the Teachers’ Club was there contributing to floor relief. Always reticent of its objectives, the Club’s program of meetings, readings and guest speakers, kept not only its members but all members of the community informed of various educational advancements and current affairs, in 1936, Dr. Raguel George Earle spoke “The Outlook of the 1936 Presidential Election.” The following year, Dr. John Erskine addressed the Club on “The influence of Women. “ Miss Charl Williams spoke to our members and guests in 1937 on “Modern Trends in Education.” That same year, 1937, the Scranton Women Teachers’ Club hosted yet another famous lecturer – First Lady Mrs. For the young people of our community, she spoke on “The Problems of Youth.” The adult community learned about “The Relationship of an Individual to his/her Community” through her second lecture. Both lectures were held at the Masonic Temple with ticket prices ranging from $.50 to $1.50 per person. Proceeds from these lectures benefited the Club’s Welfare and Scholarship funds. Later in the decade, other noted speakers addressed our membership – Miss Stella Akin, the first Southern woman to be appointed special assistant to the United States Attorney General, spoke on “The Broadening Field of Women’s Activates.” Dr. Noonan of East Stroudsburg State Teachers’ College lectured on “The Significance of Teacher Organization” and Dr. M. Lyle Spencer, Dean of the School of Journalism at Syracuse University, selected “American through Oriental Eyes” as his topic. The early 40’s saw a different choice of topics for our guest speakers. “Our Part in the War Effort” and “Home Defense” were theses selected by the Red Cross and Bell Telephone when they addressed our membership. From its inception one of the major aims of the Women Teachers’ Club has been it s Welfare and Scholarship programs. Individual Members with various medical or financial problems have been aided by the Club through the years. The Scholarship program of the Women Teachers’ Club began in 1937-1938 with three $100 Scholarships awarded, one for St. Thomas College, one for Marywood College and one for Keystone Jr. College. The winners of these first awards were the late Dr. Anthony Cummings, Miss Harriet Chickowski and Ruth Weber. These scholarships were awarded annually from 1938 to 1943. The first decade of the Scranton Women Teachers’ Club saw a country and community in financially hard times. In 1936, the Club sent a letter of appreciation to the Scranton School Board for its restoration of previous salary cuts to the city teachers. In 1940, the Scranton School Superintendent, Dr. John Dwyer pointed out a loss of 5,500 pupils over the preceding decade in the city. This decline necessitated a loss of teaching positions from 1930-1940. The first decade of service saw many community and educational changes. We moved from the midst of a great financial crisis – the Depression, into a new era of turmoil – World War II. During the second decade of the Scranton Women Teachers’ Club, our main thoughts and our major programs were devoted to Community awareness and protection – a War was being fought and everyone was affected. In the decade from 1943-953, the club advanced under the leadership of the following Presidents – Emma Stopford Moser, Florence Shanley Boland, Ceil Tuffy, Ruth Phillips and Miss Kathryn Mitchell. Our organization, as in its first decade, continued its service to the Scranton Community. Yearly Christmas presents and programs were financed by the Women Teachers’ Club, donations were made to the Crippled Children’s Fund of Scranton and the regional Scholastic Arts Award Exhibition received a donation. Scholarships were again awarded annually from 1943 to 1953, the award now being $500. WE had come a long way from $100 awards. Club members and guests continued to be given the opportunity to hear from noted lecturers. Dr. D. Monefort Melchior, author and lecturer, spoke on “Recent Changes in Education.” Ray Brooks, a noted war correspondent, addressed our group during this time. During the second decade of our club, our organization had a close association with Pennsylvania State Education Association which culminated in co sponsorship of various educational affairs. The Club being a Teachers’ organization had always addressed itself to professional matters. When salary increases were suggested for “men only,” the Scranton Women Teachers’ Club made its felling known to the Scranton School Board. The membership also expressed their opinions on the retirement regulations being studied by the Scranton School Board. In 1947, the Club sent this recommendation to the Board – voluntary retirement at 62 and compulsory retirement at 70. Social changes within the organization wee also being felt during this time. In the first decade, various activities were provided to Club members – readings, arts and craft classes, education classes in foreign languages and various sports activities. In the second decade of existence, the year 1949 – 1950, a new form of activity cam to be – “the day bus trip” and it’s been with us since. The membership of the club itself also saw change. The Scranton Women Teachers’ Club had regular and associate members as well as honorary members on its rolls. In 1945, the bylaws were amended to include former teachers of the district who had resigned for reasons of marriage, business or other personal reasons, as eligible for associate membership. Dues were $3.00 annually. Twenty years of ever and constant change had now passed since the birth of the Scranton Women Teachers’ Club. The organization was now entering its third decade of service with the memories of a depression and World War behind us and the anticipation of the post war years ahead of us. Teacher welfare was a major emphasis in the next decade of Scranton Women Teachers’ Club. Many of the Club’s social events from 1953-1963, were planned in relationship to the expansion of the Club’s Welfare Program. Card parties and a chance drive were just two of such events held during this time. Throughout its years, members had contributed to the organization’s treasury with their annual dues and with a special welfare collection. In 1953, $1.00 was suggested from each member for welfare. A special gifts fund was established later in the decade for the purpose of additional aid to help alleviate individual financial problems of a serious nature caused by illness among the membership. Retired members with low pensions were also eligible for financial assistance. As the membership was told, this special fund was not charity; rather it was an extension of camaraderie of fellow teacher to fellow teachers in times of personal hardship and stress. Many teachers with prolonged illness benefitted from this special fund. Teachers with minor illnesses, hospitalized teachers and members suffering from the loss of loved ones in their immediate families have been remembers and still are by the Welfare Committee of the Women Teachers’ Club. The membership’s support of this standing committee and well evidenced by the proceeds gained from a card party given solely for the special funds committee – close to $1000 was raised in 1954-1955 for this fund. Another standing committee, the Scholarship Committee, was also well supported by the Club’s membership from 1953-1963. Just as there was a separate collection for welfare, the Club also had a separate Scholarship collection. During the years 1953-1963, twenty scholarships were awarded to students in Scranton Public High Schools totaling over $5200 in aid. Again the support and generosity of Club membership contributed to the support of this program. IN the summer of 1961, $1000 was contributed to the Scholarship Fund as the result of a successful European trip, the first of its kind, enjoyed by 26 of our Club members.
1953-1963 saw many “firsts” and “special events” for the Scranton Women Teachers’ Club. One of these “firsts” was the European trip – our members had now become world travelers, the year 1961. The same year, a six day Bermuda cruise was enjoyed by the membership. Because of this ear of “globe trotting,” it seemed only appropriate that a new activity be afforded the membership of the Women Teachers’ Club. The travelogue was introduced by Mrs. Betty Barrett. The forerunner of the Travel Club, members and their guests were afforded the opportunity to share their travel adventures through slide presentations. Over the past thirty years, we can truly say we have been “around the world.”
The Women Teachers’ Club itself had several reasons to be proud during this ten year span. Two special birthdays were celebrated. In May of 1954, the Club had its 21st birthday party at the Hotel Casey. During the evening, past presidents of the Club were honored and a special program – “Lowlights of the Club,” a presentation of cartoon and musical selections were presented for the membership. In February 1958, the 25th Anniversary of the Club was remembered with a dinner held at the Hotel Casey – the cost for the evening was $3.75. Dancers from the Arthur Murray Studios entertained (their cost $30.00) and Fredie Bistocchi’s Orchestra played for dancing (their cost $33.00). Another special event remembers by the Club was the statehood of our 50th state – Hawaii. The dinner held in 1962 had a Hawaiian motif for the evening. An unforgettable moment of American history was the major emphasis for the 1961 February dinner. The Women Teachers’ Club commemorated the 100th Anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War. The Civil War Centennial Dinner was held at the Hotel Casey. Like the preceding decades, the Women Teachers’ Club continued its practice of introducing nationally known speakers to the Scranton area. In February of 1958, Mrs. Alice Morgan, who had gained prominence on the TV show “The $64,000 Question, “ spoke to the Club on “Common Sense Investing.” Mrs. Morgan’s book, The Investor’s Roadmap, had already won her national recognition. Another noted figure, Maggie Daly, a fashion commentator, with her own Chicago based TV show, addressed the group in 1960 on the topic, “Our of My Hatbox,” which emphasized the proper us of accessories as a must. In 1961, Dr. Murray Banks a former psychologist at Long Island College and pace College in New York spoke at our February Dinner. In February of 1963, Hildegard Haliday, known for her appearances on the Fred Allen Show and the Life of Riley series, presented humorous skits and comedic impersonations for the membership’s entertainment and enjoyment. Later the same year, due to the ever expanding activates of the Club, Mary Gordan from Tran world Airlines gave us “Expert Advice on Living from a suitcase.”
Not only these nationally prominent lecturers, but many local speakers gave presentations to the Scranton Women Teachers’ Club during this time period. A “Do It at Home” lecture was presented by Stewart J. Bailey, general manager of the S.J.Bailey and Sons. Countess Tamara Benigini, born in Europe, and a language instructor at Technical and Central High Schools, spoke to our members and was assisted by the Thespis Club of Central High School. Rev. Richard Grady, S.J. presented current book reviews to members and guests and Dr. Bugbee presented four lectures on the “World Tonight.” Rabbi Simon Shoop addressed our Club on the “4 R’s” – Reading, ‘Riting, ‘Rithmetic and Religion.”
The Scranton Women Teachers’ Club continued its tradition of service to its members and its community from 1963-1973 under the Presidencies of Ruth Wenzel Nigrelli, Ann Meehan, Helen Cavanaugh, Betty Barrett, and Marie Just Mancia. The Club saw a continuation and expansion of many of its established programs during this decade. Change was a necessary element for the continued success of our organization. Due to the ever increasing costs, membership dues were raised from $5.00 to $8.00 during this period. Membership in the organization had several classifications since its beginnings – regular members, associate members and honorary members. In 1969, the term “associate member, “was replaced by one term “regular member” leaving just the two classifications in effect – regular and honorary. Because of the necessity of these changes, a revision of the Women Teachers’ Club Bylaws occurred in 1971. Although procedural and administrative changes had occurred during the years, the Club’s objectives and goals had never varied. Again the Scranton Women Teachers’ Club offered its membership activities displaying great diversification. Sport activities of golf and bowling, craft classes in knitting and ceramics and language classes were some of the offerings. The Travel Club was still providing members and their guests with first hand travel experience. Bridge Luncheons became another popular activity which was enjoyed by our membership. This activity, once under the direction of Mrs. Betty Troy, and now managed by Ms. Ann Meehan, is still a popular form of entertainment for our membership today. The Scholarship Program of the Women Teachers’ Club also was a victim of circumstance during this decade. The Scholarship offered by the Club was changed to a loan because of increasing difficulties experienced in obtaining government scholarships. Over $800 was available in 1967 for these loans. In 1969, the Club revised the Women Teacher’s Scholarship in addition to offering a loan-grant. Social events still comprised an important part of the Women Teachers’ Club’s program. Luncheons, teas and dinners held locally or in various Pocono resort spots were still popular social gatherings for our membership. In 1971, a very special evening was celebrated. On this occasion, the Club selected “Miss Dove.” The retired woman teacher with the most years of service to the Scranton School District was the recipient of this honor. Miss Mary Mahon, with 48 years of service, was found to be “Miss Dove.” Letters of congratulations were sent to Miss Mahon by many notables, including First Lady Mrs. Pat Nixon, in recognition of her years of service. The Women Teachers’ Club presented Miss Mahon with a gold locket to mark this very special occasion. Entertainment for the dinner featured styles of “Past, Present and Future” Costumes from the Lackawanna Historical Society shown as well as current fashions provided by Vincent’s. In 1973, the 40th Anniversary Dinner held at the Scranton Sheraton Inn. Additional entertainment for that evening was provided by Helen Sebastinelli, who presented a musical reading of the “Sound of Music.” The Scranton Women Teachers’ Club welcomed a new Superintendent to our District in 1971. Dr. John Stephens was guest of honor at the Fall Luncheon. Dr. Stephens addressed the group on “Personalizing Education.” The year 1972 also found the Women Teachers’ Club active in community developments. This was the year of “Agnes” and our organization, cognizant of the effects of this devastating flood, donated $300 to the membership of the Wilkes Barre Women Teachers’ Club to be used by their members who were affected by this disaster. In that same year the Most Rev. J. Carroll McCormick visited an executive meeting of our organization and congratulated our group for their training and education of our youth. Ten more years of programs devoted to the District and Community service had passed. A decade of change and innovation was now behind us; ahead lay another decade, our 50th of continued commitment to our objectives and goals. The fifth decade of the Scranton Women Teachers’ Club, 1973-1983, saw a continuation of the same services and community involvement begun in 1933. Many day trips to the surrounding areas were sponsored by the organization. Long weekends to New York and Atlantic City were offered to our membership and in previous times, cruises to the Caribbean and trips to distant places were planned. The Club during this ten year span offered a variety of social events. Dinners and luncheons were held with a variety of entertainment. Fashion shows were popular and our members were treated to the new styles by many area shops. Local talents were highlighted in some of our social events. In 1973, musical entertainment was provided by Mrs. William Evans, an area soprano, who sand at our Fall Luncheon. Later the same year, a Barbershop Quartet led by Mrs. Jane Krupa of Central High School, provided a musical interlude at our May Luncheon. Other musical programs enjoyed by our membership, were a program of song with selections from “Fiddler on the Root” sung by Mr. Joseph Caputo. Mr. Gordan Roberts presented a musical medley of famous Broadway hits in February of 1976. Dance was also a popular form of entertainment for the Club. Ethnic Irish dances presented by the O’Connor Irish Dancers were enjoyed on several occasions. The Welfare and Scholarship Programs were still a very important objective for the Women Teachers’ Club. The Club dispensed with separate Welfare and Scholarship donations. The two funds now received funding from our annual dues of $8.00, which has been in effect the past several years. The objectives and goals of these Committees have remained the same during this decade. When a member’s home was destroyed by fire, a sizeable contribution from the Welfare Fund was sent. The Women Teachers’ Club also initiated a new program involving the Welfare fund. Members in nursing homes receive remembrances during National Education Week. Scholarships are still awarded by the Women Teachers’ Club, three $500 scholarships, one for each of the three public high schools. The scholarship selection process during this time had undergone change due to the tremendous response of senior girl students. At one time, a girl had to be entering the field of education to be eligible. IN 1975, this rule was altered so that girls entering a baccalaureate program embracing a career dealing with children could be eligible for our award. Scholarship applicants are assessed on their scholastic ability, their need, their extracurricular activities and a personnel interview. The Scranton Women Teachers’ Club continued its past practice of community involvement. To celebrate our nation’s Bicentennial in 1976, the Women Teachers’ Club made a donation of $1200 to the Scranton Public Library to be used to defray the cost of acquisition of the Civilization Film series. The Everhart Museum was also a recipient of our generosity and again in 1980, the Club was a cosponsor for two concerts performed by the Pennsylvania Pops. In December of 1979, the organization sponsored the program “The Sound of Music” and in June the program, “Sound of Love,” featured local soprano Christine Donohue. Proceeds from these ticket sales aided our Scholarship program. They say that change always takes place for the best, but many times past practices are also important. In 1979, a past practice of the Women teachers’ Club was reinstated, a social get together which was free to the membership. Beginning the year and in the following years, the Wine and Cheese socials and hors d’ oeuvres have been a “thank-you” to our members in appreciation for their continued financial support. Once again, the leadership of the Women Teachers’ Club has been instrumental in the accomplishments of this decade. Presidents during the years 1973-1983 were Miss Marion Spellman, Mrs. Carol Wenzel, Mrs. Meg Holland Hart, Mrs. Kathryn Waltz, and Mrs. Barbara Janus. If there is a theme for the past ten years of the Scranton Women Teachers’ Club, it has to be “Scholarship and Community.” During the past decade, the Scranton Women Teachers’ Club has awarded over $10,000 in moneys to local public high school graduates, these moneys are contributed by our members through dues of $12.00 per year, through support of the Washington National Health Insurance and through fund raising. New and innovative methods were tried – fifty-fifty chances at meetings, money trees, $50 and seats to New York City bus trips and we even sold Tupperware. In the same decade, the Scranton Women Teachers’ Club as distributed over $1000 among various community groups. In 1983, one of our past presidents, Mrs. Betty Barrett, asked the membership to show community support of the Steam town Drive. In August of 1984, we baked our hearts out. The Club sponsored a baked goods booth during the three day Steam town Fair at Nay Aug Park – all proceeds went to the Steam town Drive. In 1987m, the Scranton Women Teachers’ Club helped South Scranton Intermediate School celebrate its 50th Anniversary – our organization donated the cost of the programs for the Anniversary Dinner. Other groups also received our financial help, the Scranton Public Library, The Volunteers in the Park, the American Red Cross, the Holy Family Residence, and the Race for the Cure, the Scranton Cultural Center and most recently the United Nations Association of Greater Scranton. The Scranton Women Teachers’ Club is an active group – our members have varied interests, one of our most popular activities offered during the past ten years was the golf lessons. This activity was so popular that it was offered several times. Does that mean we were good or bad? The Bridge Luncheon is another activity sponsored by our Club and meets monthly. This Luncheon activity is not just for bridge players, other card games are also enjoyed. But the best part of the activity is the companionship which it affords to those who participate. The Scranton Women Teachers’ Club is known for its “Style” and during the past decade, we have seen “Style.” One of our most popular programs was the “Fashion Show.” We have seen furs by R. and K. Furriers, clothes by NADA and Suburban Casuals and children’s clothing from Small Fryes and it is true – children do steal the show and yes, women can be dressed in less than five minutes. We also like to “eat” P.K. Dende gave us an enjoyable evening, showing our membership quick holiday recipes and we learned interesting craft ideas from Barbara Dixon. We used some of this skill when members furnished refreshments at our annual Wine and Cheese receptions for the membership. The Tripp House of Scranton provided a beautiful backdrop for some of these events, as did the Estate at the University of Scranton and the Scranton Club. Travel is always one of our interests and travel we did – to Washington D.C. and Boston – weekend trips, day trips to the Hudson Valley Wineries, the Brandywine Museum, Longwood Gardens and Lancaster. As you can see, the Scranton Women Teachers’ Club has traditions and activities that have spanned the decades, but we are also an innovator – willing to try new ideas, create new activities and initiate new programs. In 1988, the leadership of the Scranton Women Teachers’ Club decided that our organization needed a logo. A contest was sponsored by our Club through the local public high schools – a $50.00 savings bond would be awarded the winner. Benny Jackson of Scranton Technical High School was the recipient of the award. The winning design was featured on the Anniversary mementos (vases) of the 60th Anniversary Dinner and is also featured on the Club’s Stationary. Teachers remembering teachers has been our past and continues to be our future. Every year during National Education Week, past members residing in nursing homes are presented with a floral tribute – over 25 such remembrances are given yearly. Remembrances are still given to hospitalized members and memorial gifts are donated in the name of lost loved ones. Sometimes personal tragedy or loss has affected one of our own, our organization is always there with financial help. In keeping with changes in government and society, the Scranton Women Teachers Club recently updated its bylaws and a new term was added “she/he.” The organization is now in accordance with national guidelines. The Scranton Women Teachers’ Club, like many other organizations, has been a victim of declining membership, a reflection of the current reduction in our school district staff. We can be proud of our accomplishments in spite of circumstances. An organization is as active and effective as its leadership. The Scranton Women Teachers’ Club as enjoyed the leadership of the following women during the years 1983-1993 – Mrs. Diann Brown, Mrs. Paula Puchalski, Ms. Rosemary Boland, Mrs. Mary Coyne and Mrs. Mary Ann Moskalczak. The Close of the Twentieth Century was fast approaching and the dawn of the 21st Century was nearing. The Scranton Women Teachers’ Club of Scranton, like many other organizations was experiencing a natural change of order. Many of its members were now enjoying the fruits of their labor with well earned retirements and this meant an ever growing group of retirees. The Scranton Women Teachers’ Club Retires has become an integral part of this Club and its community efforts. One of this group’s annual events is the Christmas Tea held at the Historical Society’s Catlin House during the month of December. This event is well attended and affords an opportunity for new members to meet their predecessors and develop an appreciation for the rich history of this organization by listening to the memories of those who spent many years in the service of the Scranton School District. It has been fifteen years since the Scranton Women Teachers’ Club has gathered to commemorate an Anniversary. Our Club has endured for seventy-five years and is now celebrating its Diamond Jubilee. As in its previous sixty years, the Scranton Women Teachers’ Club has thrived under the leadership of the following Presidents – Mrs. Paula S. Puchalski, Mrs. Bernie Ross, and Mrs. Anne S. Spinelli, Mrs. Susan W. Miller, Mrs. Sheila S. Durkin, and Mrs. Marian McGraw Poveromo. Community service has always been important to the members of the Women Teachers’ Club, as set forth in our organization’s bylaws. The past fifteen years has seen a continuation of our efforts in support of many local fundraising efforts. In the late 90’s the Scranton Women Teachers’ Club became part of the Scranton Public Library’s fund raiser “Books and Bubbly.” Members volunteered to host a hor s d’oeuvre table at this event which was held for several years. In the new millennium, the Club sought out community organizations that would benefit by the club’s involvement. In November of 2000, members volunteered their time to help raise funds for a new roof for the Lackawanna Historical Society’s Caitlin House. Members helped to organize “The Taste of History” fundraiser. A relationship was formed between the Club and the Broadway Theatre of NEPA in which members were invited to attend workshops and theatrical productions. In March of 2000, the Scranton Women Teachers’ Club hosted a day at St. Francis’ Kitchen. Members helped prepare the meal and serve it. This has now become an annual affair with many members pledging their time. During these past several years, the Scranton Women Teachers’ Club has expanded its generosity from local groups to national ones. With the events of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, the Club made donations to the American Red Cross to help with these national times of crisis. Activities for Club members have been many. Once again the members took to the runway, (fashion of course). Latest styles and accessories have been shown by our members. The Annual Wine and Cheese Membership gathering has seen its greatest numbers. Baskets are donated by each school; the Scranton Women Teachers’ Club Retirees donate as well as the Club’s past Presidents. Moneys raised support the Club’s two scholarships that are awarded annually. A Sunday Brunch became a new activity. Alternating among several locales, this has become a popular event for the membership. Overnight trips to New York City have experienced a comeback and are popular once again, even if a blackout occurs, (as it has in the past). The Scranton Women Teachers’ Club again has taken to the links. The Scranton Women Teachers’ Club has members in two golf leagues. This group also enjoys overnight golf adventures. The Scranton Women Teachers’ Club has experienced, over the past fifteen years some good times and some bad. One presidency was cut short due to a retirement incentive and the Scranton Women Teachers’ Club saw the sudden passing of one of its recent Presidents – Meg Hart. In September of 2006, a memorial tribute was held to celebrate the life and contributions made to the Club by Mrs. Meg Holland Hart. The Scranton Women Teachers’ Club as you have read has had a rich history and looks forward to a memorable future. This future is assured because of the membership of the Scranton Women Teachers Club, a membership that respects and appreciates the history of the organization and a membership that has a commitment to continuing the objectives first set forth seventh-five years ago in 1933.