Soroptimist in the 1930s*

home  about SIFR  Founder Region History1930's

1938-1940

Director: Alta D. Hengy, Oroville
Secretary: Blanche Parson, Chico
Treasurer: Ada Cummings, Santa Paula

The story begins to change with many more "visitors" present at regional meetings. Then, as now, the term means members other than delegates. The minutes of the meeting of October 15-16, 1938, show 29 clubs present and represented by 81 delegates and 128 visitors.

"Geographically Southwestern region was comprised of the State of California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. At the beginning of the biennium, there were 31 clubs with 1,095 members. During the biennium 14 clubs were chartered, including Oregon, Utah, which was sponsored by the Salt Lake City club. This chartering made it possible to organize a region (three clubs being required) and the Rocky Mountain region was established. The number of clubs in Southwestern region was reduced to 42 with a membership of 1,295 at the close of the biennium. During this biennium two board members were added to the regional board, and a regional roster was compiled.

"Meanwhile, world wide affairs were affecting Soroptimism. Great Britain had declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939, and the international aspect of the organization was emphasized by the exchange of letters during war time. This is a short quote from one: 'London has more or less returned to normal. Except for the blackouts, all theaters are in full swing. We would rather be bombed at home than bored in the country.'"

* reprinted from Southwestern Region's history book entitled "Out Where It All Began" written and compiled for a celebration of Soroptimist's 50th anniversary in 1971 and updated and reprinted in 1996 for the celebration of Soroptimist's 75th anniversary, prepared by the Founder Region 75th Anniversary Committee and entitled Founder Region "The Way It Was".