Soroptimist in the 1940s*

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1944-1946

Director: Edith B. Kelley, Sacramento
Secretary: Ruth S. Thomas, Chico
Treasurer: Josephine Pendleton, Berkeley
Board Members: Catherine Pattrick, Watsonville,
Margaret Pratt, Los Angeles

By written ballot, the clubs approved the recommendation of the board that "in lieu of the 1944 full conference, area meetings of clubs be held with an agenda designed to aid the region in carrying on its business efficiently and to promote further vital participation on the part of clubs and individual Soroptimists in the war effort."

While to some, extending the business of the region was slowed, the smaller groups did allow for more member participation and attendance was good. The meetings were for one day only as hotel accommodations were extremely limited.

The regional project was the giving of collapsible wheel chairs, usually through the Red Cross. The treasurer's report shows $3,474 contributed by the clubs.

Although the war was over, the British and Europeans were still affected by rationing, due to shipping restrictions. The Sister club report showed thousands of packages of dried milk, eggs, fruit, tea, coffee, needles, thread, medical supplies, vitamins, and warm used clothing were sent to Great Britain and Europe.

Lola Stanley, second vice president of the federation, reported that of the $25,000 given to the Noel Fund, more than $14,000 had been contributed by this region.

Ten new clubs were organized and one club lost its charter this biennium. There was a total of 14 Venture clubs reported.

* 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".