Soroptimist in the 1970s*

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1970-1972

Governor: Charlotte Chichester, Delano
Secretary: Marian Larkin, Walnut Creek
Treasurer: Betty Howard, Monterey Peninsula

THEME: "TURN YOUR FACE TO THE WIND"

This is the biennium of the Soroptimist Golden Anniversary. The Golden Jubilee conference was held in San Francisco in April, 1971. The bronze portrait of Violet Richardson Ward was unveiled in appropriate ceremonies.

This "Portrait in Bronze" of Founder Violet Richardson Ward marks the Golden Jubilee. It was sculpted in her likeness by Mr. Ono deRuyter. It was unveiled during the Jubilee year regional conference in San Francisco as the highlight of Violet's 50 years as a Soroptimist. In this ceremony, all Soroptimist clubs in Southwestern and others from around the world placed capsule predictions of the future of Soroptimism. they will not be opened until the 100th year, 2021.

The "Lady Soroptimist" begonia and "Lovely Mists" orchid were on display; 60 clubs were commended for "Leading the Action" and becoming golden Jubilee clubs and many more for writing their club histories and for planning special Golden Jubilee Anniversary projects; and a number of members attended the Golden Jubilee SIA convention in Rome, Italy in June 1971.

On June 13, 1971, at the annual memorial services in the Soroptimist Redwood Memorial Grove, Soroptimists and friends witnessed an added feature - the dedication of a stately redwood tree as a living memorial to honor Violet Richardson Ward, charter president of the first Soroptimist club in the world.

In June 1971, the regional board and the extension and education chairman flew to Hawaii to charter the Kona club. While in Hawaii, the first area meeting was held for the Island clubs.

October 3, 1971, Soroptimists are celebrating their 50th anniversary with a pilgrimage to the city of the birthplace of Soroptimism - Oakland, California.

Soroptimists from around the world made the pilgrimage. Ethel Lord, SI president, the keynote speaker, Katherine Stinson, SFA, and a number of other Soroptimist dignitaries were on hand for the gala occasion.

Three new Soroptimist clubs were chartered and the regions's 50th "S" club was chartered in Vallejo on May 18, 1971, the 50th year of Soroptimism.

Approval was given by the regional board to support the "Heifer Project". Funds were collected to purchase 28 pregnant goats and one pregnant heifer, which were transported to Korea.