Soroptimist in the 1970s*

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1972-1974 Southwestern Region
Governor Julia "Bess" Combs,
Soroptimist International of Antioch

Theme: "Let it Begin with Me"

Clubs Chartered       Santa Cruz  Mountains     North Fresno       Ceres    Novato       Modesto North    Hickham, HI       Rocklin/Loomis    Portola       Weaverville    Lake Almanor          Las Vegas (2 clubs) Conferences   1973 -  Sacramento - Woodlake Inn           Clubs in region:             Registration:     1974 -  San Jose       Clubs in region:  150       Registration

The Sacramento conference was memorable for the ammunition train explosion near Roseville. Not knowing what else would happen, the Woodlake Inn management evacuated the conference body to the swimming pool area for the day. Also, during the evening Regional Board meeting, the fire department was called to put out a fire in the kitchen which was directly below where the board was meeting.

The San Jose conference in 1974 provided the Soroptimists experience of being in an armed camp - dog corps sniffing for bombs in the shrubbery, sentries with guns ready for action in each hotel hallway. Keys had to be shown for entry to the halls. There were cameras on the roof, manned by military guards and riots on the streets. WHY? President Gerald Ford was to arrive for a 9:00 AM meeting at the hotel. Little, if any, delay was experienced in opening the Southwestern Regional conference.

* 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".