Martha Washington Club records

The Martha Washington Club was a woman’s club organized in Muncie in January, 1904 "for social and literary purposes." The twelve founding members were: Mrs. A. Hedrick, Mrs. W. Lister, Mrs. M. M. Baily, Mrs. L. Howk, Mrs. J. Dragoo, Mrs. W. Pike, Mrs. L. Griffin, Mrs. H. Manering, Mrs. A. Wetherill, Mrs. C. Sonertzer, Mrs. H. Owen, and Mrs. J. White. The club was federated in June 1905.

Its motto of "Lend a Hand" was practiced largely through donations to charities and individual volunteer efforts. An annual report from June 17, 1945 describes the types of activities pursued by the club. "Sewed for Red Cross. Contributed to Red Cross. Contributed to United War Fund. Contributed to Crippled Children. Contributed to YWCA. Contributed to Service Canteen. Contributed to Ball Hospital Library Fund. Five War Bonds Purchased. Contribution of needed articles for Camp Atterbury. Sent Letters of Protest to President Truman, Congressman Springer and Office of War Productions Board, relative to liquor holiday. Sent letter to Congressman Spriger endorsing V.A. investigation or the passage of the Philbin bill. Sent letter to the mayor regarding tavern and gambling activities in city. 200 pounds of clothing and 4 pairs of shoes for the European Clothing Drive. Baby comforters made for foreign relief. Contributed to Latin American Fellowship. Nine contributions to blood bank. One member gave 645 hours’ hospital service."

Active participation in the club was limited to twenty members, but both associate and honorary members were also allowed to attend meetings. Meetings were held twice a month at alternating homes of club members. The club was disbanded in 1978 for unknown reasons.