GRANDMOTHERS’ CLUB

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 May 1938, Page 5

GRANDMOTHERS’ CLUB

"PLACE NOT IN CHIMNEY CORNER.” You had better keep your eye on grandma. She is liable to get some of those new-fangled grandmother ideas that came to light in Illinois, North Dakota, and lowa. Thirty-nine grandmothers, each active in business or in a profession, have organised "The Grandmothers’ Club" —and as such they are out to prove it's not exclusively a man’s world. Mrs John Wesley Gray, youthful grandmother of two, prominent clubwoman, lecturer, and the only woman to run for mayor of Chicago, as charter member and secretary of the new club, said they intended to show: “That grandma’s place is not in a chimney corner. “That women even they get grey in their hair are getting better sense in business. “That women can start in business at middle age and make a success” Twenty-one occupations and professions are represented by members, who, include grandmothers in Illinois, North Dakota and lowa.

Mrs Bertha Bauer, of Chicago, Illinois Republican National committeewoman, is the successful manager of a 2,000,000-dollar estate left by her husband, who passed on in 1912. Mrs Mary E. Ward, of Mendota, 111., who has 13 grandchildren, started business in 1899. Since 1930 she has managed a gravel pit. Mrs Lillian I. Danskin. of Jacksonville, 111., grandmother of four, began selling insurance when she was 54 years old.

There is nothing soft and easy about the lives these grandmas lead. From the questionnaires they belong to—and are active in—from one to six other organisations. Among recreations the- members listed riding, swimming, bowling, fishing hiking, and gardening.—“ Christian Science Monitor.”