In the Beginning…
To create an awareness of AAUW, on June 20, 1923, seventy women: college graduates and students, attended a luncheon in the Association of Commerce Room in Sheboygan. The speaker was Miss Louise Fitch of Washington, DC, the National Editor of the Magazine of the American Association of University Women. (AAUW).
The minimum number of national members required for AAUW branch organization was ten members. On September 27, 1923 ten members founded the AAUW – Sheboygan Branch.
Fast Facts:
- AAUW Sheboygan Branch founded on September 27, 1923
- Constitution adopted on October 21, 1923
- 1937 Annual dues for Branch and General Membership – $2.00
- October 1927 – Sheboygan was the site of the Wisconsin AAUW Annual Meeting
- October 1956 – Branch hosted the state meeting; theme: “How We Can Make It More Effective”
- 1930-1931 = 101 Association Members
- Annual dues 1957-1958 were $8.50
- 1983-1984 = 327 Association Members
- Handwritten “Yearbooks” until 1953
Community Activities
Branch members have been extremely involved in activities that have benefited the Community since AAUW was founded. The following are just some of the many Committees that were formed to provide services:
- Fireside Players – 1923. Put on the production of “Twinkle Twinkle” (Haresfoot) on April 7, 1924 in the Vander Vaart Theater
- Education Committee – 1924
- Scholarship Committee – 1924
- Preschool Child Committee – Organized in 1926
- International Relations – 1926
- Book Review Committee – 1927
- Orthopedic Committee – 1932
- Psychology Committee – 1933
- Arts Committee – 1934
- Better Films Committee – 1936
Integrated Programs
The following programs were spearheaded by AAUW members, but required the assistance and cooperation of area families and businesses:
Safety Town: A program which was held in the summer for children.
Reader’s Roundup: (Started in 1953) A radio Quiz game for grades 3–12. Students read books on the reading lists; then
answered questions and talked about them on the air (WHBL.)
Foreign Film Series: (1967-1969) Films were shown in the Civic Room of Security First National Bank (now US Bank). Discussions followed; very well received.
Bicentennial Challenge (1976) Federalist Papers – a three-part series led by guest lecturer and discussion leader, Dr. William J. Bennett.
Energy Conservation Recognition Project: (1978) This program awarded homeowners or businesses for outstanding achievement in the minimal use of energy.
Portion Choice at Portion Price: (1980) This project encouraged restaurants to offer smaller portions at a lower price for patrons who didn’t want large servings. The idea was sparked by the study of food waste and the possibility of reducing the amount of food restaurants throw out because patrons do not eat all of the food that is served them. Over 20 restaurants in the area participated in this project. (Many still offer the “lighter fare” menu.)