American Association of University Women to celebrate 80 years

The Houlton branch of the American Association of University Women is celebrating 80 years of activity in the community. Although at this time there are only 13 active members, the group once had as many as 50 in their organization.     The celebration will be held at Cary Library on Monday, March 9 at 7 p.m. If you are a former member you are invited to join in the festivities.
In 1881, AAUW, this national organization was founded on the conviction that education was key to achieving equity for women. The first study helped open colleges and universities to women by refuting the once-popular notion that higher education threatened women’s health. While education is the primary focus, AAUW has taken a stand on vital social, economic and political issues. They strive for gender-fair education; civil rights, family and medical leave, equal pay for equal work, reproductive choice, affirmative action and access to health care.
Founded March 9 in 1929 with 15 members, the Houlton branch was formed. The first president was Annie Barnes, a graduate of Colby College. Since their inception several members have gone on to hold state offices and serve on state committees.
The purpose of the organization was to unite alumnae of colleges and universities on the AAUW list of qualified institutions for practical educational work; to concentrate and increase their influence in the community for the solution of social and civic problems; to participate in the development and promotion of the American Association of University Women; to contribute to its growth and influence and to cooperate in its state division and regional work.
During the first five years they started a Parent, Teacher Association that helped local teachers get a raise in salary; raised money to donate a $100 scholarship to a high school graduate, gave $45 to a Fellowship Fund, gave $75 for the Aroostook Hospital and provided public discussions on Maine’s tax problems.
In 1942, they endorsed bill 860 relating to the morale of young men in training camps. In 1951, members handled a campaign for the Pine Tree Society for Crippled Children and sponsored a student for the Miss Aroostook Contest. In 1952, they took a stand on the law prohibiting distribution of drugs to minors. In 1953 they helped establish the Edith K. Abbott scholarship fund and did an art program in Houlton schools. In 1957 they provided financial help for the Hungarian Relief Fund. In 1961 they wrote congressmen in support of educational television in Maine and they awarded their first scholarship to an outstanding Ricker female student. From 1964 to 1969 they held fashion shows, contributed to the Coretta Scott King education fund and studied a variety of topics of interest at that time. They supported the Electoral College, pledged money to the Houlton Regional Hospital building fund and supported the returnable bottle bill.
After the closing of Ricker College in 1979, the AAUW Ricker Scholarship was changed to the AAUW Award and presented to a senior girl already accepted to attend a 4-year institution of higher learning.
Since 1979 they have continued to support many local projects including; Mothers’ Morning Out, tutors for literacy, community coordinated child-care, art shows, Children’s Fair activities, while carrying on their mission “to promote equity for all women and girls, lifelong education and positive societal changes.”
The current officers and members of the Houlton branch are: Alison Bossie, president; Laurel Pinales, program vice-president; Debbie Melvin, membership vice-president; Nancy Putnam, secretary and Jean Collett, treasurer. Other members are: Janet Bates, Linda Faucher, Nancy Hutchinson, Marilyn Roper, Carol Whited, Frances Wirta, Mim Carter and Helen Woods.
For more information on the celebration, contact Alison Bossie at 532-2518.