Entertainment and Fund Raising

When the Women's Association was not busy writing checks for the benefit of the Church building, or for missionary contributions, it found time to have fun in a variety of ways, some of which resulted in raising the funds necessary to carry on the business of the Church. The many reports of Secretaries of the Groups were very helpful in finding out what the women were up to.

Having Fun

One of the favorite forms of entertainment was to hold a talent night when Groups would prepare skits or singing programs, and vie with one another, of course in a friendly manner for prizes. They were especially popular when the present Ladies Parlor was a stage for the performing arts. One such event was described in much detail by the Secretary in which four Groups participated. The "rules" set up were that each Group had to sing a chorus from the song "Red River Valley", followed by a song of choice. In one group, two members depicted a Red River Valley Scene, complete with the portrayal of a lady horse. Another Group presented a school house scene, singing "School Days", thus revealing themselves as being children at heart. Another Group put on a Minstrel Show, and showed great talent with their tambourines. The last Group must have brought done the house with 12 members all trying to pretend to be sleeping on the same ordinary mattress until only one undaunted lady remained. Olive Flagg was the judge of these antics.

Another time, the Groups contested to see which one could make the best Valentines. After being judged, the Valentines were sent to shut-ins. At one of their evening dinners, each member was given a paper bag, crayons, and scissors with which to make a puppet. A prize went to the member constructing the most original, and subsequently it was delivered to the children at the Waltham Hospital. In those days when pipe cleaners were available, a meeting was held where members twisted them into various figurines, and the most original was given a prize. Following is a list of some of the many forms of entertainment enjoyed by the Association:

Fashion shows with members as models
Travelogues
Hobbies night
Lessons in sculpting
Lessons in floral arranging
Lessons in ceramics and pottery
May basket making for shut-ins
All day sewing conclaves
Mother and Daughter nights
Bridge parties
Musicals-piano recitals
Sing-a-longs
Gardening demonstrations
Sunshine baskets for Leland home residents
Antique appraisals
Luncheons
Book revues
Poetry readings
Play readings
Finger painting
Barber Shop Quartets
Reagle Players
After luncheon or dinner speakers.
Christmas parties and gift exchanges

Another favorite program was to have speakers following a luncheon or evening dinner. Frequently they were given by Association members who spoke of their hobbies, their work, or other special interests. Some of the topics were: "Why Pray", "The History of Hymns", "The Training of Seeing Eye Dogs", "The Ho|y Land", "Christian Symbols", "The Meaning of Christian Freedom", and "Women Around The World".

Raising Money

When it came to funding the many contributions and missions of the Women's Association, there seemed to be no end to the-devious ways in which they operated, (all honestly, of course}. Some of their methods are described as follows:

1. Annual Dues; The original figure decided upon was $1.00 per year. This does not sound like very much, but in those days the large membership raised $300.00 it went a long way. Now-a-days, Annual Dues are $7.00.
2. Each Group was required to carry out an annual fund raising endeavor, the proceeds of which went to the Association Treasurer. To give an example, in 1954, the total amount raised by the seven Groups was $978.47.
3. Second Mile Envelopes: These were distributed to all members, and were based upon Jesus' admonition, "Whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile go with him twain," from the sermon on the Mount. Thus, members were expected to pledge in addition to their dues.
4. Fellowship Least Coins: At Association meetings members searched their purses for pennies which were collected. The income averaged about $10.00 per year. The origin of this method it is said, comes from Mark 13:41, which reads, "Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put. Many people threw in large amounts. 'But a poor woman came and put in two small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny."
5. In 1958, a Wedding Reception Committee was formed, which raised money by catering reception to brides and grooms. In 1970, $245 was raised.
6. Money was invested in the Congregational Conference and Missionary Societies yielding annual returns. In 1967, $1311.56 was earned by selling 48 shares.
7. Cook books made up of the favorite recipes of members always sold well. A sale in 1973 earned $837.00.
8 Dinners for the monthly meetings of the Golden Rule Brotherhood were catered and brought in goodly sums 9. Lobster rolls and luncheons were very popular. A lobster luncheon could be enjoyed for 98 cents. Saturday night baked bean suppers were also excellent money makers.
10. The sale of greeting cards and Christmas cards.
11. Donations by individual members
12. Income from the annual Steeplecock Fair, and two rummage sales

The earliest record of fund raising was described in the Association's first Annual Report in 1935, which stated. "The Women's Association aided the Church financially by co-operating with the Church's Ways and Means Committee on the Annual Fair. Each Group was responsible for a booth." No time was wasted in initiating the most profitable source of income which has continued to this day. In 1936, two Rummage Sales were held which yielded $171.61. Rummage Sales have been a continuing source of funds since that time. In 1936, it was apparent that the Women's Association was responsible for "doing" the entire Fair, since the proceeds we're listed as Association income. In 1940, the Association established its own Ways and Means Committee, which was charged with conducting all of the major money-making projects, including the Fall Fair. In 1948, the name Steeplecock Fair was adopted. The next Steeplecock will begin a consideration of the Golden Rule Brotherhood from 1906 to its disbanding in 2002.

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Trinity Church
(First Congregational Church of Waltham)
730 Main Street
Waltham, MA 02451
Copyright 2002