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Altrusa History ORGANIZATION

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In May 1964 there was a new arrival in Fostoria, a new service organization christened Altrusa Club of Fostoria.

The organizational dinner of Altrusa Club of Fostoria was held at the Fostoria Country Club on May 22, 1964, with Mrs. Hazel Stewart, Membership Chairman of Altrusa International and Immediate Past Governor of District Five, conducting the initiatory service. Mrs. Stewart told the thirty-eight initiates, “You are not joining Altrusa, you are becoming an Altrusan – a way of life.”

Mrs. Martha Long, Governor of District Five, brought greetings from the District and installed the new officers as follows:

Mrs. Dorothy Spayth, President of the sponsoring Findlay Club, presided over the evenings activities. Distinguished guests introduced included other District officers, civic leaders and representative groups from nearby cities. Letters of congratulations were read from International officers and clubs.

Mrs. Rosanna Dunn, President-Elect of Altrusa Club of Findlay, presented the Altrusan banner to the Fostoria Club. Mrs. Gladys Harrison, newly installed Fostoria President, graciously thanked Findlay for their sponsorship, accepted the banner and then pledged the new group’s support to the International organization.

Completing their “qualifying period” in record time, members of the Altrusa Club of Fostoria received their charter December 10, 1964, at a dinner meeting at the Fostoria Woman’s Club. Guests from Detroit, Port Clinton, Ashland, Mansfield, Akron and Findlay attended.

Miss LaVora Conklin of Detroit, Governor of District Five, presented the charter to Mrs. Gladys Harrison, President of the Altrusa Club of Fostoria. Miss Conklin explained the objectives and principles of Altrusa, pointing out that it is a classified service club for women in professions or holding executive positions in business.

Responding to Miss Conklin’s address, Mrs. Harrison lauded Mrs. Spayth for her tireless efforts in organizing the club. She also recognized her co-workers for their outstanding work.

Dr. Dorothea Wolcott, Findlay extension chairman, spoke on “A Time to Remember.” She reviewed the groundwork that went into the formation of the new club and outlined the community service work which earned the Altrusa Club of Fostoria the right to a charter. Twenty members are needed to organize a new club. Fostoria had thirty when organized and has a current membership of thirty-eight. In their first ways and means project members netted approximately $400.00.

If you are interested in additional information about Altrusa International of Fostoria, Ohio, please contact: