MISCELLANEOUS.
"Gather up the fragments, that nothing may be lost."
arious matters of importance came up at different times during these years for consideration, discussion, and settlement, and in this chapter our aim will be to touch upon these points. The chapter will not be as smooth, perhaps, as a chapter in a story-book, because of necessity many subjects must be introduced, yet our history would not be complete without it. We have searched the records faithfully, and find many items of interest which should be recorded here. No attempt will be made to weave them into narrative style, as space will not permit.
In 1880 twenty-five dollars were appropriated toward a testimonial to Mrs. Lucy Webb Hayes in recognition of her efficient service in the position which she had taken with regard to temperance.
In this same year women were first recognized as voters at school elections.
At the ninth annual meeting, held at Oswego, Mrs. Burt was elected president; and in her first annual address she recommended the establishing of a state paper. The recommendation was adapted, and in December of that year the first number was issued. The paper was called Woman's Christian Temperance Work. This proved to be too lengthy a name, and so it was shortened to Our Work. Miss Margaret E. Winslow was editor and Mrs. C.C. Alford publisher, and through their efforts over thirteen hundred subscribers were secured before it reached its first birthday. In 1887 the name was changed to Woman's Temperance Work, its present name. This motto for the state paper was chosen when the paper was first decided upon: "O woman, great is thy faith; be it unto thee even as thou wilt."
In 1884 the establishment of headquarters was recommended, and in 1886 the recommendation was adopted, and rented headquarters were secured in New York City, with Mrs. R.A. Thurston, of Poughkeepsie, as office secretary, her duties to include the publication of the state paper. Mrs. Thurston was also made organizing secretary, and did valiant work as such for several years. New York is the only state which has had an organizing secretary—a fact which is worthy of note. Previous to Mrs. Thurston's appointment, Mrs. E.H. Griffith, of Fairport, had done splendid work as organizing secretary, in connection with her work as state corresponding secretary. In 1887 Mrs. C.C. Shaffer, of Newburgh, was made office secretary, and in 1888 Mrs. Ella C. Viele was appointed, and continued as editor and publisher for two years. She was succeeded by Miss Julia E. Dailey, of Rochester, in 1891, who still holds the office, doing faithful work.
In 1888 the president recommended that steps be taken to secure permanent headquarters. A committee was appointed to consider the recommendation and plans were presented for raising funds. The committee was continued with instructions to keep the matter before the people.