Since 1878, the year which may be taken as the beginning of the period of the Woman’s Exchange, nearly one hundred exchanges have been organized, all, with scarcely an exception, growing out of philanthropic motives, but philanthropy governed by the principles of the present day. The statement of the object of the exchange presented in their constitutions and annual reports will make this clear:
“The object of this Association shall be to aid women by helping them to help themselves; and in furtherance of this design, to maintain a depot for a reception and sale of woman’s work, or of articles in her possession, of which she may wish to dispose, subject to the approval of an examining committee.” Cincinnati, Ohio.
“As a means of providing a way for industrious and needy women to help themselves without neglecting their homes and families, it is indeed a charity that cannot be too highly estimated and is worthy of substantial support.” President’s Report, Decatur, Illinois, 1890.
“The prime object of the Woman’s Industrial Exchange of Minneapolis is: First—To assist women who must maintain themselves. Second—To assist girls or women to pursue a course of study as a means of support.” Fourth Annual Report, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1888.
“There are few charities that appeal more strongly to public sympathy than those whose aim is amelioration of the sufferings of women, for whom the struggle of life is beset by a thousand almost insurmountable difficulties.” San Francisco, California.
“The object of this Association shall be to maintain in the city of Little Rock, Arkansas, a place for the reception, exhibition, and sale of articles, the product and manufacture of industrious women, and to assist by such means as may be found efficient to that end said women to turn to personal profit their talent and industry for earning an honest livelihood; to facilitate a sale of such articles as the women aforesaid may have or desire to dispose of; also generally to assist women in their efforts to earn an honest maintenance by their own industry, by and through such instrumentalities as the society may find conducive to that end.” Little Rock, Arkansas.
“In addition to the attainment of the chief object of the exchange, namely, assisting a needy woman to turn to personal profit whatever useful talent she may possess, it is also of some moment to have demonstrated the practicability and possibility of the work in other directions.” New Orleans, Louisiana, 1888.
“The exchange has, during the past year, been mainly supported by the exertions and untiring energy of the board of managers. The ladies in that way have demonstrated the Christian charity that fills the good woman’s heart when she is able to assist her sister woman.” President’s Report, Augusta, Georgia, 1891.
“The object of this society is to furnish a depository for the reception, exhibition, and sale of articles made by ladies attempting to support themselves.” Stamford, Connecticut.
“The Philadelphia Exchange for Woman’s Work is an institution formed by a number of women of Philadelphia for the purpose of helping women to help themselves.” Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Circular of 1890.