This brief history of the Palo Alto Branch of the American Association of University Women was done at the request of the Palo Alto Centennial 1994 Committee and the Palo Alto Historical Association. Copies will be kept in the Palo Alto Main Library on Newell Road and in the Branch files to complement the Branch history covering 1930-1960.
The material has been divided into four main decades: the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and the 1990s through 1994. Each decade starts with a brief narrative describing the main characteristics, accomplishments, and changes of that ten-year period. More information about the Branch officers, sections, and study topics is given for the even years and the half decades. The narrative for the 1990s is slightly longer, since only these years should be included in a future history. In a few cases, some of the minutes, directories, or newsletters used as sources were missing, so those years are less well covered. Two presidents’ messages are inserted and all of the presidents were invited to comment briefly. These comments will appear in an addendum. Some copies of the Branch’s awards and publicity are included where appropriate.
No attempt has been made to make this a thorough history. However, the reader not involved with the Branch can get a reasonable overview of what occurred in the Palo Alto Branch of AAUW from 1960 through 1990 and of who some of the main participants were and are. It is possible to determine trends of the California AAUW and the national Association during the same time period. The narratives include a bit of history of the outside world to make a better context or setting for the person who reads this some years from now. It would also be possible to editorialize on any or all of the material, since little of this has been done.
Joyce Leonard,
Centennial Chair
Palo Alto Branch,
AAUW
February 1995
Palo Alto AAUW and the Sixties--Growth and Growing
The 1960s were a time of growth in programs and membership, with over 500 Branch members for the first time in 1965-66. It was also a time of increased visibility for AAUW within the Palo Alto community. The Branch added numerous new energetic and creative members, whom many were young, at home, with a need for self-fulfillment. AAUW seemed to be the perfect group in which to use their talents and creativity and to find friends like themselves. The Branch was poised to do great things.
The growth of Silicon Valley corporations such as Hewlett-Packard, Varian, IBM, and Lockheed truly signalled the beginning of the change from the “industrial age” to the “information age.” Large numbers of professional men and women moved to the Palo Alto community and increased the work force. New tract homes abounded and many of the new young AAUW mothers resided in them. Nationally, this was the time of the election of President John Kennedy in 1960 and his assassination in 1963, followed by the later assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King. In July 1969, Americans Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong landed on the moon.
It is important to note that during this same time and into the early ’70s, the Vietnam War was raging, although it was never referred to in the Branch records. The nation was depleting itself economically, psychologically, and morally. Civil disobedience, mostly among high-school and college students, was very visible. It began with the “free-speech movement” at UC Berkeley in 1964. On the Stanford campus many windows were broken, in Meyer Library and Encina Hall, for example. There were protest marches along Galvez and El Camino Real. There was the trashing of Stanford’s then-President Wallace Sterling’s office, sleep-ins at Cubberley High School, and the complete shutdown of San Francisco State University. Although the Vietnam War must have been discussed in the Branch’s Great Decisions and International Relations sections, actual reference to the war in the newsletters or minutes (or by the Association) is conspicuous by its absence. It was business as usual. AAUW’s main interests were in education, the arts, science, the UN, and lots of bridge. It was during the ’60s that the Branch was instrumental in laying the foundation for the important environmental action taken in the ’70s by the Branch and California AAUW (called California State Division at that time).
1960-61
President: Mrs. James Wagstaff 383 members
27 sections
Vice President Program: Mrs. Herbert Warne
Vice President Membership: Mrs. John E. Carlson
Recording Secretary: Mrs. Richard L. Siegrist
Corresponding Secretary: Mrs. Orson Davenport
Treasurer: Mrs. A. L. Piedmont
Finance Secretary: Mrs. James Mathiott
Directors: Mrs. Floyd Allport, Mildred Corcoran, Mrs. Philip
Sloan
Association
Designees and Standing Committee Chairs:
Arts: Mrs. Bertha Foster
Elementary and Secondary Education: Mrs. Russell H. Johnson
Higher Education: Mrs. Floyd Allport
Fellowships: Mrs. William Young
International Relations: Mrs. Walter McCann
Legislation: Mrs. T. J. Kreps
Mass Media: Mrs. Roderick Carlson
Social and Economic Issues: Mrs. William Brooks
Status of Women: Mildred Corcoran
Sections:
Arts and Crafts
Books (2)
Bridge (several)
Choral
Contemporary Problems (2)
Drama
Education (2)
French Conversation
Garden Great Decisions 1961
House Beautiful
International Relations (2)
Instrumental Music (2)
Luncheon
Mass Media
Music Listening
New Members
Painting for Fun
Spanish Conversation
Supper Club (2)
Vital Issues Discussion
Writers
Some programs for the year
were:
“Democracy in Action”
“Which California College for Your Child”
a panel of foreign students discussing democracy in their countries
Fellowships Bridge Luncheon
“Modern Art in America”
“Investing in Education for the Free World”
In other activities the
Branch
• sold copies (for $1) of the first Branch history up to 1960, compiled by Mrs.
Emma Ruth Christine
• did a mass-media questionnaire trying to get the Palo Alto Times to cover more national and international news
• supported legislation concerning the welfare of the consumer
• provided guidance assistance for high school seniors and their parents
• supported legislation to benefit community colleges
• gave $1,000 to Fellowships
• held an “Oriental Fantasy” spring dinner dance at the Stanford Women’s Club
1961-62 President:
Mrs. Herbert Warne 411 members 22 sections
General meeting programs
presented were:
“Defense”
“Why Women in Politics”
a Dedication Box Lunch for the Foothill College Library
“What to Look For in Opera”
“Should Unions Be Under Some Form of Anti-Trust Legislation”
“The Other Carmen”
A special Gingham Brunch was held for new members. Mrs. Eugene Sharp started Books for Understanding for Uganda along with the YWCA. Mrs. Walter McCann organized the Great Decisions section with the Palo Alto Main Library as co-sponsor. The Branch also
• extended some honorary member privileges
• had a City-in-Transition Transportation study group chaired by Mrs. Philip
Sloan
• sent representatives to the new Foothills Park Advisory Committee for park
planning
• supported a symposium of a Senior Citizens Division of Community
Council for North Santa Clara County
• gave input to the city on how the former city hall on Newell could be converted
into a cultural center
There was a fellowship bridge luncheon for the Educational Foundation (EF); the Branch contributed $2,500. The California AAUW (CSD) gave several merit awards to members of the Palo Alto Branch that spring.
1962-64 President: Mrs. Delmer Israel 430, 446 members 26 sections
New sections were Books for Understanding, General Semantics, Human and Civil Rights, Oriental Philosophy, and Religion.
The general meeting included
programs on city and regional planning, Communist China, an address by the State
Superintendent of Public Instruction, and a Candidates’ Night. The Branch
• held a fellowship brunch for EF
• continued to give input on developing Foothills Park
• asked the mayor to proclaim UN Day, and had a booth in San Jose for its celebration
• co-sponsored a citizens-for-fair-housing rally at the ballpark
• worked with the YWCA in a program for retraining educated women
Mrs. Walter McCann addressed the California AAUW Convention on “Human and Environmental Conservation,” and Mrs. Herbert Grench spoke on “What To Do with a Study Section.” The branches of Santa Clara County agreed on a procedure to take joint action, and the Association approved a compromise Civil Rights Bill.
1964-65 President:
Mrs. Walter McCann 492 members 28 sections
Vice
President Program: Mrs. Conrad Schadt
Vice President Membership: Mrs. Benjamin Farnum
Recording Secretary: Mrs. Charles Sibley
Corresponding Secretary: Mrs. Robert J. Emmons
Treasurer: Mrs. Stuart Bessler
Finance Secretary: Mrs. Richard Mansfield
Directors: Mrs. Carl H. Casberg, Mrs. Herbert Grench, Mrs.
Jerome Zobel
Area Representatives
(first appeared from Association):
Community Problems: Mrs. James Wagstaff
Cultural Interests Mrs. Edward Staats
Education: Mrs. Robert Lewis
World Problems: Mrs. Lincoln Higbee
Implementation Chairs
(first appeared from Association):
America in a Changing World: Miss Judy Milne
Bridging the Gap Between Science and the Layman: Mrs. Eugene
Muelheisen
Expectations for Education: Mrs. Robert Lewis
Occident and Orient: Mrs. George W. Hughes
Observers/Local Boards: Board of Education: Mrs. Ray Kramer; City Council: Mrs. Eugene Muelheisen, Mrs. Iram Weinstein (alternate)
Sections:
Arts
Appreciation
Books
(2)
Bridge (several)
Changing Role of Women
Discovering Modern Science
Drama
Education
Garden Great Decisions 1965
Impromptu
International Friendships
International Relations (2)
La Cuisine
Legislative Program
Literature of India
Music Listening
New Members
Painting for Fun
Piano and Instrumental Ensemble
Semantics
Spanish Conversation
Supper Club
Twentieth Century Books
Vital Issues Discussion
Writers Group
Programs for the year included:
“The Many Lives of Women”
“San Francisco Bay”
Fellowship Brunch/International Hats
"India Today”
a tour of the Foothill College Planetarium
Branch member Mrs. A. L.
Piedmonte was appointed CSD Recording Secretary in 1965. The Branch
• continued in the planning of the new Foothills Park
• put environmental conservation measures in the CSD legislative guidelines
and led the support of the formation of the Bay Conservation and Development
Commission via the Conservation Committee, chaired by Mrs. Herbert Grench, and
the Legislative Committee, chaired by Mrs. Thomas Jackson
• helped with a Santa Clara County AAUW college shopping day
• held a Foothill Tea for high-school junior girls
• participated in a UN Family Affair for the Family of Nations
• continued Books for Understanding
• co-sponsored a candidates’ night with the LWV
1965-66 President:
Mrs. L. T. Amirian 480 members 33 sections
Vice President Program: Mrs. Benjamin Farnum
Vice President Membership: Mrs. Howard Harrington
Recording Secretary: Mrs. Donald Zimmerman
Corresponding Secretary: Mrs. Herbert Moseley
Treasurer: Mrs. Stuart Bessler
Finance Secretary: Mrs. Richard Mansfield
Directors: Mrs. Helen B. Priest, Mrs. Raymond G. Granieri,
Mrs. Jessie C. Gaspar
Area Representatives:
Community Problems: Mrs. Sidney Feinberg
Cultural Interests: Mrs. John M. Brown
Education: Mrs. Stanley W. Bishop
World Problems: Mrs. Carroll D. Fruth
Implementation Chairs:
The Law and the Citizen: Mrs. Herbert G. Morrison
Science: A Creative Discipline: Mrs. Jack K. Ehlers
Education: An Antidote to Poverty: Mrs. Stanley W. Bishop
Sections (33, more than
any other branch in the state):
Art Appreciation
Arts and Crafts
Books (3)
Bridge (several)
Children’s Literature
Conservation
Discovering Modern Science
Education
Exploring Our Minds
German Conversation
Great Decisions
House Beautiful
International Friendships
La Cuisine
Legislative Program
Let’s Experiment
Literature of Japan
Music Listening
New Members
Outdoor Adventures (2)
Piano and Instrumental Ensemble
Science in Action
Spanish Conversation
Supper Clubs (2)
U.S.: Big Brother to the World
World Problems
Writers Workshop
You and the Law
During the year the Branch
• discontinued the use of the Stanford Women’s Club for general meetings because
it was being demolished
• held the third annual “College Shopping Day” in October with 65 colleges represented
• raised money for fellowships through bridge parties
Two topics for general meetings that year were “The Modern Woman of Japan”-to which the Japanese Deputy Consul General came-and “You and the Law.”
1966-67 President: Mrs. Carroll D. Fruth 507 members 18 sections
New sections were Growing Gap Between the Rich and Poor Nations, Observer Corps, Outdoor Adventures, Revolution in Modern China, Science in Action, You and the Law (supported therapeutic abortion under state AAUW guidelines). Mrs. Howard Harrington served the first of two years on the State Membership Committee, Mrs. Herbert Grench served the first of two years on the State Legislative Committee, and Mrs. A. L. Piedmont served the first of two years on the State Bylaws Committee.
1967-68 President: Mrs. Benjamin Farnum 529 members 30 sections
New sections were Creativity, Inquiring Mind, Politics of Public Education, Values in Conflict, What’s Happening, Society’s Reflection in the Arts, as well as two more supper clubs. The Branch supported a Mental Health Services bill in the California legislature. Mrs. Gerald Neimeyer was nominated by the Branch to serve on the state AAUW group, Society’s Reflection in the Arts. Mrs. Herbert Grench led the first Branch Open Space Study, and Mrs. Walter McCann led the Regional Government Study, both supported by California AAUW.
1968-69 President: Mrs. Marcel Vinokur 522 members 38 sections
“This Beleaguered Earth, Can Man Survive?” became an important Association study topic for the Branch. New sections were Classroom Volunteers, French Conversation, Gallery Going, Mid-Peninsula AAUW Chorus, Movie Going, Perspectives on Violence (classes offered for college credit), Puppetry, U.S. Foreign Policy, World Problems. The Branch supported an environmental study of the Palo Alto Foothills (Livingston and Blaney) and recommended the city purchase of 129 acres adjacent to Foothills Park. A study of low-cost housing was led by Sue Shipley and the Bay Conservation and Development Committee was led by Mrs. Walter McCann. An important general meeting was entitled “The Next Million People.” Baby sitting was provided for certain sections.
The early ’70s saw the end of the Vietnam War and Palo Alto Branch in its most dynamic years so far. “Action Is Our Bag!” This was the theme of the 1970-71 membership brunch. Studies abounded-many based on seven important environmental guidelines at the state AAUW level and conceived by Palo Alto members. A study of the California Water System, under Chair Shirley Eaton, was so thorough that the California state chair of the Water Resources Board came to Palo Alto to discuss it with Shirley and her committee. Members supported the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District proposal. The District, formed in 1972, has purchased over 15,000 acres of open space and built hundreds of miles of hiking trails.
In October of 1970, the Palo Alto Branch, with its new dynamic membership gained in the 1960s, took the national AAUW spotlight with its production and marketing of its “little green book,” If You Want to Save Your Environment, Start at Home. Under the leadership of project chair Carroll Harrington along with co-authors Linda Fischman, Joyce Leonard, and Marie Neimeyer, sales from the paperback editions became the national Association’s number-one sales project for the Educational Foundation Fellowships. The book received much acclaim in the national and local news media, with Carroll appearing on the Steve Allen Show on NBC and on a San Francisco affiliate of CBS. Articles appeared in periodicals from the Saturday Review of Literature and Cosmopolitan to the National Inquirer. The book sold in all 50 states and 35 foreign countries (mostly to Americans) as it was the first handbook on the environment. The branch’s contribution to fellowships went from a previous $3,000 stipend to $18,500 in 1972 (and in 1972 dollars!). The Paul B. Sears Fellowship for scholars pursuing environmental studies and projects was established.
Membership in the ’70s stayed over 500, reaching a high of 545 members in 1971-72-still the highest to date-with Doris Lorents as membership chair. However, it went down to 370 in 1978-79 as the Branch began to feel the effects of the “working woman” in the latter half of the decade.
Within the national fabric outside AAUW, President Richard Nixon resigned in 1973 as a result of the Watergate investigation, and Gerald Ford finished out the term. President Jimmy Carter took up the reins of the presidency in 1976. The early 1970s are remembered for the long gasoline lines at gas stations because of the energy crunch caused by the Mideast oil embargo. The economy was in the grip of “stagflation,” a stagnant economy with double-digit interest rates and high inflation. After the deposition of the Shah of Iran, the Ayatollah Khomeini took the first group of American hostages at the U.S. Embassy and “held America hostage” for 444 days. Needless to say, President Carter lost his presidency to Ronald Reagan in 1980.
This is Kathy Vinokur’s May 1970 President’s Message as she ended two years of service:
Happiness is serving as your branch president. Why is it such a pleasure to work with the Palo Alto AAUW? The secret is you-the many capable women who share in branch leadership. It is a real privilege to work with such talented ladies! My heartfelt thanks go to all of you, and most particularly, to our section chairmen and the members of our board of directors.
Two years ago, we asked you to explore new ideas, new activities, and new services to the community. I hope many of you have done just that! In our general meetings (under the able direction of Betty Dutton and Olga Moore), we have viewed our city from our baylands, our foothills, and the top of its tall buildings. We have explored the creativity of our own members, and, in our mind’s eye, Africa, Latin America, and Israel (with Merrill College students).
We have launched our new national study topics, and have supported legislation by study of the bay regional government and a proposed national regional wildlife preserve. We are examining state legislation for 1) a bay regional open space commission, 2) a California Coastal Commission, and 3) conservation education education in the public schools.
We are supporting efforts for continuing education of women at Stanford and Foothill College, hoping our own members may find new fields for academic and professional exploration.
Through our community survey last year, we found an enormous number of our members share their talents with the community on a volunteer basis. We as a branch have sponsored two series from UC Santa Cruz (look for another next fall) and an Historical Art Exhibit for Palo Alto’s 75th birthday.
We hope we have strengthened our branch’s image as a group of thinkers, doers, and above all, of friends! Our new bulletin, the Key, reflects this emphasis. Thanks to Diane Farnum and her talented team for our new look. We hope the Key has truly been your key to open new AAUW doors-doors of knowledge, friendship, and involvement in AAUW.
Please join us May 21 when we salute our charter members at our branch’s 40th birthday party. A piece of birthday cake awaits you!
(There were 16 charter members invited to that party, including Miss Elizabeth Gamble.)
1969-70 President:
Mrs. Marcel Vinokur 519 members 32 sections
Vice Presidents Program: Mrs. C. Minor Moore, Mrs. Gayle
R. Dutton
Vice President Membership: Mrs. Robert Westly
Recording Secretary: Mrs. Ralph Hendrickson
Corresponding Secretary: Mrs. Charles Sederholm
Treasurer: Mrs. Albert Antolick
Membership Treasurer: Mrs. John Corcoran
Directors: Mrs. Gayle Dutton, Mrs. Adrian Flakoll, Mrs.
Albert Meyer
Area Representatives
Community Problems: Mrs. William Blair
Education: Mrs. Robert Lewis
World Problems: Mrs. Herbert Warne
Implementation Chairs:
Academic Community-New Look on Campus: Mrs. William
Bloom
This Beleaguered Earth, Can Man Survive?: Mrs. Walter McCann
Foreign Policy-Dilemmas and Realities: Mrs. George Bechtel
Human Use of Urban Space: Mrs. Luther Smithson
Several important innovations took place in the program. The newsletter became the Key, the brainchild of Diane Farnum and her committee. The Association initiated the study topic, “This Beleagered Earth, Can Man Survive?” under which many important Branch studies were done. Support for regional government (Association of Bay Area Governments), population restraints, the famous Livingston and Blaney Study of the Palo Alto foothills showing that it can be cheaper to preserve land than to develop it, and the Bay Conservation and Development Commission, as well as the writing of the environmental handbook and the formation of the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge all resulted from the membership’s work on this topic and the capable leadership of Charlotte Jackson as Legislative Chair and Kay McCann as Beleaguered Earth topic chair.
Programs for the year included an all-day Conservation Caravan from the baylands to the foothills, a general meeting on population problems, and a program on the agricultural lands of Santa Clara County by then-Assemblyman George Milias. Legislators and their addresses were added to the directory for the first time. (The sections were not printed in the directory. However, judging from the minutes there were about 32 sections and 16 established bridge groups.) The Historical Housing section was begun in preparation for the national bicentennial, leading to the printing of Exploring Palo Alto’s Past. After much deliberation, the Branch bought its first electric IBM typewriter for $375 plus tax.
1970-71 President:
Mrs. Richard Mansfield 519 members 36 sections
Vice President Program: Mrs. Thomas Jackson
Vice President Membership: Mrs. Donald Lorents
Recording Secretary: Mrs. Andrew Kranak
Corresponding Secretary: Mrs. Gayle Dutton
Treasurer: Mrs. Albert Antolick
Membership Treasurer: Mrs. Albert Meyer
Directors: Mrs. Robert Westly, Mrs. A. L. Piedmonte, Mrs.
David Anderson
Area Representatives:
Community Problems: Mrs. Norman Kulgein
Education: Mrs. Herbert Warne
World Problems: Miss Margaret Ray
Cultural Affairs: Mrs. Howard Harrington
Implementation Chairs
Academic Community-New
Look on Campus:
Mrs. Charles Whitcher
This Beleaguered Earth, Can Man Survive?: Mrs. Walter McCann, Mrs. Robert
Leonard
Foreign Policy-Dilemmas and Realities of Power: Mrs. Richard Kniss, Mrs.
William Land
Sections:
Academic Community
Baby Sitting Co-op
Books (2)
Bridge (several)
Camera
Career Girls
Classroom Volunteers
Creativity
Environmental Design
French Conversation
Gallery Going
Gardening
German Conversation
Great Decisions
House Beautiful
Human Use of Urban Space
Investment Study
La Cuisine
Legislative Program
Music Listening (2)
New Members
Observer Corps
Outdoor Adventures
Painting for Fun
Palo Alto Historical Houses
Piano and Instrumental
Puppetry
Spanish Conversation
Supper Club
20th Century Books (2)
U.S. Foreign Policy
World Affairs
Writers Workshop
“Action Is Our Bag” was the theme of the brunch that year. The California Water Study was done by ten members chaired by Shirley Eaton. The study to form the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District was undertaken, chaired by Joyce Leonard. In addition, the Branch
• supported the Truth-in-Ballot Measure at the state level
• conceived and supported seven general quality-of-life environmental guidelines for California AAUW which came from a two-year Branch study led by Kay McCann and Norma Grench
• gave support for Santa Clara County to purchase parklands at Skyline for addition to Sanborn County Park and started on its support for California coastal protection
• advanced the first money to print If You Want to Save Your Environment, Start at Home: $100 in September for initial expenses, $800 in October to print 3,000 copies, $1,700 for a second printing of 25,000 copies in January. The Medical Foundation stored the books; mailing parties were held weekly at members’ homes to fill and mail the orders. The handbooks were mailed to customers in brown paper lunch bags with a green “Action Is Our Bag” stamped on each. The first proceeds from the sale sent $1,200 to Educational Foundation Fellowships that year.
• allocated the first $1,000 for the first printing of the Professorville historical houses handbook (preceded by Exploring Palo Alto’s Past and followed by Gone Tomorrow). Leadership was provided by Kennie Winter, Paula Pugh, and Gail Wooley.
1971-72 President: Mrs. Richard Mansfield 545 members 37 sections
New Association topics were “A Dollar’s Worth,” “The Crisis in Public Education,” and “We, the People.” “This Beleaguered Earth, Can Man Survive?” was continued as a topic. Two new interest sections in the Branch were Role of Women and the Environmental Handbook. The handbook continued as a major effort. Carroll Harrington appeared on the “Steve Allen Show” along with guest George Hamilton, and the Ladies Home Journal ran an article. A special handbook treasurer was appointed, and the Branch gave over $18,000 to educational fellowships that year, making the four authors of the environmental handbook Branch honorees. The Branch also
• received California AAUW membership honors
• supported regional government in the state legislature
• worked with the League of Women Voters on an important educational study of
the Palo Alto Baylands
• supported the National Equal Rights Amendment
• sent population priority guidelines to the state AAUW
• did an extensive grocery survey (a new topic, chaired by Carolyn George and
Kennie Winter)
• led AAUW county support for a charter amendment to provide funding for increased
open space and parks
• provided the Branch’s historical houses handbook for PAUSD curriculum
• were proud that member Norma Grench was the California AAUW Treasurer
(They also bought a new IBM Selectric typewriter for $610, again after a bit of Board discussion.)
1972-73 President: Mrs. Delmar T. Israel 500 (approx.) members 36 sections
President Israel was the only charter member to serve in the 1960s and 1970s and the only member to serve three terms. This was the year it was decided to drop husbands’ first names in referring Branch members. The Association presented a regional bio-ethics conference in San Francisco entitled “Matters of Life and Death,” prompting the Branch to plan one in Palo Alto called “Taking Life in Your Own Hands.” It was chaired by Pat Westly and Carroll Harrington. As a result, the Branch produced a pamphlet for California AAUW use, “How to Plan a Community Conference.” Environmental action continued as the Branch developed transportation guidelines, participated in the dedication of the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge along with Secretary of the Interior Rogers Morton, and supported and testified for regional solid waste planning.
1973-74 President: Norma Grench 505 members 32 sections
The Branch awarded the first Paul B. Sears environmental fellowship from the sale of the environmental handbook; led Santa Clara County AAUW support for the nationally recognized Urban Development Open Space Plan; completed and presented Branch Regional Government study and received California AAUW support. The Branch also voted in the dues assistance policy for older members and others.
1974-75 President:
Charlotte Jackson 484 members 30 (?) sections
Vice President Program: Ann Latta
Vice President Membership: Elinor Wilner
Recording Secretary: Nancy Roberts
Administrative Secretary: Doris Lorents
Treasurer: Sue Bennett
Membership Treasurer: Dorothy Wortman
Directors: Kay Farness, Mary Golding, Margaret Ray
Area Representatives:
Education: Mayla Clark
International Relations: Kay McCann
Cultural Interests: Fran Price
Topic Chairs:
Global Interdependence: Carol Stevens
DynamicLearning: Alma Phillips
Women Searching for Self: Sylvia Whitcher
Sections:
Antiques & Collectibles
Books, Evening
Bridge
Career Girls
Creativity
Dynamic Learning
Gallery Goers
Global Interdependence
Gourmet Cooking
Gourmet Luncheon (2)
Great Decisions
Indians Today
Investment Study
Joy of Listening
Liberated Camera Women
New Members
Observer Corps
Outdoor Adventures
Piano and Instrumental
Searching for Self
World Affairs
Writers Workshop
The Branch supported the nation’s upcoming bicentennial through the Eileen Washington Concert and the purchase of the Palo Alto Bicentennial Redwood Grove in Big Basin Redwoods State Park. In addition, the Branch
• co-sponsored a forum on the Palo Alto Drug Abuse Program and a conference
at Stanford on “Teaching Women’s History and Careers”
• presented a well-received production of “Sex and the Assembly, or How a Bill
Becomes a Law,” using Branch members
• supported the National Equal Rights Amendment by holding a raffle and writing
individual letters
• made recommendations to both Sacramento and PAUSD in revising the images of
males and females in textbooks
• rejected an important energy study, led by a Branch member and with a great
deal of Branch discussion and controversy (probably one of the few to have been
turned down for Branch support)
This was the first year that members’ given names appeared in the directory (with husbands’ names in parentheses if preferred) as Branch members continued to seek their own identities.
1975-76 President:
Charlotte Jackson 432 members 26 sections
Vice President Program: Cherry Trowbridge
Vice President Membership: Elinor Wilner
Recording Secretary: Tetiana Shwetz
Administrative Secretary: Barbara Murphy
Treasurer: Judith Scanlon
Membership Treasurer: Ann Roberts
Directors: Sue Flakoll, Betty French, Jackie Terrass
Area Representatives:
Community: Anne Duwe
Education: Barbara Stevens
International Relations: Olga Moore
Culture: Fran Price
Topic Chairs:
Society and the Individual: Conformity vs. Creativity:
Elaine Raitt
21st Century: Deciding Now: Sylvia Whitcher
Economic Facts of Life: Living with Less: Marti Baerg
World Pluralism: the Human Encounter: none
Sections:
Antiques and Collectibles
Evening Books
Bridge (several)
Career Girls
Creativity Economic
Facts of Life: Learning to Live with Less
Gallery Goers
Generating Creativity: Individual and Society
Gourmet Cooking (2)
Gourmet Luncheon
Great Decisions
Indians Today
Investment Study
Music Listening
New Members
Outdoor Adventures
Piano and Instrumental
Spanish Conversation
Supper Clubs
20th Century Books (2)
21st Century: Deciding Now
World Affairs
Writers Workshop
In its program this year,
the Branch
• co-sponsored a conference with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District on land use
• participated in a 1976 town meeting held at the then-Wilbur School along with several other non-profits as a bicentennial effort
• held a special board meeting to consider taking a position against the California
Nuclear Initiative to build several nuclear plants along the coast (action was
not possible without Association support)
• supported the equal rights amendment
• worked on an oil recycling program (ROAR) initiated by AAUW member Anne Duwe
1976-77 President: Gerry Meyer 381 members 25 sections
The membership brunch was held in a creative location, Victoria Gardens. New sections included stitchery, solar energy, yoga, a women’s support section called Caring and Sharing, theatre, tennis, and genealogy. A large Creative Living Day benefit, displaying the many creative talents of members, was held to raise money for the Educational Foundation donation. The active sale of the environmental handbook came to an end. Within the community the Branch worked on the Palo Alto Baylands Master Plan with the LWV and others, and made important environmental preservation recommendations which helped to keep the baylands undeveloped for posterity. Many members were starting to enter the work force. (Gerry Meyer was one of the first to assume the presidency with a full-time teaching job in Palo Alto.)
1977-78 President: Marge Johnson 389 members 25 sections
The new Association topics were “Redefining the Goals of Education,” “The Politics of Food,” and “Women as Agents of Change.” New section topics included “The Future of Agricultural Lands in Santa Clara County” and “Roots of Creativity.” The Branch testified for the preservation of the Santa Clara County Baylands and for the preservation of the unincorporated county lands with 20-acre zoning. The Midpeninsula Informational Exchange Committee was formed, consisting of the AAUW branches of Palo Alto, Los Altos-Mountain View, and Menlo-Atherton; the Junior League of Palo Alto; and the League of Women Voters of Palo Alto and San Mateo County. The purpose was to pool the organizations’ volunteer resource effort within the community as volunteers became scarcer. The state AAUW (and Palo Alto Branch) took a position against the Jarvis-Gann Inititative (Prop. 13) and continued to support limited abortions in the state. Branch membership declined from the 500 and more in the early ’70s to 379 in 1978, so a campaign was started to increase and retain members.
This is Marge Johnson’s June 1978 President’s Message as she completed the first of two years:
“I really believe in AAUW,” I found myself exclaiming one night to my husband. It has done a great deal for me in terms of developing a real feeling for women, of sharing, of sisterhood. His wry response was that I must believe, as I had just spent the entire evening phoning you, the AAUW members. I have sincerely enjoyed talking to you all and getting acquainted, at least by phone. [Marge called every member during her two-year term.] I look forward to meeting many of you in person on September 16 at our membership brunch. Save the date now as we all get busy in the fall.
Why do I believe in AAUW? As Gloria Steinem said last summer at the national convention, AAUW has been the only women’s organization carrying the torch for women’s rights from the suffragettes to the ERA. For almost 100 years (the AAUW Centennial will be in 1981) we have been promoting women’s education and concerns. I believe in AAUW because through its fellowship program, it makes possible graduate education for hundreds of women throughout the country, most of whom would not be able to attend school otherwise.
I believe in AAUW because we have always stood for continuing challenge and stimulation for women. We are unique in our nationwide study topics that have led to outstanding studies and resulted in significant legislation. At this year’s state convention, studies dealt with gun control, teacher tenure, homes for the aged, and the peripheral canal. We support a lobbyist in Sacramento and have been instrumental in the passage of many important bills.
I believe in AAUW because for me, personally, it has meant associating with many outstanding women and sharing fascinating ideas in various fields. Seldom do we deal in trivia at AAUW meetings, unlike many other organizations.
Finally, I believe in AAUW because I have so much fun. The friends I have made in our branch are my best friends and my most important “support group.” So I salute you, sisters, and I look forward to a restful summer and an exciting fall.
1978-79 President: Marge Johnson 412 members 25 sections
The Branch
• instituted a Recent Grads section to help with retention of members
• instituted the office of President-Elect, primarily because it was so difficult
to recruit officers with so many women working
• approved a study of the preservation of agricultural guidelines done by Branch
members. This study failed to receive state AAUW support, largely because of
members in the farming valleys within the state who wanted no restrictions on
selling their valuable farmland for development.
• again supported the County Charter Amendment for continuing parkland funding,
and monitored the County General Plan
A resolution to admit men to AAUW was defeated in the Albuquerque convention that June.
By the late 1970s and early 1980s, many AAUW members had gone back to work at previous jobs, or had taken new ones. (Many went back to teaching.) All of the nonprofits, such as PTA, League of Women Voters, Junior League, were suffering from a shortage of volunteers. All were having difficulty retaining members and recruiting new ones. Palo Alto Branch went from 543 members in 1972 to 379 in 1978. In realization of this situation, the Midpeninsula Information Exchange Committee was organized from the organizations mentioned above to try to prevent the duplication of effort and to enhance the distribution of information on community affairs. In February 1980, the Committee sponsored a Saturday conference at Stanford University on all phases of nonprofits and volunteerism. The day conference was preceded by a Friday evening corporate dinner at the Stanford Faculty Club, where Stanford President Wilbur Lyman addressed several corporate and community leaders on the role of business in the community. This was the beginning of combining paid professionalism with unpaid volunteerism. Most of Palo Alto AAUW presidents from 1977 on have had paid jobs in addition to their AAUW presidencies. Co-chairs, and sometimes “no-chairs,” became commonplace on the AAUW board as members continued to enter the workplace.
Branch membership hovered around 400 (or under) and showed a continued interest in cultural affairs and art as well as foreign affairs. The programs reflected the growing concern for women’s needs as the Association began to use 75% of its budget on equity and equal rights for women. Dorothy Woodward of Palo Alto Branch received an Association grant to develop a measurement instrument to assess women’s occupations in the Palo Alto community. Sections offered financial planning for women and continued the “Sharing and Caring” support groups. The efforts of Branch computer pioneers such as Carol Vesecky, Elsa Pering, Mary Ashley, and Rosalie Price brought the group into the computer age by computerizing membership lists in the early ’80s and producing the newsletter on computer in the later ’80s. The Branch began to focus on “women and computers,” impressing the state AAUW with their ability and knowledge, so that they were asked to share with other members in California. Several members attended and celebrated the national Association’s Centennial in Boston in June 1981. The former California State AAUW (California State Division) became a region.
The Palo Alto Unified School District really began to feel the adverse effects of Proposition 13 (the result of the Gann-Jarvis Initiative) on its finances, having closed one-third of its schools including a junior high and a high school. The Japanese seriously challenged the electronics industry of Silicon Valley. On the national and international scene, Ronald Reagan and George Bush were presidents from 1980 to 1992 when the national debt became our biggest problem. Granada was invaded by the U.S. and England. Libya was bombed, and Panama was bombed and invaded by the U.S. In October 1989, the Loma Prieta earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.1 on the Richter scale, shook up the entire Bay Area. In February 1991, the U.S. led a UN invasion of Iraq, code-named “Desert Storm.”
1979-80 President:
Joyce Leonard 411 members 25 sections
(also the first President-Elect)
President-Elect: Sylvia Whitcher
Vice President Program: Ellie Mansfield
Vice President Membership: Gloria Durfee
Recording Secretary: Marilyn Simbeck
Administrative Secretary: Emily Howell
Treasurer: Eleanor Bassler
Membership Treasurer: Carolyn George
Directors: Nina Kulgein, Bee Kavinoky, Marian Dannenberg
Area Representatives:
Community: Bernice DiGiovanni
Education: Marie Chadderton
International Relations: Mary Golding
Topic Chairs:
Families Facing Change: Norma Grench
Managing Resources for Tomomorrow: Carroll Harrington
Sections:
Antiques and Collectibles
Books and Creative People
Evening Books
Bridge
Gallery Goers
Genealogy
Gourmet Cooking
Gourmet Luncheons
Great Decisions
New Members
Outdoor Adventures
Piano and Instrumenta
Professional Women
Recent Grads
Spanish Conversation
Stitchery
Supper Clubs (4)
Travel
20th Century Books
Wine Tasting
Women’s Support Groups
World Affairs
Writers’ Workshop
This was the Branch’s 50th anniversary and during a special afternoon wine affair in Atherton, resolutions of commendation were presented to the Branch by the City of Palo Alto, the County of Santa Clara, and the California State Assembly for contributions to the welfare of women and to the community at large. The national AAUW also gave special recognition for 50 years of membership in the Association. The Key newsletter won honorable mention at the state convention. The Branch donated $3,000 to the Educational Foundation, largely from the sale of lobsters at $8.50, clams at $1.50/pound, and oysters at $0.25 each. There was a large birthday party in June honoring the six remaining charter members and featuring a skit describing Branch history. President Joyce Leonard chaired MPIEC, the Midpeninsula Information Exchange Committee, a coalition of local nonprofit organizations.
1980-81 President:
Sylvia Whitcher 390 members 25 sections
President-Elect: June Schiller
Vice President Program: Gerry Meyer
Vice President Membership: Dorothy Love
Vice President Educational Foundation: Meredith Ditmore
Recording Secretary: Mary Ashley
Administrative Secretary: Carolyn George
Treasurer: Dorothy Wortman
Membership Treasurer: Roberta Uebbing
Directors: Abby Eller, Alice Bailey
Area Representatives:
Community: Bernice DiGiovanni
Culture: Kay McCann
Education: Marie Chadderton
International Relations: Mary Golding
Topic Chairs:
Families Facing Change: none
Managing Resources for Tomorrow: Carroll Harrington
This was the first year of electing a vice president for fellowships (EF) at the national and state levels. There was no directory available, but there were probably about 25 sections. According to the Key, new sections were San Francisco Symphony Goers and Investment Study. Dues were $26. The Branch began the computerization of the membership list during this year. Led by Joyce Leonard, the Branch took positions on Santa Clara County’s General Plan along with other county branches. It also recommended the development of Stanford lands for academic purposes only.
1981-82 President: June Schiller 422 members 25 sections
New topics for study were “Money Talks” and “Taking Hold of Technology.” As Association membership waned nationwide, there was a request for more studies, especially one on the preservation of agricultural lands, which the Branch had done, but there was no support from the state. Members demonstrated the new computerized membership list at the California AAUW convention in April and contributed $1,560 to the Educational Foundation. (Members were too busy to do fundraising.) June Schiller led a delegation to Boston for the Association Centennial.
1982-83 President: Donna Sheridan 400 members (no information about sections)
The Branch was studying the inclusion of cable TV in the local area. Gail Wooley, a member of the Branch, became the mayor of Palo Alto. This was the year that California legally became a region within AAUW. The Association convention was held in San Francisco in June with President Donna Sheridan (who reminded the group that history is spelled “herstory”) leading the 13 voting delegates. A large number of Palo Alto Branch members attended, many just driving up for the day.
Program subjects for general
meetings included
“South Africa”
“International Currencies”
“Women’s History”
"Mainstream and Margins”
“Women and Stress”
1983-84 President: Mary Lewis 426 members (no information about sections)
New study topics were “Empowering Women,” “Achieving Change Through Advocacy Networks,” and “Peace and National Security.” The first women’s health conference was held in cooperation with the Palo Alto Medical Foundation with Carroll Harrington as liaison.
The Branch also
• put a representative on the city’s War on Waste Committee to promote recycling
and help the city win several national awards
• spoke against raising the levees around the Palo Alto Flood Basin to preserve
wildlife habitat and preserve public access to the Bay
• co-sponsored an International Perspective on Peace series at Stanford
• sent a resolution to PAUSD to include at least one AAUW member on its search
committee for a new superintendent
• held a Time, Talent, & Treasure Auction, successfully chaired by Elinor Wilner
• ended the year giving $3,500 to EF (lobsters sold for $10 at the EF benefit)
and $1,600 to add to the unbudgeted reserve for the Branch
• raised dues to $30
The soccer summer Olympic playoffs were held at Stanford in August and some Branch members won their own gold medals through volunteering at the stadium. Lack of community college funding took on crisis proportions.
1984-85 President:
Hollis Russo 425 members 36 sections
President-Elect: Mary Morrison
Vice Presidents Program: Betty McCroskey, Iraida Espinosa
Vice President Membership: Nancy Roberts
Recording Secretary: Betty Hummer
Administrative Secretary: Gail Moberg
Treasurer: Lucy Adams
Membership Treasurer: Dorothy Wortman
Director: Bea Israel
Area Representatives:
Community: Carroll Harrington
Cultural Interests: Marge Collins, Donna Sheridan
Education: Mary Sause
International Relations: Kay McCann
The Branch sold the workbook
Choices, a Teen Woman’s Journal of Self-Awareness; continued to co-sponsor
women’s health conferences with PAMF, such as “Making Medicine Women’s Ally”;
and opposed a regional super-sewer plan to encroach on the Palo Alto Flood Basin.
General meeting subjects included
“Child Care in China”
“Women’s Contribution to Culture, a Global Perspective”
“Health, Wealth, Security”
“Voices of the Global Village” presented by Stanford students
from North Yemen, Ethiopia, Chile, Philippines, and USA.
1985-86 President:
Mary Morrison about 400 members 34 sections
President-Elect: Mary Ashley
Vice President Program: Jackie Thomas
Vice President Membership: Barbara Greider
Recording Secretary: Freddy Gabus
Administrative Secretary: Patti Pope Gluss
Treasurer: Dorothy Wortman
Membership Treasurer: Betty Hummer
Directors: Marge Collins, Donna Sheridan, Marti Baerg
Area Representatives:
Community: Joan Silvers
Education: Ruthe Lundy
Cultural: Sylvia Whitcher
International Relations: Mary Granholm
Topic Chair:
Women’s Worth/Women’s Work: Peggy Larsen
Sections:
Antiques and Collectibles
Books (3)
Bridge
Dinner Clubs (3)
Dollars and Sense
Film Buffs
French Conversation
Gardening
Global Awareness
Gourmet Cooking
Great Decisions (2)
It’s OK to Talk about Menopause
Luncheon (3)
New Members
Outdoor Adventures
Piano and Instrumental
Sharing and Caring
Spanish Conversation
Stitchery
Story Telling
Travel
Weight Walkers
Wine Tasting (2)
Writers’ Workshop
Branch programs included
“Looking Back at the Earliest Days in Palo Alto”
“Maintaining Excellence in the Palo Alto Schools
in the Present Financial Climate”
“A Social History of Sexuality in America”
“Stresses in the Family: What Can You Do?”
“International Relations as Witnessed in Nairobi”
Bylaws were changed to conform with the Association and the Educational Foundation position was officially made a vice president. Branch expenditures exceeded income by $542!
1986-87 President: Mary Ashley 363 members 29 sections
The Palo Alto historical houses handbook, Gone Tomorrow, was revised and reprinted, and the Branch co-sponsored a statewide historical housing conference. They also supported other PAMF women’s health conferences-“When You Can’t Afford To Be Sick: How Adequate Is Your Medical Insurance?” and “Getting Hooked and Unhooked in America: Chemical Dependency”-as well as cable TV within the community. General meeting subjects included “Immigration Law and Procedures” and “Women and Education.” Branch dues were now $45. Branch expenses continued to exceed income and small fundraisers were suggested. (The lobsters for the EF fundraiser sold for $11.)
1987-88 President: Gail Schubert 330 members 32 sections
Drama was a new interest
section. This year saw the first publication of the Key with the desktop
computer process by editors Mary Ashley and Rosalie Price. Branch programs included
“Breaking Down the Image of the Enemy: Women’s Journey
for Peace in 1987”
“Biomedical Ethics in the ’80s”
“Earthquakes and Our Faults”
The Branch participated in a Santa Clara County interbranch study on the homeless. Men became eligible to join AAUW and substantial changes in the bylaws had to be made, changing all the shes and women to nongender terms.
1988-89 President: Gail Schubert about 330 members 25 sections
Programs at general meetings
were on these topics:
“Initiative Wars: Initiatives on Auto Insurance”
“Women’s
Contribution to the GNP”
afternoon drama
“Choices of the Maturing Woman,” a panel on senior home care meeting
and honoring new Stanford grads in the social service field
“Literacy”
two issues forums co-sponsored with the League of Women Voters
The first male members in the Branch were PAUSD trustee Joe Simitian and teacher Ron Anderson. The Branch bought software for desktop publishing to be used by Mary Ashley. Branch members led by Mary Granholm participated as individuals in a Soviets Meet Middle America program, hosting Russian citizens. This year brought the first branch participation in the Eleanor Roosevelt Fund for Women and Girls.
The Branch also
• supported the Santa Clara County Commission for Reproductive Health and laws
to limit campaign spending in California
• began honoring a girl from each high school for achievements in math and science
• formed a membership/budget committee to increase both income and members,
chaired by Elaine Downing and Roberta Uebbing.
1989-90 President:
Roberta Uebbing 346 members 31 sections
President-Elect: Jackie Thomas
Vice Presidents Program: Debbie Mytels, Marie Wolbach
Vice President Membership: Marilyn Simbeck
Vice President Educational Foundation: Judy Bates
Recording Secretary: Kathleen Kirchen
Administrative Secretary: Doris Lorents
Treasurer: Carolyn George
Membership Treasurer: Beth Beach
Directors: Mary Ashley, Marcia Baugh, Susan Thompson
Area Representatives:
Education: Judith Bhushan
Community: Shirley Eaton
Public Policy: Karen Lemcke
International Relations: Mary Granholm
Programs included an Environment
and Health Day co-sponsored with PAMF in observance of the 1990 Earth Day celebration.
(The international Earth Day headquarters were located on Emerson Street in
Palo Alto and several Branch members volunteered.) The Branch also
• printed and distributed the Earth Day 1990 Green Pledge and an environmental
tip sheet with locations of local recycling centers, etc.
• became a charter member of the Eleanor Roosevelt Fund, contributing at least
$5 per member
• took on the Harriet Tubman Empowerment Home, a drug rehabilitation home for
young mothers in East Palo Alto, as a community action project, through contact
made by Marie Wolbach
• joined the Midpeninsula Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Coalition and participated
in a study led by Judith Bhushan, Mary Granholm and Marie Wolbach
The Association received national attention and acclaim for two important equity studies, one commissioned at Wellesley in 1992, Shortchanging Girls, Shortchanging America, followed in 1993 by a Louis Harris & Associates survey on sexual harassment in America, Hostile Hallways. Both focused on the inequity of treatment of girls in the public schools. However, it has been pointed out that equity means the fair treatment of both sexes. The Palo Alto Branch has “coattailed” on these important studies and held local programs and conferences of its own, led by Public Policy Co-Chairs Diane Rolfe, Jackie Thomas, and Marge Collins.
Thanks to an invitation from Stanford President Donald Kennedy, Palo Alto AAUW had the privilege of hosting the 24th Triennial Conference of the International Federation of University Women at Stanford University, August 13-23, 1992. Under the able leadership of Branch President, and later California AAUW International Interests Director, Marie Wolbach and North Coast District Chair Gail Schubert, who was also a conference planner, members did innumerable hosting tasks from helping with registration and hosting foreign guests in their homes to taking them to meet and observe their professional counterparts within the area. The Branch also hosted a large reception in City Hall Plaza. The conference, entitled “Women’s Role in Changing Society: Working for Personal Development, Cultural Development, Sustainable Development,” was a wonderful informational and intellectual exchange. With 1,600 members and friends in attendance, it was the largest IFUW conference to date. Palo Alto AAUW members made many new foreign friends, and could justly take pride as “hostesses with the mostest.”
Special Association recognition was awarded to Roberta Uebbing and President Jackie Thomas in 1992 for increases and retention of members, with their pictures appearing in the Association’s magazine, Outlook. Roberta, with much help from Marge Collins and others on a special membership committee, was able to create more interest in our programs and significantly increase and retain our members. Palo Alto was the third largest branch in the nation in 1992-93 and the fourth largest in 1993-94, having nearly 500 members both years. (The official count was 497 both years, according to Carol Braun, super membership chair at the time.) The Association also accorded the Branch its appreciation for our production and marketing of the “Souper Suppers” recipe packet when Marilyn Simbeck, Betty French, Judy Bates, Marge Collins, and Carroll Harrington were invited to 1993 convention in Minneapolis (home of the nation’s largest branch) to highlight our outstanding EF project. The Association greatly simplified the bylaws during the early 1990s, dropping the Area Representatives and Topic Implementation Chairs, among other changes. Added was a Committee on Public Policy and Issue Task Forces. The California AAUW, changing its name from California State Division, also made some major changes in its bylaws, many on how it conducts CA AAUW’s own business. An important change for branches was the ability to take political or social action not based on extensive study, stating “taking action without study was no longer fatal.” Another important change was that CA AAUW policies of statewide scope shall be binding on all members and branches within the Region of California.
Palo Alto Branch also won several California AAUW awards, and was the largest branch in the state in 1993 and 1994. Dorothy Wortman, chair of the Legal Advocacy Fund, took special regional honors for the Branch in raising the most money for helping out with legal fees of women professors who have experienced severe inequities on the job. Rosalie Price and Mary Ashley as editors of the Key took top CA AAUW honors twice in the early 1990s for their destop production of the Branch newsletter. Then, as editors of the California AAUW News, they took top national honors for that publication in 1993. The Branch celebrated Palo Alto’s Centennial in 1994 by providing books on women leaders for the PAUSD middle schools and by presenting its delightful musical production about the role of women in founding Palo Alto. The musical, Something Special, was written by member Betty Anne Coppin and co-directed by Betty Anne and Ruth Carleton. Also in 1993-94, the Palo Alto community bestowed some honors on Branch members as long-time members and community volunteers Carroll Harrington and Marge Collins received Chamber of Commerce awards. Carroll received the Women in Business Athena Award for her active volunteerism and as a business woman, and Marge received the Tall Tree Award for her outstanding work as a classroom teacher. Another long-time member and hard-working community volunteer, Liz Kniss, was elected mayor of Palo Alto.
In the rest of the world, the cold war between the super powers US and USSR, the so-called East and West, came to an end after nearly fifty years, forcing the United States to reevaluate its position in the world as the remaining super power. The implications of this fact promise to be interesting and dramatic as a new world order is worked out.
The concept of the “information highway” is taking shape and the speed of communication with “online/internet” computers/televisions/phone (plus cellular phones, e-mail, facsimile machines, satellite pictures, high-definition television, etc.) is becoming awesome, and perhaps somewhat disconcerting, as we lose privacy and try to adapt to constant change. Cybernetics (the science of automatic communication control systems) is becoming a household word. Our economy is global and the principal commodity for success is access and control of information. Will our part of the Bay Area, Silicon Valley, founded on the computer business, continue to lead the nation and the world?
What part will the Palo Alto Branch of AAUW play in the rest of the 1990 and into the next century? What will follow the Association’s preoccupation with equity? It would seem that the Branch will continue to take leadership roles both in CA AAUW and the Association. Looking at the ’90s so far, we are off to a roaring start!
P.O. Box 60653
Palo Alto, CA 94306-0653
info@aauw-paloalto.org