FEDERATION FAST FACTS Activities through the years

Organized as the Women's Club League in 1906, the Youngstown Area Federation of Women's Clubs has undergone some name changes, but its objective -- "to bring into closer relationship the women's clubs and organizations of Youngstown and vicinity in order to promote the general welfare of the community and to facilitate the interchange of ideas and club methods" -- has continued. Here's a look through the years at federation activities.
1910s: Raised funds for libraries at military bases, sold war bonds and made surgical dressings during World War I; established an annual tree planting in Wick and Mill Creek parks to honor YFWC outgoing presidents; planted crab apple trees along Market Street to honor local deceased war heroes.
1920s: Passed a resolution endorsing the Rigid Law Enforcement that was promoted by Youngstown Mayor George Oles. YFWC president started a petition to bring a charter form of government to Youngstown. During the Depression, YFWC members volunteered to help banks check lists of depositors. YFWC was recognized in 1931 for its work toward the re-opening of banks by securing signatures of depositors.
1930s: Worked to take politics out of the parks, which resulted in the formation of the Park and Recreation Commission.
World War II era: Assisted with Victory Bond and War Stamp drives, helped with USO programs and worked with the American Red Cross; secured $1.3 million in war bonds and received a government commendation for the achievement; recognized a local area watercolor artist in the Midyear Show at Butler Institute of American Art.
Post WWII: Helped obtain Seeing Eye dogs for the blind; provided hot lunches for needy children through the Butler School Feeding Project; worked to prevent placement of billboards on Ohio Turnpike; served on the Mayor's Safety Council and Home Safety Committee; participated in the Family Life Institute and started annual youth conferences in cooperation with the Family Life Council.
1960s: Raised money for Powers Auditorium, William H. McGuffey Memorial and Steel Valley Home for Girls; backed the CARE crusade and bought a school house in Guatemala; organized a Toys for Tots campaign for sorting toys and assisting the Salvation Army in their distribution. YFWC was the first in the nation to receive two Carol Lane Awards from the Shell Oil Co., one for discouraging candidates from placing signs on utility poles and one for support of a hedge ordinance prohibiting trees and shrubbery from impairing views at intersections.
1980s: Awarded a scholarship to a female nontraditional student in her junior year at Youngstown State University, a project that continues; published a commemorative cookbook for the 75th anniversary; served local, state and national needs through support of B'nai B'rith and Practical Nurses of Ohio Division II and the refurbishment of the Statue of Liberty; participated in the Caring and Sharing program of the Arthritis Foundation.
1990s: Gave a monetary award at the YWCA annual art show; donated money to Stambaugh Pillars to help in the renovation of Stambaugh Auditorium and to the Battered Women's Center at the YWCA; held a monthly tea in conjunction with the United Nations Association for international students at YSU.
2000s: Contributed toward transitional homes for women discharged from mental-health facilities; sponsored a fashion show and luncheon fund-raiser to support scholarships.