wcircle.html

The Mt. Adams Sun, Bingen, WA., March 28, 1957, page 1

WOMEN'S CIRCLE OF BINGEN HAS SERVED THE COMMUNITY FOR 36 YEARS

In the 1921 the Women's Circle of Bingen was originated by eight steadfast women who felt the need for an auxiliary to Bingen's Congregational church, built for $1700 in 1911.
After discussion and debate they adopted a constitution on August 19, 1921 with the following listed as charter members: Mrs. Ethel Stillman, Mrs. G.W. Kite, Miss Anna Anderson, Mrs. Maggie Ashman, Miss Ada Proper, Mrs. Jennie Stump, Mrs. Ellen Scott and Miss Lucy Scott.
The Circle's object was "To help the work of the church in a way deemed desirable; to aid in any benevolent work for the community and to promote friendship and sociability in our village … without degenerating into a gossip club." For 36 years this has regained the purpose of the Circle.

Diggers

At first, meetings were held in homes of members. As membership increased and projects varied it became imperative that the women find a place exclusively their own. The unfinished basement of the church seemed ideal -- although an almost impossible task loomed ahead to make it usable.
By hard labor, mostly done by the women themselves, a suitable large room was made ready. From dirt excavations to the present modern equipped and neatly furnished room is the story of determined women with a goal.
Throughout the years and they have welcomed into their society any women who shared their aims and ideals. At present membership numbers of 30 to 35. Meetings are held in the Circle Rooms on the 1st and 3d Wednesday of each month.
A variety of projects have been fought to fruitation to raise money for the needs of the Circle and the church. For many years they have served dinners to Rotary and Lions club. For a long time this meant donating food, as well as service, week after week.
It's a little easier now. Sales of handiwork and food and related smaller projects have from time to time supplemented the treasury.

Improvements

One of the earliest undertakings of the Circle was to assume a $670 indebtedness against the church. By so doing they have secured for their organization a permanent meeting place and provided a sanctuary for the use of the community. They pay for water, lights, sewer and until two years ago, fuel for both upstairs and the Circle room below.
Toilet facilities and a drinking fountain were installed earlier in the history of the group.
Through the Circle's unsinkable courage and persistence, a dining room to seat at least 75 and a rebuilt kitchen are now in constant use. A steel stink and steel cabinets were installed. Eight new tables and 50 folding chairs were purchased. A new electric and wood combination range, new linoleum for the floor and counters, dishes and initialed silverware were recently added. An electric mixer and two coffee urns have added much to the ease of serving. The entire kitchen was rewired with generous assistance from Frank Wilke.
A new room for the building absorber of the time and money the women could muster.

Charities

At various times the hymnals have been supplemented by new purchases. Fifty were marked and put into use this past season. The women had the building painted both inside and out and hung new draperies themselves.
Largely through the efforts of Mrs. O.V. Smith, used the theater seats were purchased and put into the upstairs room. A used piano was added.
When the old heating stove gave way, Mrs. Earl Good headed a campaign to secure donations for a new furnace. Being warm and free from stoking the wood stove has been a blessing.
Each year the Circle makes a gift to the Bingen Fire Department, Red Cross, TB Assoc. and March of Dimes. They sponsor the Bingen Girls Scouts. The Circle also pays for the insurance on the building, ministerial and janitor services … and on the death of a Bingen resident they send flowers for his funeral.