HISTORY

Summary: The histories prepared by RVB members themselves provide information about the group's activities and the size of its membership, which grew rapidly after World War II, until it could no longer meet in members' homes as it had since its inception. By its 20th anniversary in 1958, the RVB had reached 75 active members, and by 1986 it had 137 members representing 62 colleges, although it lost some members when two other nearby towns established local branches, Willingboro and Medford Lakes.

Several versions of the history of the RVB are preserved. Two sets of handwritten notes provide a short chronological guide to the AAUW and the RVB, but are undated and seem to end in the 1950s. In 1977, the Vice-President, Anne White, prepared one long page documenting the history up to that date. In 1986 a longer version was prepared by the RVB historian, Emalene Price, and begins as follows.

"In 1938 a group of ten college graduates got together to form the Rancocas Valley Branch of the American Association of University Women. Dr. Lesher and Mrs. Carlander from the Camden County Branch gave a helping hand. Mrs. E. H. Wyman, now Mrs. Lloyd Cowan, was elected president by the other charter members: Maude E. Boyer, Elsie M. Clark, Marguerite R. Heyer, Mrs. J. W. Love, Esther L. Knoer, Hazel A. Metcalf, Mrs. E. B. Phillips, Mrs. C. A. Probasco, Dorothy B. Sholl."