Business and Professional Women's Club of Montclair, N.J. Records

The National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs was founded in 1919 as a non-profit, non-partisan, non-sectarian organized dedicated to providing a social and professional outlet for working women. Eventually, the National Federation would encompass over 3,850 clubs in all 50 states. Being affiliated with the International Federation of Business and Professional Women, the National Federation would also have connections with women throughout the world.

The Montclair Business and Professional Women's Club ("Montclair BPW") was founded in 1928 by Elizabeth Gasby, a lawyer in Montclair. In 1927, Ms. Gasby had been invited to attend the convention for the New Jersey Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs. Shortly afterward, she called together a group of business and professional women in Montclair for a preliminary meeting. This led to the creation of the Montclair BPW in 1928 with a charter membership of 56 women. The charter for the club was granted in 1929. The club's goals, adopted from the National Federation, were (1) to elevate the standards for women in business and the professions, (2) to promote the interest of business and professional women, (3) to bring about a spirit of cooperation among the business and professional women of the United States, and (4) to extend opportunities to business and professional women through education, along lines of industrial, scientific, and vocational activities.

Throughout its history, the Montclair BPW put these objectives into practice by providing financial aid, scholarships, and student loans to young women seeking to further their education; donating money to educational institutions and other organizations that worked to further the public interest; raising money for educational, charitable, practical, and other purposes; sponsoring educational and social programs for its members and the community; and promoting and lobbying for federal and state legislation that was supportive of women's interests. The Montclair BPW also participated in programs and activities of this type with the International Federation BPW, the National Federation BPW, and the State Federation BPW, in all of which it was an active member.

For example, among many other activities, in 1933, the Montclair BPW sold tickets to the Women's Art Exhibit in New York City in order to raise money; in 1951, the club compiled and sold cookbooks designed to provide "practical recipes for the busy woman"; in 1960, the club participated in a weekend-long state convention focused on professionalism, fashion, and socializing for the working woman; and in 1972, in addition to many other gifts to other organizations and institutions, the club donated money to Smith College. It is important to note that throughout its entire history, the Montclair BPW maintained a scholarship fund, which was used to provide women with financial aid, scholarships, and loans in order to further their education. These financial awards were made several times a year and at other times when deemed necessary. At times, particularly during the Depression, loans would be forgiven if the borrowers were unable to make payments. At all times, the scheduled payments were modest and interest-free.

The Montclair BPW was particularly active in World War II. For example, during the War, the club actively participated in "The Battle of Production," designed to put women to work on the homefront; the War Women Power Committee, which was involved in various activities in support of the War effort; and the State Honor Roll, which listed the names of women serving in the armed forces, Red Cross, and the U.S.O. The Montclair BPW also formed its own War Activities Committee, which did its own share of work in support of the War effort.

During the 1970s (and earlier), the Montclair BPW was also very active in promoting passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. Indeed, in support of the ERA, the club sponsored and attended various rallies and educational forums; distributed literature; corresponded with local and federal legislators; raised money; and otherwise lobbied vigorously for enactment of the ERA.

The Montclair BPW was always organized into committees and governed by an executive board. The club as a whole elected a president and other officers. Committee chairs were selected by, and then served on, the executive board. Examples of committees include membership, transportation, legislation, education, international relations, and finance among others.

The club year was from September to May. During that time there would be monthly executive board meetings followed shortly thereafter by a general club meeting. At the meetings, general issues and upcoming events would be discussed and club officers and committee chairs would present and submit reports on their activities. At the conclusion of the club year, officers for the following year would be elected. The final event of the year was typically a President's Day Dinner that took place in late May or early June. Club operations would normally be suspended during the summer.

During its history, the Montclair BPW generated many types of records and documents. Chief among them were minutes of executive board meetings, club bulletins mailed to members on a monthly basis during the club year (September to May), club rosters, event programs for the President's Day Dinners and other events, by-laws, correspondence, and other miscellaneous documents.

The Montclair BPW was active until the late 1970s or early 1980s.