Washington Women's History Consortium
Women's Clubs and Organizations
Amy P.S. Stacy, President, 1896-1889
Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs
What Jennie June Croly was to the General Federation of Women's Clubs, Amy P.S. Stacy was to the Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs.
In 1896, when the Aloha and Nesika Clubs of Tacoma combined in a call for a federation, Mrs. Stacy was president of the Aloha Club. She was called to fill the office of first president of WSFWC because of her ability for organization. By her wonderful executive ability, quiet dignity and gentle poise, she launched the organization on a successful voyage.
Amy Peters Sewall Stacy, daughter of a Presbyterian minister, was born in Bath, Maine, on October 11, 1839. She spent her childhood in Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. After leaving school, she became a teacher of higher mathematics in North Granville, New York, where she married Fitch B. Stacy in 1866.
Soon after their marriage they moved to Stacyville, a village near Osage, Iowa where they took up the life of pioneer farmers. They lived there 20 years and to them was born five children, three sons and two daughters.
In 1886 the family moved to Grinnel, Iowa and two years later moved to Tacoma where Mr. Stacy died on Christmas Day 1894.
Women's clubs were evolving in the early nineties, and Mrs. Stacy joined the Aloha Club in its infancy and was one of the dominant elements in its growth.
She was instrumental in gathering all women's organizations in Tacoma, in what was known as the Presidents' Council, and as its first President succeeded in making it a powerful force for social uplift and civic righteousness.
Mrs. Stacy presided at the organizational meeting in Tacoma; at the first annual meeting in Olympia, 1897; at the second in Spokane, 1898; and the third in Seattle, 1899.
During Mrs. Stacy's administration many things, which have become traditional in the Federation, had their incipiency. The Reciprocity Bureau; the adoption of the "Four Leaf Clover" as the state Federation song; the decision to accept in the organization only non-secret, nonpartisan and nonpolitical clubs; the agitation for more and better libraries, especially the Traveling Libraries; the foundation of much of the later work in philanthropy and public welfare; and one has only to quote from a paper read by Mrs. Cox at the Spokane meeting in 1898, to realize that the founders of the organization were conservation minded. Mrs. Cox pleaded "for the preservation of forests because they purify the air and water, modify climate, prevent freshets and keep up supplies for springs."
At first clubs became members of the Federation by paying a flat entrance fee of $2.50, but during this first regime it was voted to have active club members pay 10 cents per capita annually.
The Spanish-American War was in progress during the early years of the Federation. Quoting a few lines from her address: "When our battleship, the 'Maine' was destroyed in Havana Harbor, a thrill of unspeakable horror ran through the nation. Personal grief and righteous indignation was strangely mingled. Eager hearts leaped with desire to punish treachery at once; but our honored President firmly held the helm, until the nation had time to think and prepare. Only when every other expedient had failed was war permitted."
In the light of approaching conflict, we saw more clearly than ever before, our country's need of defensive preparation. We have been at peace so long among ourselves and with all the world, that our army and navy are comparatively small, our coast and harbor defenses insufficient. Had Spain her old power, we might tremble. As it is our final victory is not doubtful, though who cares to count the terrible cost?
Yet our worst national perils are not from without. One effect of the present war should be to make us look more closely to ourselves. Not simply along military needs; though wise men predict that it will be less difficult to obtain appropriations necessary to a suitable army and navy."
Mrs. Stacy pleaded that club women be good mothers and wives, pure, true, wise and patient. Quoting again: "Are we such women? Then indeed we may courageously clasp hands in new endeavors. Helping each other toward highest ideals we may steadily uplift and defend our homes; nourish our Commonwealth; and give to our Country good mothers for her unborn sons."
Cooperating with Mrs. Stacy were many strong women, one of whom deserves special mention. Mrs. Abbie H.H. Stuart was among the founders of the Olympia Woman's Club, the oldest in the state, as well as being an influential power in the organization of the State Federation. She was its first Treasurer. At the convention of 1898 in Spokane, Mrs. A.B. Buell of Tacoma addressed her as the "Mother of Washington Clubs" and presented her on behalf of the Federation, a beautiful brooch, a heart outlined in pearls; in its center a green enameled clover leaf. As the clover is the Federation emblem the tribute was especially appropriate.
Mrs. Stacy was the first Washington State Federation president to answer the call to the Great Beyond, which came on July 16, 1912, at the age of 72.
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