[ Back | Home | Email Rainbow.org's owner | Complete Site Map ]
The following is the transcription of the first Grand Assembly in the state of California. Enjoy!
The first Grand Assembly of Order of Rainbow for Girls of California was held on Friday and Saturday, March 20th and 21st, 1931, in Eastern Star Hall of Golden Gate Commandery Building, 2137 Sutter Street, San Francisco, California. The forenoon was devoted to a School of Instruction for Grand Officers only, followed by a luncheon in the Banquet Hall of the building, for all delegates and members. 
First Session of Grand Assembly
Order of Rainbow for Girls in California
The meeting was called to order at 200 P.M. by the Supreme Deputy, Mrs. Kate M. Nichols, who then invited the uniformed choir of Stockton Assembly to enter, followed by the full corps of Grand Officers, with Miss Frances Rundall, Worthy Grand Advisor, presiding and assisted by:
Associate Grand Advisor - Lorena Dean Hubbard, San Jose Assembly No. 5
Grand Charity - Phyllis Threlfall, Stockton Assembly No. 9
Grand Hope - Dorothy Johnson, San Francisco Assembly No. 1
Grand Faith - Helen Resnick, Richmond Assembly No. 4
Grand Recorder - Jeanne Tretheway, Stockton Assembly No. 9
Grand Treasurer - Mary Helen Marino, Napa Assembly No. 7
Grand Chaplain - Charlibel Nelson, Lancaster Assembly No. 17
Grand Drill Leader - Ruth Dow, San Francisco Assembly No. 1
Grand Love - Carol Fitzgerald, Vallejo Assembly No. 3
Grand Religion - Norma McArthur, Redwood Assembly No. 16
Grand Nature - Wanda McPherson, Healdsburg Assembly No. 14
Grand Immortality - Helen Hughes, Marysville Assembly No. 10
Grand Fidelity - Vera Granlund, Concord Assembly No. 15
Grand Patriotism - Claudia Hanson, Woodland Assembly No. 2
Grand Service - Elizabeth Moncrieff, Golden West Assembly No. 12
Grand Confidential Observer - Helen Hortensen, Suisun Assembly No. 8
Grand Outer Observer - Margaret Nodder, Oakland Assembly No. 11
Grand Musician - Evelyn De Clairmont, Richmond Assembly No. 4
Grand Choir Director - Lillian Walden, San Jose Assembly No. 5
Grand Color Bearer - Eunice Schimpferman, Mt. Davidson Assembly No. 13
Honorary Grand Drill Leader - Winifred Heple, San Jose Assembly No. 5Introduction of Visitors - Mrs. Kate M. Nichols introduced Mrs. Iva Rhodes, the Supreme Deputy of Rainbow in Nevada and Mrs. Grace Fulwider, Mother Advisor of Sparks Assembly of Sparks, Nevada, and seventeen members of the Nevada Assemblies, who attended the entire Session. Worthy Advisors from the various Assemblies were escorted and presented:
1. Virginia Cross, Sparks, Nevada
Also eighteen Past Advisors from various Assemblies.
2. Myra Sauer, Reno, Nevada
2. Harritte Thomas, Marysville
4. Elizabeth Hanner, Sacramento
5. Aileen Broderson, San Francisco
6. Leona Gregg, Petaluma
7. Doris Crosse, Wood-Lo, Lodi
8. Rozelle Park, Napa
9. Martha Brand, Redwood
10. Gladys Nickerson, Stockton
11. Bernice Kemp, Mt. Davidson
The Sub-Deputies escorted and presented were Mrs. Anna Moncur of Yuba City, Hattie Zillmer of Los Gatos and Mrs. Lily Byce of Petaluma.
The Mother Advisors present were seventeen in number as follows:
Mrs. Kathryn Winslow, San Francisco
The Roll Call of Grand Officers was taken and noted all present but Grand Choir Director, Miss Lillian Walden of San Jose Assembly. A very splendid violin solo was rendered by Miss Arletta Sinnell, accompanied by Miss Alberta Best, both of Woodland Assembly. The address of welcome was given most cordially and impressively by the very charming Worthy Advisor of San Francisco Assembly No. 1, Miss Aileen Broderson, who said that it required sunshine to have a Rainbow and that sunshine and smiles would be essential to our work in Rainbow, made a beautiful comparison of the poem "Trees" by Joyce Kilmer and suggested "Smiles" for our slogan at this session. The response was given by Miss Clara Gavin of Sparks Assembly - a very charming and sweet personality. She paid a very beautiful tribute to the "great State of California" and urged to "make Rainbow the greatest motive, that it be the common thought of every Rainbow member with the attributes of nobility, unselfish service and undying love for humanity exemplified in each life, so that only the true and good be woven into our work. She paid a lovely tribute to the Order of the Eastern Star and concluded by extending a very cordial invitation to attend the meetings of the Nevada Assemblies.
Mrs. Eva Smythe, Marysville
Mrs. Eva Kelly, Placerville
Mrs. Nellie Husted, Golden West, S.F.
Mrs. Ida Ruppell, Richmond, S.F.
Mrs. Anna Owen, Petaluma
Mrs. Elizabeth Cook, Wood-Lo, Lodi
Mrs. Nettie Dusel, Redwood
Mrs. Katherine Harvey, Stockton
Mrs. Lenore Keisling, Healdsburg
Mrs. Letitia Schaufile, Monterey Peninsula
Mrs. Ora Heple, San Jose
Mrs. Carrie Baade, Napa
Mrs. Mabel Hawks, Concord
Mrs. Ray Annear, Mt. Davidson, S.F.
Mrs. Jessie Culbert, Oakland
Mrs. Adda Ascher, San Mateo
Mrs. Grace Fulwider, Sparks, Nevada
Miss Eva Noll of San Francisco Assembly, the Editor of the "Pot of Gold", was introduced and told of the efforts of the combined four Assemblies in San Francisco to publish this monthly paper as a bulletin; copies of the first issue were distributed to all delegates and members.
Reading of the minutes of the previous meeting of May 20th, 1930, in regard to the organization and installation of the Grand Assembly were read by Mrs. Pauline Freiermuth and accepted, after which the members joined in singing the official song "My Rainbow Dreams" led by the Stockton Choir. A communication was read from Mr. Wm. Mark Sexson, Supreme Recorder, regretting his inability to be present on account of illness. Greetings were read from Mrs. Willa Jane Hellwig, Worthy Grand Matron and Mrs. Effie Easton, Worthy Grand Esther and Past Grand Matron, Mr. Bert R. Holloway, Past Grand Patron, and from Mr. Carl G. Tipton, Supreme Deputy of Oregon. Invitations were read from Stockton and San Jose, inviting the Grand Assembly to meet in those cities next year.
Mrs. Nichols reported the work of organizing the first Grand Assembly and reported every Assembly represented by Sacramento in the per capita for Grand Assembly. Membership voted to extend recognition to Sacramento delegates nevertheless, although said Assembly had not paid Grand Assembly per capita. Per capita to Grand Assembly were received from:
Placerville $7.80
Vallejo $13.65
Wood-Lo $11.60
Marysville $13.65
San Jose $15.45
Mt. Davidson $9.00
Golden West $10.35
Napa $10.35
Richmond $31.65
Redwood $12.50
Concord $5.55
Healdsburg $7.95
Petaluma $13.85
Oakland $16.20
San Francisco $10.00
Woodland $7.05
Suisun $5.85
Total Receipts $254.15
She reported 24 Assemblies in State with 21 Chartered - Richmond Assembly, San Francisco, being the largest with 211 active members.
The Worthy Grand Advisor, Frances Rundall, read a very beautifully arranged report of her activities during the year. This report was written on paper the seven colors of the Rainbow and was most interesting and closed by reading poem "We are All Blind" by Edward Markham. We were then favored by a pianologue by Grand Faith, Helen Resnich of Richmond Assembly, and some very interesting talks by Mrs. Rhodes of Nevada, Mrs. Freirmuth, a member of Advisory Board of Richmond Assembly, Mrs. Grace Fulwider of Sparks, Miss Elaine Schanfele, Worthy Advisor of Reno, Miss Gladys Nickerson, Worthy Advisor of Stockton, Miss Virginia Cross, Worthy Advisor of Sparks Assembly, Nevada, and Mrs. Carrie Baade, Mother Advisor of Napa Assembly. Grand Assembly was then called from labor to refreshment to convene again at 800 P.M.
Friday Evening - 800. Session called to order by Mrs. Kate M. Nichols for conferring of the degrees on a large class of Candidates elected to membership in the various Assemblies. The Stockton Choir entered the Assembly Room singing "My Rainbow Dreams", after which the Grand Officers entered and presented the Flag. Candidates initiated were as follows
For Richmond Assembly, San Francisco
Florence Sylva
Marian Flushman
Jean Lowrie
Virginia Stewart
Lilian Lick
Jeannette Hanke
Azile Huchinson
For Mt. Davidson Assembly, San Francisco
Marie Sibach
Emma Sibach
Harriett Voorhies
For Golden West Assembly, San Francisco
Katherine Muenter
Norma Hueter
For Stockton Assembly
Elizabeth Newborn
Martha Nuland
For San Francisco Assembly
Ida Haas
Laura McFarland
Mrs. Eva Kelly, Mother Advisor of Placerville, gave the welcome to the new candidates.
After the ceremony of initiation, which was most beautifully and impressively given by the Grand Officers, the Supreme Deputy called the names of those selected for Grand Officers for the next year. Judging by the hearty applause and surprise displayed at the selection, everyone seemed happy.
Program of the evening consisted of solo by Laverne Southwell of Stockton, tap dance by Florence Geneen, Nevada, Italian reading by Dorothy Ferguson of Stockton, piano solo by Helen Resnich of Richmond Assembly. Meeting was again called from labor to refreshment, after which the Rainbow Patrol of San Francisco, entertained with a splendid Military Drill.
Saturday Morning, March 21, 1931.
Grand Assembly called to order by Phyllis Threlfall, in absence of Worthy Grand Advisor. Routine business, reading of reports and distribution of charters to Wood-Lo and San Mateo Assemblies. Communications were read from Wm. Mark Sexson, Supreme Recorder and from J. McAlister of Oklahoma, Chairman of State Executive Board. Also an invitation from the Stockton Chamber of Commerce for next Session. Bills amounting to $194.48 were audited and ordered paid as follows
Hall Rent $70.00
The remainder of forenoon was given to answering questions pertaining to floor work and Ritual, after which meeting was adjourned for lunch.
Bal. for Lunch $5.00
Maid-Check Room $5.00
C.C. Schott $23.25
Sentinel $5.00
Flowers $17.50
Hotel California $12.23
Orchestra $28.50
Organist $10.00
Printing and Phones $14.50
Advisor's Jewel $3.50
Total - $194.48
200 o'clock P.M. Business was continued. After much discussion regarding the meeting place for our next Session, Stockton the home town of the newly selected Worthy Grand Advisor, Miss Janis Conklin, was decided upon. A very splendid program was given during the afternoon - a harp solo by Virginia Klassen of Redwood, a Fashion Show by members of four San Francisco Assemblies, assisted by Mrs. Jessie Culbert, Mrs. Vida Hooper, Mrs. Ray Annear, Mrs. Gertrude Lillen and Mrs. Jane Hadley. An accordian solo by Leslie Cano of Golden West, dance numbers by members of Redwood Assembly in "Parade of Wooden Soldiers" and "Shadows of Rainbow."
Saturday Evening, 800 o'clock, March 21, 1931.
Installation of Officers.
Mrs. Nettie Dusel of Redwood Assembly acted as Hostess. The Installing Officers were Miss Helen Dunseath of Reno Assembly as Installing Worthy Grand Advisor, Miss Jane King of Petaluma, Installing Grand Marshal, Miss Nancy Jane Toms of Stockton, Installing Grand Chaplain. The following officers were duly installed
Worthy Grand Advisor - Janis Conklin, Stockton Assembly
Rainbow Bed-room Bibles and gifts were presented to the Grand Officers by their respective Assemblies, with Miss Ivern Granz, Worthy Advisor of Richmond Assembly, making the presentation speech for all. Miss Frances Rundall, the retiring Worthy Grand Advisor, was presented with her Past Grand Advisors jewel by her father, Dr. Rundall of Petaluma.
Associate Grand Advisor - Roma Hooper, Richmond S.F. Assembly
Grand Charity - Evelyn West, Oakland Assembly
Grand Hope - May Cloke, Mt. Davidson S.F. Assembly
Grand Faith - Virginia Klassen, Redwood Assembly
Grand Recorder - Marcella Webber, San Mateo Assembly
Grand Treasurer - Marian Weber, Sacramento Assembly
Grand Chaplain - Alberta Best, Woodland Assembly
Grand Drill Leader - Verna English, San Jose Assembly
Grand Love - Gladys Martin, Golden West SF Assembly
Grand Religion - Evelyn Smythe, Marysville Assembly
Grand Nature - Lois Wakefield, Lancaster Assembly
Grand Immortality - Lois Fuller, Wood-Lo, Lodi Assembly
Grand Fidelity - Dorothy Morey, Placerville Assembly
Grand Patriotism - Maxine Bane, Healdsburg Assembly
Grand Service - Ethel Reynolds, Concord Assembly
Grand Confidential Observer - Alice Keig, Napa Assembly
Grand Outer Observer - Evelyn Krueger, Petaluma Assembly
Grand Musician - Edna Denhard, Richmond S.F. Assembly
Grand Choir Director - Thelma Haynes, San Francisco Assembly
Grand Color Bearer - Elaine Schaufele, Monterey Peninsula Assembly
Mrs. Lily Byce, Sub-Deputy of California, then on behalf of the Sub-Deputies and Mother Advisors, presented Mrs. Kate M. Nichols, Supreme Deputy, with a corsage and gift as a token of their appreciation and love. Mrs. Nichols then explained how these Grand Officers were first recommended by the Advisory Boards of their respective Assemblies and then selected from these recommendations to honor those stations. As this was the first real session of the California Grand Assembly, Mrs. Nichols thanks all those who so conscientiously assisted and also for the service given to each Assembly in successfully bringing the Grand Assembly to a reality. She also presented Mrs. Pauline Freiermuth and Mrs. Anna Moncur, who had assisted at the desk during the Session.
Miss Helen Dunseath and Miss Janis Conklin were then called on for short talks.
Thus was brought to a successful close, the first Session of the Grand Assembly in California, the Supreme Deputy sounding the gavel.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeanne Tretheway,
Grand Recorder
(signature of Kate M. Nichols, Supreme Deputy)
**(The following was the page after the minutes, which I believe to be an addition and correction to the minutes, as the typing format and paper seem identical)**
A Fancy Drill was given by the Oakland Patrol under the supervision of Mother Advisor, Mrs. Jessie Culbert, and dancing closed the evening.
On Sunday morning 250 Rainbow Girls, led by the four Drill Leaders carrying the four flags and followed by the Choir, Patrols and Members, attended church service at Temple Church, in William Taylor Building.
P.S. -------
I am sorry that these reports have come to you at this late date, but they were not returned to me until the last of the past year and owing to others duties, I was not able to check and rewrite them until the last few days.
I want to thank, most sincerely, the Grand Recorder and also Mrs. Anna Moncur for their efforts in taking these notes and for their assistance at the last Session.
Most sincerely and fraternally,
Kate M. Nichols.
Supreme Deputy
February 23, 1932
[ Back | Home | Email Rainbow.org's owner | Complete Site Map ] [EoF]
