Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 1, 1993 TAG: 9303310393
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: N-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
AID SOCIETY CELEBRATES 100 YEARS
At the turn of the century, when hospital care was not available for Roanoke's black population, a group of women formed an organization to help members during illness, misfortune and death.The Ladies United Aid Society has given 100 years of service even though the nature of the organization has changed somewhat.
It's become a supportive environment for professional women to provide mutual aid to one another, says President Patricia Henry.
The 25 members observed the society's 100th anniversary Saturday with a dinner dance.
"The club was originally set up like a small insurance company. The dues were like benefits that would be paid out to a member of her family in times of sickness and death," says Gwendolyn Lawrence, historian.
From a collection of tattered leather-bound journals, she has constructed a history of the organization and its founders. The volumes hold attendance records, notes and descriptions of the activities and members.
Out of respect, though, details of the society's work are kept confidential.
"One member was sick for a very long time - in a nursing home and we held back the monthly benefits, and, well, it helped provide a proper burial. That's the kind of thing we do," says Lawrence.
The society has provided money for member's children to attend school or travel abroad. They send cards and flowers when members are ill, and sit with the sick.
"In the old days a member could be fined if she didn't show up to sit with the sick," says Lawrence.
"It is remarkable that the organization has been able to thrive for 100 years," says Henry. June's membership drive brought more new members than usual - nine.
Most of the new faces are younger than most of the membership. This is by design - to keep the society going, Henry said. Many of the members' mothers and grandmothers were society members. Gladys Cox, 90, is the oldest member.
The Ladies United Aid Society was made official in 1899 by a charter on record at the Roanoke courthouse. Since that time members have met once a month in each other's homes "to eat, meet and have fellowship," said Henry.
While the women of the Ladies United Aid Society now turn to each other for advice on more modern issues such as careers, many aspects haven't changed. As was established in the early days, all members are married or widowed. And dues are still 10 cents a week.