The Iron Mountain-Kingsford Branch of the American Association of University Woman celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. From left are members Jan Van Gasse, Barb Rice, Catherine Pirkola and Lynne Wilson.

By Lynne Wilson

For The Daily News

IRON MOUNTAIN — The Iron Mountain-Kingsford Branch of the American Association of University Woman in 2021 is celebrating its 100-year anniversary.

The local branch is the oldest branch in the Upper Peninsula and the sixth-oldest branch in the state.

Since AAUW’s conception in 1881, the mission has remained the same — to advance equality for women and girls through advocacy, education and research.

In 1921, several members living here had been members of the Association of Collegiate Alumnae, the precursor to AAUW. The group invited Mrs. Holbrook from Ann Arbor to Iron Mountain to explain the purpose and ideas of AAUW and help organize the branch.

Membership was open to women holding an approved degree from an approved institution.

The first slate of officers included Mrs. Travis Martin, Mrs. J. E. Coffin, Mrs. Henry Miller and Mrs. James Seibert.

From its beginnings, the idea of a scholarship for high school females was foremost in the organization.

Money-making projects were to secure funds for a scholarship.

A play was performed by members in February 1922 titled “Fanny and the Servant Problem.” It netted $146.94. Two more plays were presented in October netting an additional $110 for the scholarship fund. The scholarships are still the main focus of the group.

During the 1920s, the focus locally was working with immigrants coming to the area that was rich in mining and timber. The ladies would teach would-be citizens to read and write. Participants were mostly from the north side.

During the lean years of the ’30s and the war years in the ’40s AAUW played an important role in the community supporting the Community Chest and the Red Cross.

This is the first in a series of articles highlighting AAUW’s local projects that support the community and where they plan to go in 2021 and beyond.