Black Women's Organizations

The Mary B. Talbert Civic and Cultural Club

The following photograph and story appeared in the CRITERION newspaper on Saturday, May 27 - June 2, 2000, page 6.

(click picture for a larger photo)

Criterion's 75th Year in Profile

Memorial Service Held for Mary B. Talbert

This photo was taken by a Criterion photographer in November of 1955, when this group of delegates and members of the Buffalo Regional of the Empire State Federation of Women's Club met at Lincoln memorial United Methodist Church, to hear the sermon, "Women of Service," delivered by the late Rev. William H. Horner.  The sermon was encouraging and inspiring to those who motto was: "Lift As They Climb."

At 1 p.m., a large number of members went by bus and cars on a pilgrimage to the grave of the late Mary B. Talbert (1866-1923), the Second National Vice President of Women's Clubs, in Forest Lawn Cemetery, where they laid a wreath.  A tribute was paid to her memory by Mrs. Mary Crosby Chappelle, President of the Lit-Mus Club, at that time.  A poem was delivered by her niece, Mrs. Neota Hill, entitled, "God's Garden."

On their return to the church, dinner was served and a business meeting followed.  Mrs. Dorothy Cooke, of Rochester, Regional President, Presided.  Eight Clubs were represented.  They were: The United Club of Niagara Falls, the Marian Anderson Club, The Booklovers, the Ernestine Burke Club, the Lit-Mus Club, the Radio Club of Rochester, and the Phyllis Wheatley Club of Buffalo.

An inspirational meeting followed with Mrs. Lula M. Green, of Rochester, Chairman of the Regional Executive Board, presiding.