History of The National Federation of Woman's Exchanges

The Peņa-Peck House garden

The following was taken from the 1984 Federation of Woman's Exchanges brochure celebrating "A Half Century of Helping Others."

"In the city of Philadelphia, where the first Woman's Exchange (The Philadelphia Ladies Depository) was founded in 1832, representatives from six Exchanges met at the Woman's City Cub on March 20, 1934, to found the Federation of Woman's Exchanges.

The Charter Exchanges were:

Greenwich Exchange for Woman's Work, Connecticut
New York Exchange for Woman's Work, New York
Old York Road Woman's Exchange, Jenkinstown, Pennsylvania
Woman's Exchange of Wayne, Pennsylvania
Woman's Work and Art Exchange, Morristown, New Jersey
Five Town's Woman's Exchange, Long Island, New York

"The original purpose of the Federation was to enroll Woman's Exchanges as members for the benefit derived from a simple organization with: one annual fee; one annual meeting where problems from each Exchange could be discussed along with the year's business; a best seller list of consignors; and a united effort to advertise and make clear the philanthropic purpose of a Woman's Exchange.

Afternoon in the garden

"To become a member of the original federation, each Exchange had to be governed by an elected board and officers; have an annual audit of the Treasurers report if outside donations were requested; stand for the best in cooking and the finest in handicraft; make regular monthly payments to consignors to make articles salable and expect of its consignors every possible cooperation which would enable the Exchange to assume a high standard of business and courtesy.

"New York was the location of Federation headquarters from the first annual meeting through 1961, except for 1951-1952 in Pittsburgh and 1955-1957 in Greenwich. Wayne, PA, followed as headquarters from 1962-1982 when headquarters were moved to Heritage Village Exchange in Southbury, CT. The Federation president in 1961 was Mrs. Beam, who was followed by Mrs. Apple of Wayne from 1962-1982, followed by Mrs. Bade of Heritage Village.

"Since the first annual meeting in 1938, only the war years (1943-1946) have prevented the yearly gathering. There were at least eighteen Exchanges still in existence in 1934 that joined the Federation, although when they joined is unclear.

"Through these past fifty years, the Federation has been carefully managed. Dues have only risen from $5.00 to $25.00 as of the last increase in 1979. Every year, each member Exchange has received the written reports of other member Exchanges and updated consignor lists.

"The original by-laws remained unchanged until 1982 when completely revised by-laws were approved. The new by-laws provide a definition of a Woman's Exchange and a new purpose to help us comply with Federal regulations.

The revision keeps the spirit of the old, but brings the Federation up-to-date in the areas of Officers, Governing Board, Nominating, Membership, Governance, Headquarters and Dissolution.

"It has truly been a half century of helping others."

The Federation Today

Over the last nineteen years, the number of member Exchanges has decreased from 40 to 24. The reasons for the closings are as varied as the Exchanges themselves. Of the six Charter Exchanges, two are still in business; Greenwich Exchange for Woman's Work, and Wayne Woman's Exchange and gift shop.

The Federation is committed to the concept of Woman's Exchanges, and strives to provide its members with the tools needed to ensure their continued success.

For more information on the Federation, contact Margo Pope, national boardmember, at FWEPOPE@yahoo.com or call (904) 824-3486.

Links to other Woman's Exchange websites:

St. Louis Woman's Exchange » Memphis Woman's Exchange » Baltimore Woman's Industrial Exchange