American Association of University Women, Spearfish Branch Papers

The American Association of University Women has been in existence for over a hundred years. It was founded in 1881 in Boston. The purpose was to enable college women to continue their own intellectual growth; to further the advancement of women; and to discharge the special responsibilities to society of those who have enjoyed the advantages of higher education. Goals for this vital women´s organization are “to further the education and advancement of women, and to utilize our college education for community betterment.” The Spearfish Chapter began in 1927. The first president and the organizer was Dr. Jessie Pangburn who at that time was head of the Education Department and Dean of Women at Black Hills State College. This was the first Branch in the West River area. The first years were difficult and for a short time there were not enough to keep the Branch active. In 1931 it was reactivated by Dr. Pangburn and was active until 2004.

The members of the Spearfish Branch were, interested in local, state, and national affairs, and most concerned with issues concerning women´s roles in today´s society. Membership fluctuated from time to time, but they had a fairly good-sized branch. During 1968-69 they were the only one in the state to show a 15% gain in membership. During the 1980s and 1981, they received some awards for membership gains. The membership works closely with the college community. The members helped to get Pangburn Hall named after the first president of the Spearfish A.A.U.W. and they helped to dedicate Ida Henton Park on the Black Hills Campus. Ida was an instructor at the college and also a charter member. They were instrumental in forming the Spearfish Betterment Council. The Branch affiliated with the Community Action Program during the summer of 1976. In 1982 they became the civic sector sponsor. They have sponsored the “Let´s Talk Issues” sessions at the Public Library from 1979 until 2004. They regularly sponsored worthwhile projects in the area. They used a variety of methods to raise money to support the causes that they felt were worthwhile. They had two major fundraisers. They had a used book sale during “Crazy Days” and they participated in the “Festival in the Park”. They also gave a stipend to an older student at the college. This is to encourage a woman who wants a college education after having raised a family or supported parents.