Business and Professional Women’s Club, Crookston, 1960–1975

Creator: Kristina Gray

Black and white photograph of Mrs. Matzke, Miss Olson, and Miss Nelson present yellow carnations to initiates Luverne Sorenson, Deborah Hanson, Eloise Espe, and Clara Kelly at an initiation meeting for new BPWC members, 1966.

Mrs. Matzke, Miss Olson, and Miss Nelson present yellow carnations to initiates Luverne Sorenson, Deborah Hanson, Eloise Espe, and Clara Kelly at an initiation meeting for new BPWC members, 1966.

Crookston’s Business and Professional Women’s club (BPWC), started in 1921, was more politically active in the 1960s and 1970s than in its early years. BPWC members made sure to cast their votes for causes important to women, including equal pay for equal work and the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).

At each BPWC meeting during this period, speakers gave talks to fit a designated monthly program. In April 1962, three local doctors answered questions about the King-Anderson bill— national legislation intended to provide medical services to the elderly through Social Security. The club went on record opposing it and urged members to write to their congressional representatives. Soon afterward, legislators voted down the bill in committee by a narrow margin.

In October 1964, the Crookston BPWC’s Civic Participation Committee reminded members that November was a critical time to vote for state and national club officers. In April 1965, members were encouraged to lend their support to U.S. Senator (and Minnesotan) Eugene McCarthy. McCarthy had introduced a “Be-Kind-To-Spinsters Bill” designed to ensure tax equality for single people thirty-five years and older and for widows and widowers. Like the King-Anderson bill, the measure failed; if it had passed, it would have benefited members of the Crookston BPWC.

Club members regularly added items about pending legislation related to equal pay to their newsletter, called Beep Chatter, and brought them up during meetings. Over time, the issue deepened a rift between the club’s single and married members. Married women maintained that employers discriminated against them when making new hires. Single members like June Shaver, however, pointed out that unmarried working women also faced disadvantages. In the October 2, 1967, edition of Beep Chatter, Shaver noted the “quixotic side effects” of tax relief laws that rewarded marriage. “A working single girl pays a higher tax than if she were married,” she wrote, with the result that “she is fined for remaining single.”

In March 1969, Crookston BPWC leaders asked members to encourage their state senators to vote “yes” on an equal pay bill and to lobby the U.S. Senate Labor Committee in support of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). One of the amendment’s provisions stated that “equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account sex.” The approval of eight more states, however, was needed for national ratification. If the Equal Pay Bill failed to pass, supporters feared that the ERA would fail along with it.

On May 28, 1970, the Equal Pay Bill became law. A little more than three years later, on February 9, 1973, Minnesota ratified the ERA. It was the twenty-sixth state to do so.

The BPWC faced a setback on March 6, 1975, when a Western Union telegram sent from the club’s state headquarters notified Crookston members of a resolution intended to rescind the ERA in Minnesota. The BPWC president directed members to urge Minnesota legislators to vote against it. BPWC leadership reminded members that more than the Equal Opportunity Act of 1972 was in place to protect women’s rights as full and equal citizens of the U.S. On June 5, 1975, the resolution failed to pass.

An entry in the edition of Beep Chatter published on December 4, 1975, expressed members’ continuing support for the ERA. Its author offered credit to “Libbers” (feminist activists) for drawing public attention to women’s issues. She also pointed out, however, that CBPW members “enjoy[ed] wearing pink long dresses” and shared a desire for legal equality rather than any specific set of personal choices or social codes. The statement revealed the club’s effort—made throughout the 1960s and 1970s—to distance itself from the second-wave feminist movement while keeping itself aligned with many of its priorities.

Cite

Gray, Kristina. "Business and Professional Women’s Club, Crookston, 1960–1975." MNopedia, Minnesota Historical Society. https://www3.mnhs.org/mnopedia/search/index/group/business-and-professional-women-s-club-crookston-1960-1975

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First Published: September 08, 2017

Last Modified: April 10, 2025

Bibliography

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“Civil Defense Program Is Presented at BPW Meeting.” Crookston Daily Times, November 14, 1960.

Crookston’s Business and Professional Women (BPW) club newsletters [untitled], 1930–1950s

Manuscript Collection, Polk County Historical Society, Crookston
Description: Copies of approximately twenty years of newsletters produced by Crookston’s Business and Professional Women (BPW) Club.

“Crookston Well Represented at State BPW Convention.” Crookston Daily Times, May 19, 1977.

“ERA Is Priority Project for BPW.” Crookston Daily Times, March 9, 1981.

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“Marian S. Olson, City, to Become State BPW Head.” Crookston Daily Times, May 24, 1968.

“Mrs. McGrath Speaks to City Women on ‘Human Encounter.’” Crookston Daily Times, February 22, 1977.

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Monahan, Terry. “She’s Overworked, Underappreciated; She’s a Secretary.” Crookston Daily Times, April 25, 1977.

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Ramey, Richard. “She’ll Have Christmas Eve Off, After 45 Years on Phone Jobs.” Crookston Daily Times, December 14, 1960.

“Samantha ‘Rastles’ the Woman Question.” Crookston Daily Times, April 15, 1985.

“State President Here; Equal Rights Amendment Reviewed at BPW Club Dinner Meeting.” Crookston Daily Times, April 10, 1972.

Vick, Judy. “Club Federation Head Says: Lower Pay for Women Hurts All.” Minneapolis Tribune, March 31, 1963.

“What BPW Means.” Crookston Daily Times, October 22, 1968.

Related Resources

Primary

“‘Art of Communication’ Theme of Program at BPW Club Meet.” Crookston Daily Times, September 10, 1962.

“BPW Club Follows Theme of Personal development.” Crookston Daily Times, September 9, 1969.

“BPW Club Has ‘Fun Night’ Including Supper and Program.” Crookston Daily Times, June 13, 1960.

“BPW Club Holds Election; Panel Marks Program for Discussion on ‘Worry In.’” Crookston Daily Times, April 17, 1969.

“BPW Club Holds Yuletide Party.” Crookston Daily Times, December 16, 1971.

“BPW Club Honors Employers in Observance of BPW Week.” Crookston Daily Times, October 2, 1961.

“BPW Club Members Hear Topic on ‘Alcoholism.’” Crookston Daily Times, January 10, 1966.

“BPW Club Observes Golden Anniversary; Special Program Held.” Crookston Daily Times, September 21, 1971.

“BPW Has First Annual Spring-O-Rama Benefit.” Crookston Daily Times, March 12, 1968.

“BPW Initiates New Members; Honors ‘Woman of the Year’ Marie Nelson.” Crookston Daily Times, November 19, 1975.

“BPW Members Prove Themselves in Business World.” Crookston Daily Times, October 6, 1960.

“BPW Musical Extravaganza Highlights April Meeting.” Crookston Daily Times, April 19, 1976.

“BPW Salutes Working Women.” Crookston Daily Times, May 24, 1977.

“BPWC Members, Guests Told of Unity Through Work and Leisure.” Crookston Daily Times, May 12, 1969.

“BPWC Seminar and Style Show Set; Guests Speak on Safety.” Crookston Daily Times, February 13, 1969.

“Business Professional Women Hold Holiday Party.” Crookston Daily Times, December 12, 1975.

“Citizenship Emphasized in Town Meeting 1976.” Crookston Daily Times, December 1, 1975.

“City BPW Club Told About Aims of Nursing Education Project.” Crookston Daily Times, September 17, 1973.

“City BPWC Observes 50th History Traced.” Crookston Daily Times, March 20, 1967.

“City BPWC to Observe Golden Anniversary.” Crookston Daily Times, September 2, 1971.

“City Women Attend BPW District 1 Spring Convention.” Crookston Daily Times, April 16, 1977.

“Committees Named by BPW.” Crookston Daily Times, September 8, 1980.

“Community Theater, Boy Scouts Featured on Program for BPW.” Crookston Daily Times, June 23, 1976.

“Crookston BPW Hostesses District Meeting.” Crookston Daily Times, March 26, 1979.

“Cultural, Recreational Growth Theme at BPW.” Crookston Daily Times, February 8, 1960.

“Dr. C. J. Stadem Reviews Uses, Misuses of Drugs.” Crookston Daily Times, November 15, 1968.

“Fondue Demonstration Given for BPW Club.” Crookston Daily Times, February 8, 1971.

“Former Missionary to East Africa Speaks at Crookston BPW Club.” Crookston Daily Times, April 12, 1971.

“History of BPW Federation Explained for Local Club.” Crookston Daily Times, March 21, 1972.

“Library Worker Gets BPW Scholarship for Computer Class.” Crookston Daily Times, May 30, 1984.

“Life of Indian Women Explained During BPW Club Program Here.” Crookston Daily Times, November 9, 1970.

Mattheisen, Annette Heiberg. “‘Life Management’ Topic of Seminar.” Crookston Daily Times, April 30, 1986.

“Mrs. Hagen Speaks at BPW on ‘Women in Washington.’” Crookston Daily Times, October 10, 1960.

“National BPW Event Reviewed by Betty Brecto.” Crookston Daily Times, September 16, 1968.

“National BPW Marks 50th Anniversary.” Crookston Daily Times, July 23, 1969.

“National Business Women’s Week is a Salute for Working Woman.” Crookston Daily Times, September 21, 1983.

“National Business Women’s Week Special Edition History.” Crookston Daily Times, March 8, 1965.

“National Business Women’s Week to be Observed by Crookston BPW Chapter.” Crookston Daily Times, October 20, 1975.

“Organization Represents Working Women.” Crookston Daily Times, October 17, 1983.

“Personal Development.” Crookston Daily Times, November 13, 1967.

“Pioneer Days, BPW Host Miss America Luncheon.” Crookston Daily Times, June 16, 1977.

“Positive Attitude is Urged.” Crookston Daily Times, January 12, 1968.

“Problems Facing Law and Order Explained for BPWC Members.” Crookston Daily Times, March 8, 1971.

“Program about Charm Featured at BPWC.” Crookston Daily Times, September 21, 1970.

“Reviewed for BPW Club; New Officers Presented.” Crookston Daily Times, May 11, 1970.

“State Legislative Effort Discussed at BPWC Meet.” Crookston Daily Times, March 11, 1968.

“State Regional Development Plan Discussed for BPW Club Here.” Crookston Daily Times, November 10, 1969.

“Status of Women in Crookston Discussed for BPW Club Here.” Crookston Daily Times, May 15, 1972.

“Topic on China Puzzle Presented at BPWC.” Crookston Daily Times, February 15, 1968.

“Traditional Yule Party Marks BPWC Meeting.” Crookston Daily Times, December 9, 1968.

“’Women’s Health’ Discussed at Recent BPW Meeting.” Crookston Daily Times, November 18, 1976.

Web

American Association of University Women.
http://www.aauw.org/

ERA Coalition. Our Mission.
http://www.eracoalition.org/mission.php

Minnesota Business and Professional Women.
http://www.mnbusinesswomen.org/

Related Images

Mrs. Matzke, Miss Olson, and Miss Nelson present yellow carnations to initiates Luverne Sorenson, Deborah Hanson, Eloise Espe, and Clara Kelly at an initiation meeting for new BPWC members, 1966.

Black and white photograph of BPWC president Mary Louise Jorgenson (right) cuts cake for Ida Twedten (center), the first BPWC president, at a birthday party held for Twedten, 1966.

Black and white photograph of BPWC president Marian Olson, Mae Rideout, and June Shaver at a party celebrating the Crookston BPWC’s forty-fifth anniversary.

Black and white photograph of BPWC’s original charter members at the club’s fortieth anniversary celebration, 1961. Pictured (left to right) are Anna Brustad, Pauline Lohn, Mae Rideout, Ida Twedten, Sue Monroe, and Dr. Blanche Sharp.

BPWC’s original charter members at the club’s fortieth anniversary celebration, 1961. Pictured (left to right) are Anna Brustad, Pauline Lohn, Mae Rideout, Ida Twedten, Sue Monroe, and Dr. Blanche Sharp.

Black and white photograph of ten past BPWC presidents pose for a group photograph, 1961. From left to right: Gudvieg Norseth, Clara Berg, Belva Saugstad, Helen Espe, Clara Caouette, Frances Engebretson, Mae Rideout, Ruth Christenson, Ida Twedten, and Betty Ohman.

Ten past BPWC presidents pose for a group photograph, 1961. From left to right: Gudvieg Norseth, Clara Berg, Belva Saugstad, Helen Espe, Clara Caouette, Frances Engebretson, Mae Rideout, Ruth Christenson, Ida Twedten, and Betty Ohman.

Black and white photograph of BPWC members host employers at an Elks Club banquet on Boss Night, October 1961.

Black and white photograph of Mrs. Ardis Hiller (left) and Mrs. Ross (right) at a BPWC fashion show, 1961.

Black and white photograph of (left to right): Bernice Ranz (Crookston BPWC president) Marie Bishop (chair of Minnesota District #1) are Dorothy Chadwick (Minnesota state recording secretary), October 14, 1963.

Pictured are (left to right): Bernice Ranz (Crookston BPWC president); Marie Bishop (chair of Minnesota District #1); are Dorothy Chadwick (Minnesota state recording secretary), October 14, 1963.

Black and white photograph of Mary Vattendahl, left, presents the 1966 Woman of Achievement award to Clara Berg (center) as Bergetta Logen, a long-time Crookston resident and the BPWC’s fourth president (right) looks on, 1966.

Mary Vattendahl, left, presents the 1966 Woman of Achievement award to Clara Berg (center) as Bergetta Logen, a long-time Crookston resident and the BPWC’s fourth president (right) looks on, 1966.

Black and white photograph of Doris Matzke is installed as BPWC president by former president June Shaver, May 1967.

Black and white photograph of attendees of the Minnesota BPW Convention in Duluth, 1967.

Black and white photograph of BPW members in 1920s flapper dresses at a holiday party, 1975.

Color image of a BPWC bumper sticker with the club’s emblem, 1970s. At the time, the sticker cost 75 cents.

Color image of a BPWC certificate awarded to Emily B. Schnabel, 1977.

Black and white photograph of Ruth Ross, Crookston BPWC’s centennial chair (1976, 1977, and 1978), was an active, civic-minded member promoted U.S. history by wearing a costume.

Black and white photograph of Sandra McGrath, wife of the president of the University of Minnesota, speaks at an AAUW and BPWC-sponsored annual banquet, February 22, 1977.

Black and white photograph of Sister Mary Magadalene, Marie Nelson (playing the piano), and other BPWC members sing a song promoting the Equal Rights Amendment, May 1977.

Business and Professional Women’s Club, Crookston, 1960–1975

BPWC’s original charter members

Holding Location

Polk County Historical Society

Articles

Business and Professional Women’s Club, Crookston, 1960–1975

Crookston BPW president Betty Brecto watches as BPWC members Eleanor Johnson and Norma Van Horn, two BPW members, reveal the new Crookston BPWC banner on March 11, 1977.

Holding Location

Polk County Historical Society

Articles

Business and Professional Women’s Club, Crookston, 1960–1975

Business and Professional Women’s Club (BPW), Crookston, 1921–1960

Turning Point

In 1975, BPW clubs in Crookston and throughout the state urge their legislators to vote against a resolution to rescind the Equal Rights Amendment in Minnesota.

Chronology

November 6, 1960

The BPWC begins a campaign to scan for obscene literature on Crookston newsstands. During November, members check stands twice a month and list the objectionable magazines they find.

February 27, 1962

After astronaut John Glenn’s orbital flights, Crookston BPWC members watch “A Voice for Mercury,” a film about aerospace technology produced by NASA. They also watch “Seconds for Survival”—a U.S. Department of Defense production about disaster preparednes

June 10, 1963

President John F. Kennedy signs the Equal Pay Act into law. The legislation forbids employers from paying different wages to men and women who perform the same work on the basis of sex.

June 4, 1968

The BPWC has eleven committees: parliamentarian, membership, programs, civic participation, world affairs, personal development, finance, legislation, public relations, emblem, and bylaws.

May 28, 1968

Crookston BPWC member Marian Olson is installed as President of the Minnesota Federation of BPW during the state organization’s forty-seventh annual convention in St. Cloud.

October 14, 1968

The Crookston BPWC holds its 505th meeting at the Elks Club. President Vattendahl leads the BPW Collect (a creed written by Mary Stewart) and the pledge of allegiance.

February 13, 1969

To advocate for the cause of equal pay for equal work, BPWC members write to legislators in their districts expressing support for the equal rights amendment (ERA).

October 4, 1973

The Crookston BPWC has eighty-two members. Annual dues are raised from $12.50 to $15.00.

February 9, 1973

Minnesota ratifies the ERA.

June 5, 1975

A resolution to rescind the ERA in Minnesota comes close to passing after it is attached to a bill on women’s athletics. Crookston BPWC members send telegrams to their legislators, urging them to vote against the resolution.

June 5, 1975

The Crookston BPWC has 118 members, making it the third largest in Minnesota. Duluth is first with 164 members; St. Paul has 137. Minnesota’s total member count is 2,843.