Meet “Mrs. Margaret G. Riggs”

In honor of Women’s History Month, meet Mrs. Margaret G. Riggs, founder of the Women’s Reading club and the author of “Things Old and New From Rutherford” published in December 1898.

 “The spirit of helpfulness is an essentially womanly characteristic, and it was in such a spirit which suggested to Mrs. Margaret G. Riggs the idea of asking a score of ladies to associate themselves together for mutual improvement. The call was cordially responded to and early in 1889 twenty-two members were enrolled. Mrs. Riggs was chosen president, to which she was twice re-elected. The meetings of the club were held at Mrs. Riggs's house for several months and were most interesting... "

 "What has the Women’s Reading Club done for Rutherford to justify its existence, in other words, is it a success? This much may be claimed for it – it has given the thoughtless something to think about, the gossips something to talk about, and encouraged the studious. The busy woman absorbed in cares it has taken for a brief space out into the fresh air, changed the whole current of her thought and feeling, which of itself is immensely refreshing and valuable, revived in her the power to help and the capacity to be helped, and if I yet doubt whether the club is a success when at the close of a meeting, I hear a woman say, ‘Now I am going home to my children refreshed in spirit, with more patience, a nobler idea and a higher appreciation of my privileges as a wife and mother, ‘ for me, the question is answered, and I am glad that I am a club woman.”  (Charlotte Cooper, “Things Old and New From Rutherford”, New York Brown & Co, Publishers, December 1898.)

 In 1928, The Women’s Reading Club became what is now the Women’s Club of Rutherford. The Women’s Club of Rutherford continues its role of community service today and is affiliated with the State and National Federation of Women’s Clubs.

 (The Women’s Club of Rutherford was responsible for the creation of the Rutherford Free Public Library, The Rutherford Health Department, and the Parents Teachers Association. All were done before women were given the right to vote by the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920.)