PATTERNS OF WORKERS’ EDUCATION

seem to favor functional activities rather than formal study. Conferences are
an example.

Few other groups have been interested in workers, although the Y.W.C.A.,,
as in Upton, is the center of a great deal of activity. An International Insti-
tute serves the foreign born and programs are available in the general organ-
ization for business and industrial women, but since one secretary is responsible
for the two groups of women, activity is somewhat limited. The greater part
of the program is devoted to the former, who have been interested in educa-
tional as well as other activities. The white-collar workers are not friendly
to the industrial unit, which has attracted only 20 women, primarily interested
in social and recreational activities. Neither trade union nor Negro groups
have used the building although the Y.W.C.A. Industrial Secretary feels that
should they ask to do so, the Board would meet their request.

There has been no definite Bryn Mawr School committee in Downton. An
interested group has worked through the committee of the nearby community.
A college club once in favor of the School is now opposed to it.

In the years 1931 through 1934, five women went from Downton to the
Bryn Mawr Summer School, all being recruited through the Y.W.C.A. Two
of the women were foreign-born; the other three were native-born but of
foreign parentage. One student had had only a sixth grade elementary edu-
cation; another had completed the seventh year class; two had finished the,
eighth grade; and one had attended high school for one year. The students
varied in age from 20 through 27°

Before and after they went to the School, the women did not participate
in many activities. As candidates, all five reported they were leaders in the
Y.W.C.A.; two indicated membership in church groups; two said they held
leadership positions in a nationality organization and one stated that she
merely was a member. As alumnae, the women have sensed that the com-
munity has distrusted them and they have had to guard their activities ac-
cordingly. They indicate a sense of futility when they mention the limited
Opportunity to function. Only one person has been very effective as an
alumna; she has continued to be a leader in the Y.W.C.A. and is now serving
on the Industrial Committee and the Board of Directors in both of which she
interprets the needs of working women and their point of view. She is the

° The chart showing the background and activities of each worker is in the original
manuscript at Bryn Mawr College.

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