History – Self improvement no new gambit

In the 1890’s a Warkworth grocer named James Byrt Jordon and his wife Mary Jane had four daughters. On Mrs Jordon’s initiative the Girls’ Mutual Improvement Society was formed on April 11, 1893, to promote improvement in the young women of Warkworth.

Meetings commencing at 7pm were to be held at member’s homes on the Friday nearest to the full moon, or, if weather inclement, the Monday following.

A minute book covering the years 1893 to 96 survives in the Warkworth and Districts Museum archives and the closely written pages tell a story of young women awakening to the possibility of a more independent life style, less restricted by the conventions of the time.

Essays were written to be read and discussed at meetings. The subjects included the American War of Independence and Women’s Suffrage. New Zealand women voted for the first time that year. A debate was held on whether an only daughter should marry or devote her life to caring for her parents and brothers.

Readings from Shakespeare, Scott, Dickens, and Longfellow were studied and after three consecutive meetings devoted to “Marmion” the girls were not sorry to reach the end.

At the quarterly social evenings, charades and games were enjoyed and musical items well received. After one such an occasion the secretary recorded that Streamlands homestead was stretched to accommodate the forty guests, a bright moonlight night ensured all returned home safely and she did wish all members would learn the words of Auld Lang Syne.

The photograph taken in 1896 shows the girls fashionably attired. Note the uniform leg of mutton sleeves.