Women's Propeller Club of the United States - Port of New York Records, 1970-1996

The Women's Propeller Club of the United States can trace its roots back to 1935. After the annual Convention of the Propeller Club of the United States (which traced its origins informally back to the mid 1920s), the Ladies Committee of the Club decided to form its own organization. This group was first known as the Women's Organization for the Advancement of the American Merchant Marine. On December 12, 1935, Kate Eisig Tode of New York was unanimously elected President. A local chapter or Port was immediately formed in New York, and soon other Ports were established around the country (for example, in New Orleans and Savannah). In 1945 the Women's National American Merchant Marine Organization was founded during the American Merchant Marine Conference and Annual Convention of the Propeller Club held in New York City. Eventually, in 1961 the Women's Organization agreed to affliate with the Propeller Club of the United States and thereafter be known as The Women's Propeller Club of the United States.

Among several objectives specified in the organization's 1970, the Club wished "To promote, further, and support the American Merchant Marine" and "To aid in any way possible, worthy and justifiable river, inland waterways and harbor improvements". Its regular membership consisted "of women, citizens of the United States of America, who are interested in the advancement of the American Merchant Marine and who have some member of the family directly or indirectly associated with the activities of the American Merchant Marine."