FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2011
Contact: Caitlin E. Chamberlain
(207) 441-0501

Secretary of State Charles E. Summers, Jr. to Recognize the Women's Educational & Industrial Union of Saco for 100 Years of Incorporation

AUGUSTA, MAINE - Secretary of State Charles E. Summers, Jr. will be honoring the Women's Educational & Industrial Union (WEIU) of Saco at their Annual Meeting on Friday, May 20th for their achievement of reaching 100 years of incorporation.  Chapter President, Mrs. Herberta Harriman, will accept the certificate on behalf of the group.

The Saco Chapter of the Women’s Education & Industrial Union was formed by Sarah Fairfield Hamilton in 1882 and was eventually incorporated on June 15, 1911. The organization has since become an integral part of the community and has brought about many important social improvements in the area including the establishment of the first kindergarten in Saco, a nursery for mill workers’ children, and promotion of adult education.  The group also campaigned ardently for women’s suffrage

Today, the WEIU of Saco works to raise money for local organizations, including the Children’s Libraries, the Free Clinic in Biddeford, the YMCA and Salvation Army.  Each year they award a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior from Thornton Academy and Old Orchard Beach High School. 

The same year the Women’s Education & Industrial Union of Saco was incorporated several other notable events occurred, including the ground breaking of Fenway Park in Boston, the opening of the New York Public Library, the first celebration of International Women’s day, and the birth of Jean Harlow, Ginger Rogers, Ronald Reagan, Lucille Ball, and Roy Rogers. 

The Division on Corporations within the Department of the Secretary of State maintains records for over 80,000 business entities and nonprofit corporations. Twenty-two corporations will celebrate 100 years of incorporation in Maine during 2011.