Anoka County history: Helping hands in Linwood Township
by Maria King
Nearly every night the television news is filled with stories of corporate greed, fraudulent schemes, foreclosures and “dog-eat-dog” business decisions that ruin lives and decimate communities.
But a little Anoka County township has a heritage of exactly the opposite.
The Helping Hands Club of Linwood is an organization that exists to give aid to their own community, neighbor helping neighbor.
It has done exactly that for 95 years.
Founded in May of 1916, it was to be a social club that would reach out to those locally who were in need.
It was a “sewing circle” and was typical of rural women’s groups in the early part of the last century.
Women gathered weekly for the purpose of knitting and sewing items to be donated.
In the process, they visited, chatted, gossiped and learned of the hardships and heartaches of their neighbors.
At first, the by-laws stated that the hostess was to entertain the club in any way she wished.
She provided work for their hands, and lunch when the work was done.
It’s no surprise that lunch became the focal point and the bylaws were amended to stipulate that no more than three “articles” could be served, “such as sandwiches, cake and coffee, …and a relish.”
The last item was scratched out in the handwritten minutes, and replaced with “salad”.
Later, that also was deleted and replaced with “pickles”.
The bylaws went on to impose a 25 cent fine on any hostess who exceeded the parameters, and apparently most did!
The minutes reveal that fines were added to the coffers until the decision was made that “the relish issue shall be optional.”
The minutes further reveal that “the business meeting ended abruptly because lunch was ready.”
During World War I, the entire club joined the Anoka Chapter of the Red Cross, and spent their meetings creating “comfort bags” for soldiers.
They knitted socks and sweaters, sewed pajamas for the wounded and hemmed hospital handkerchiefs.
They also gathered scraps for quilts, to be donated to local families and to members and neighbors who were ill.
A few more were created to be raffled.
Rural women, in the 1920’s, did not have access to advanced education, so when a lady was able to attend a lecture, she reported whatever she had learned to the club.
Topics of interest included “Pictures in the Home” by Mrs. Holden, “Legislation” by Mrs. Broadbent, and “Interior Decorating” by Miss Nellie Grant.
In the 1930’s The Great Depression held the country in its brutal grip.
Still, bridal showers were held in order to help local newlyweds establish their first home.
Birthdays were recognized with gifts usually of flowers or hankies.
Illnesses were dealt with, and casseroles dispensed as needed.
New infants were greeted with layettes and new mothers never needed to look far for advice.
Throughout its long history the club has donated countless items to the Red Cross and local nursing homes and hospitals.
Its biggest impact, however, has been the sense of community that its members share.
The minutes in May of 1936 say, “A motion was made to take all restrictions off lunches served and that “bigger and better” be our motto.”
Editor’s note: Maria King is a volunteer with the Anoka County Historical Society.
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