"WE WANT A DRY BRAINERD"--This was the cry as prohibitionists paraded through Brainerd in 1916. When the "drys" won, some 35 saloons went out of business here.

The Brainerd Branch of the American Association of University Women was organized eight years ago, receiving its charter on April 1, 1963. There were 15 charter members.

Mrs. James Mark was the first president of the group with Mrs. Donald Wig, Mrs. Rodger Millsop, Mrs. David Haskins and Mrs. Arthur Goodwin succeeding her. Mrs. Ronald Ohphant is the current president.

Serving with Mrs. Mark as the group's original officer were: Mrs. Paul Cibuzar, vice president: Mrs. John OKeefe. treasurer; and Mrs. William Hansen, secretary.

The Brainerd Branch has grown to a group of 113 members. It is an organization for college graduates which offers many opportunities for individual usefulness, as well as stimulus and congenial associates.

There are more than 1,660 branches of AAUW in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Guam. Total American membership is more than 170,000. Last year, Brainerd's members represented graduates from over 25 different colleges and universities.

As AAUW members, individuals are also members of the International Federation of University Women, which unites associations in 54 countries.

The purpose of AAUW has been to enable women to continue their intellectual growth, to further the advancement of women and to discharge the special responsibilities to society of those who have the advantage of higher education.

The Association Fellowships programs award about $350,000 annually to nearly 100 women scholars. About half of these fellowships are awarded to women from other countries for study in the United States. Locally, the Brainerd Branch contributes to several scholarships for women attending the Brainerd State Junior college.

At the present time, the Branch is looking forward to entertaining the State Division convention in May, 1972.

Any graduate who holds a baccalaureate or higher degree :from a college or university on the AAUW accredited list is eligible for membership.

Although raising money is not a major goal, the group has sponsored projects in the past several years. Very successful style shows were held and AAUW co-sponsored with the Brainerd State Junior College Theater department two community musical productions.