Early History of the Newport News (VA) Chapter
Links, Incorporated
Through our untiring efforts and with the valuable assistance of the late Link Hazel Reid of Portsmouth, Virginia, our dream of being accepted in Linkdom became a reality February, 1952. Link Lottie Dinkins, Area Director, conducted the beautiful and impressive installation service. The following became the members of the Newport News Chapter of Links:
Alice Collins, Anne Cross, Vivian Dabney, Mildred Downing, Margaret Epps, Marion Erwin,
Kay Frazier, Mattie Reid, Wray Robinson, Lula Scales, Mae Scott, Mabel Smith, Inez Tucker,
Rebecca Ward, Eva Winstead and Sadie Yancey.
Some of the Chapter’s first activities were: the interesting Burnetle-Aden Art Show featuring serigraphs in color; the Mexican Art Show; the African Exhibit; musical presentation by the Chapman String Ensemble; the book fair; and the poetry contests spo9nsored for local students.
Annually, members filled Christmas stockings for Patrick Henry Hospital and Eastern State Hospital in Williamsburg; aided students by paying for college entrance tests; sponsored educational tours; awarded scholarships to high school students; paid admission fees and furnished transportation for indigent students to the Newport News Children’s Theatre and the Musical Arts Series at Hampton University;and conducted Tutorial Classes at local churches.
Sponsoring the Broadway Production of “Raisin” at Chrysler Hall, Norfolk, Virginia, was one of the chapter’s most exciting, enjoyable and successfulfinancial adventures of the Chapter.
Another rewarding affair was the banquet at Christopher Newport College, which featured as the speaker Ossie Davis who substituted for his wife. The Chapter made presentations
amounting to $13,000.000to local civic agencies and to scholarship winners.
We thank God for the past and was we anticipate the future, we ask Him to give us the vision and the skills to execute a relevant and vibrant program in the name of “Linkdom.”
Links, Incorporated
Through our untiring efforts and with the valuable assistance of the late Link Hazel Reid of Portsmouth, Virginia, our dream of being accepted in Linkdom became a reality February, 1952. Link Lottie Dinkins, Area Director, conducted the beautiful and impressive installation service. The following became the members of the Newport News Chapter of Links:
Alice Collins, Anne Cross, Vivian Dabney, Mildred Downing, Margaret Epps, Marion Erwin,
Kay Frazier, Mattie Reid, Wray Robinson, Lula Scales, Mae Scott, Mabel Smith, Inez Tucker,
Rebecca Ward, Eva Winstead and Sadie Yancey.
Some of the Chapter’s first activities were: the interesting Burnetle-Aden Art Show featuring serigraphs in color; the Mexican Art Show; the African Exhibit; musical presentation by the Chapman String Ensemble; the book fair; and the poetry contests spo9nsored for local students.
Annually, members filled Christmas stockings for Patrick Henry Hospital and Eastern State Hospital in Williamsburg; aided students by paying for college entrance tests; sponsored educational tours; awarded scholarships to high school students; paid admission fees and furnished transportation for indigent students to the Newport News Children’s Theatre and the Musical Arts Series at Hampton University;and conducted Tutorial Classes at local churches.
Sponsoring the Broadway Production of “Raisin” at Chrysler Hall, Norfolk, Virginia, was one of the chapter’s most exciting, enjoyable and successfulfinancial adventures of the Chapter.
Another rewarding affair was the banquet at Christopher Newport College, which featured as the speaker Ossie Davis who substituted for his wife. The Chapter made presentations
amounting to $13,000.000to local civic agencies and to scholarship winners.
We thank God for the past and was we anticipate the future, we ask Him to give us the vision and the skills to execute a relevant and vibrant program in the name of “Linkdom.”
Early Organizers of the Newport News (VA) Chapter
Installation of Officers – February 15, 1952
Front row, left to right: Mildred Downing, Wray Robinson, Hazel Reid, National Officer; Lottie Dinkins, Area Director; Marion Erwin, Eva C. Winstead.
Row two: Inez Tucker, Ann Cross, Mae Scott, Vivian Dabney.
Back row: Leah Kay Frazier, Sadie Yancey, Alice Collins, Mattie Reid, Margaret Epps, Mabel Smith, Rebecca Ward.
Front row, left to right: Mildred Downing, Wray Robinson, Hazel Reid, National Officer; Lottie Dinkins, Area Director; Marion Erwin, Eva C. Winstead.
Row two: Inez Tucker, Ann Cross, Mae Scott, Vivian Dabney.
Back row: Leah Kay Frazier, Sadie Yancey, Alice Collins, Mattie Reid, Margaret Epps, Mabel Smith, Rebecca Ward.
2nd Anniversary Dinner with Connecting Links