Mrs. Hallie E. Andrews was one of the founding members of the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA).
In 1901, Andrews was a Sunday school teacher at Grace Reformed Church, as well as president of the Missionary Society there. At that time, she met with several women at Mrs. D.P. Wheeler’s home to start the YWCA in Akron. She was one of the original 18 members of the board of directors. In addition, Andrews held the position of secretary within the organization from 1901-1907, the position of treasurer from 1921-1934, and she served as a lunchroom chairman.
On the YWCA’s 50th anniversary, Andrews was named an honorary lifetime member of the board. She was the first person to ever receive that distinction. She was also honored with the position of honorary president of the Heidelburg Class at Grace United Church of Christ. Andrews was a member of the Akron and Summit County Federation of Women’s Clubs as well.
Andrews was an Akron native and lived there her whole life. She was married to Benjamin F. Andrews, who was the vice president and treasurer of MT Cutter & Co. They resided at 278 West North St. Andrews, who was widowed later in her life, died in 1962 in Maple Crest Nursing Home in Uniontown, Ohio, at the age of 93, after suffering from an illness for 19 months.
Photo courtesy of the Beacon Journal.
–Janelle Baltputnis