| Missing Title |
| 1878 |
In March, the New York Exchange for Woman's Work is founded by Mrs. William G. Choate,
Candace Wheeler, and approximately 20 other women, with Mrs. Choate as President.
Thirty articles are offered for sale in Mrs. Choate's home at 108 East 31st Street.
Within a month, the Exchange moves to larger quarters at 4 East 20th Street. In November,
the Exchange is incorporated in New York State.
|
| 1894 |
The Exchange moves to 329 Fifth Avenue, and publishes its first catalogue. |
| 1899 |
The Exchange moves to 334 Madison Avenue, and opens its first lunch counter. |
| 1915 |
The Exchange opens the Vocational Bureau. This division places women in positions
as domestic and office workers.
|
| 1917 |
Mrs. John Seely Ward becomes President of the Exchange. |
| 1919-1920 |
The Exchange purchases twin five-story houses at 539-541 Madison Avenue. Restaurant
service is expanded on the ground floor, and the shop occupies the second floor. Additional
space is used for offices and for the Exchange's other activities, including the Vocational
Bureau. The Exchange also provides training services, teaching women skills such as
dressmaking.
|
| 1934 |
Mrs. Robert C. Ream becomes President of the Exchange. Amid letters of protest and
extensive media coverage, the "Crinoline Bar" opens in the Exchange Restaurant. Also
this year, the Federation of Woman's Exchanges is founded.
|
| 1936 |
The first Exchange Revue is published. |
| 1966 |
Mrs. Fergus Reid, Jr. becomes President of the Exchange. |
| 1969 |
Mrs. William J. Lippincott becomes President of the Exchange. |
| 1970s |
The Internal Revenue Service begins to question the tax-exempt status of the Exchange's
Restaurant. Proceeds from the Restaurant have traditionally been used to offset loses
from the consignment shop. The IRS concludes that Restaurant itself does not serve
the Exchange's charitable mission, and must become a for-profit establishment.
|
| 1979-1980 |
The property at 539-541 Madison Avenue is sold to real estate developers; the Exchange
moves to 660 Madison Avenue. Although the salesroom is reopened, the Restaurant is
permanently closed.
|
| 1984 |
Mrs. Richard E. Metz becomes President of the Exchange. |
| 1986 |
Mrs. Bromwell Ault becomes President of the Exchange. |
| 1988 |
Mrs. A. Reading Van Doren, Jr. becomes President of the Exchange. |
| 1990-1991 |
The Exchange moves to 1095 Third Avenue. |
| 1997 |
The Exchange moves to 149 East 60th Street. |
| 2003 |
Unable to raise enough money to meet growing expenses, the Exchange closes in February. |
