Liberty Eugenticus, or “Mrs. Liberty,” was involved at the Exchange primarily throughout the 1970s as a board member, a time in which handmade quilts were the most popular item in the store. In meeting minutes recorded by secretary Katherine B. Witz from January 1977, Liberty reported to the President of the Exchange about internal business issues, such as mistakes on checks and the cash box being left unattended by certain waitresses. She oversaw much of the logistics of the Exchange and worked to draw bigger crowds by suggesting practices like catering food to private groups. Mrs. Liberty also attended conferences, including the Woman’s Exchange Conference in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where she hired consignors to bring more revenue to the shop. This conference was attended by representatives from different Exchange businesses from 45 states, who were struggling from financial decline and theft during this time, similar to the experiences of Baltimore’s Exchange. Part of Mrs. Liberty’s proposed solution was to buy a more modern and quality Bunn Coffee Maker, in this way supporting the needs of the kitchen staff. In June of 1977, the Exchange added 10 consignors to increase the store’s merchandise. Aside from financial decisions, she also helped to hire the “Best Cleaning and Contracting Company” to clean excess grease from the kitchen appliances, including ovens.
Sources:
“Woman’s Industrial Exchange Meeting of the Board of Managers.” WIE Archives, April 12, 1977.
“Woman’s Industrial Exchange Meeting of the Board of Managers.” WIE Archives, January 11, 1977.
“Woman’s Industrial Exchange Meeting of the Board of Managers.” WIE Archives, June 14, 1977,
“Woman’s Industrial Exchange Meeting of the Board of Managers.” WIE Archives, May 10, 1977.