Elsie Lincoln Benedict

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Life Lesson: Focus on What Matters

Life is short, and time is precious. Don't waste it on things that don't matter. Instead, focus on the things that bring you joy, fulfillment, and purpose. Whether it's spending time with loved ones, pursuing a passion or hobby, or simply taking care of yourself, prioritize what truly matters in your life. It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind of work and responsibilities, but remember that these things are not the end-all-be-all of your existence. Take a step back and evaluate what truly brings you happiness and fulfillment. Make a conscious effort to incorporate those things into your life and let go of the rest. By focusing on what matters, you'll find that your life feels more meaningful and purposeful. You'll have more energy, motivation, and enthusiasm for the things that truly matter to you. So don't waste any more time on things that don't bring you joy or fulfillment. Start focusing on what truly matters and watch as your life transforms in beautiful ways.

Sunday, April 17, 2022

1915: Elsie Takes to National Scene for Women's Suffrage Movement

Personal Contribution to Iowa

Boone News Republican 04 Dec 1915, Boone, Iowa.

The Iowa State Suffrage board has accepted the offer of Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt of New York to finance an organizer in Iowa from January to June. This is Mrs. Catt's personal contribution to the Iolwa campaign, accordingly Mrs. Elsie Vandgergrift Benedict, who was active in the New York campaign, will be added to the list of Iowa workers. Miss Eleanor Coen of Chicago has been selected to serve as office secretary at the state headquarters. Miss Coen has had considerable experience in office organizing.

1900-1913 Newspaper Articles: Elsie Vandergrift

The Montrose Press, Volume XIX, Number 50, December 11, 1902

Medal Contest.

At the Congregational church, Satur day night, Doc. 13, seven young ladies will compete for tho W. C. T, U. silver medal. One young gentleman has consented, for the sake of variety, to participate in the speaking, but desires that he be not considered us a competitor. An admission of 13c, children 10c, wili bo collected at the door to meet expenses. Following is tho program: Song, America, Invocation, Vocal Solo, Mrs. Guy Tho Teetotaler's Story, Rena Olds Am 1 My Brother's Keeper, Daisy Moulton The Old Man's Story, Ada Kanegen The Bridal Wine Cup, Blanche Byron Instrumental Solo, Jean Reeves Taken By Surprise, Edith Heath The World on Fire, Elsie Vandergrift A Terrible Charge, Russel Norton Tho Stray Sunbeam, My rile Goodrich Piano Duet, Misses Baker and Osborn Presentation of Medal, Mr. E. G. Brown Benediction

The Montrose Press, Volume XIX, Number 51, December 18, 1902

The W. C. T. U. Medal Contest.

The Congregationalist church was crowded last Saturday night to listen to j the elocutionary contest for a silver metal given by the W. C. T. U. There ‘ were seven young ladies- Rena Olds, Daisy Moulton, Ada Kunsgen. Blanche Byron, Edith Heath, Elsie Vandergrift and Myrtle Goodrich. The judges were Mr. E. G. Brown, Mrs. E. L. Osborn and Mrs. E. H. Murphy and they awarded the silver metal to Misa Elsie Vandergrift and the second prize to Miss Myrtle Goodrich. The young ladies all did very well; j the weakest point in all except Miss Vandergrift was not distinct articulation but this might have been due to timidness. Mias Vandergrift is a diamond in the rough, but must be subjected to an expert elocutionary lapidary or her brilliancy will never be appreciated. The audience was highly pleased with the entire program which included a song by Mrs. Guy and instrumental music by Miss Baker and Miss Jselle Osborn.

The Montrose Press, Volume XXI, Number 14, April 7, 1904

Oratorical Contest.

The oratorical contest between members of the high schools of Montrose; Delta and Ouray took place last Saturday evening before e large audience at the opera bouse. Those who took part were: Orations"Immigration,” Mias Nellie Holaday of Ouray; “Advantage of Difficulties,” Miss Elsie Vandergrift of Montrose; “Morals in Politics.” Miss Alta Stewart of Delta. Recitations- "Briar Rose,” Miss Edith Heath, Montrose; “When Greek Meeta Greek.” Miss Ethel Beer of Delta; “Way# and Means” end “The Besetting Sin” Miss Ada Smith. Ouray.

The judges awarded the first honors for oratory, a gold medal, to Miss Vandergrift end the second to Miss Holaday. In the recitation contest. Mias Beer was awarded first prize, another gold medal, end Miss Heath captured second. The judges who marked the contestants on the point of delivery were: Prof. Miller of Grand Junction, Judge Lay of Telluride. and Judge Hetberiogtoo of Gunnison. Mrs. Grenfell, state superintendent. Miss Rice of the lowa state normal, and Prof. Clark of Central City, marked each of the orations for thought and composition and commended them highly. The contestants averaged as follows: Misa Vandergrift, 88 2/3%; Miss Holaday. 84 2/3%; Miss Stewart, 84 1/2% For recita: Miss Baer. 91% Miss Heath, 88 2/3%; Miss Stewart, 87 2.3%. An excursion was run up from Delta bringing 130 people accompanied by the brass band, which discoursed music on the streets before the opening of the entertainment. Interspersed on -the program, Mies Pelton played a very effective selection on the piano, and Rev. Harper aaDg a splendid solo. Prof. McDonough deserves the greatest credit for pulling off such a successful and satisfactory contest.

The Daily Journal (Telluride), March 6, 1908

The preliminary oratorical contest of the University of Colorado was held last Friday and the following five people were , chosen to contend for the final prizes : Frederick Anderson , of Denver; L . F . Banks, of Union Springs , Alabama ; Frank Swan , of Storm Lake , Iowa ; Miss Elsie Vandergrift , of Montrose ; Herman Weinberger , of Idaho Springs . This is the first time in the history of the university that a woman student has secured a place in the last contest. There were besides, many more contestants this year than usual. The decisive competition In which the two best orators in the university will be chosen will take place upon the evening of March 27th .