1940-1949

1940

Recommendation offered that Mrs. Samuel Clark Red, first president, become first honorary member (approved in 1941); president suggests that states be allowed to elect delegates and alternates to Annual Convention; membership 23,033 with organizations in 38 states.

1941

Finance Committee authorized to hire an executive secretary for the auxiliary; states involved in "war activities" with emphasis on home defense; memebrship reaches 26,952.

1942

Auxiliary has central office and secretary, Margaret N. Wolfe, in Chicago; in spite of gas and tire rations, Convention registration is 1,326; president-elect nominated and elected from house floor, insted of candidate offered by Nominating Committee.

1943

Small annual meeting due to war conditions, registration 196; board and committees meet to effect change of officers; official pledge written by Mrs. James P. Sidmonds, of Chicago, Ill., is adopted; membership identification cards issued; $1,000 War Savings Bond purchased.

1946

First joint meeting held of AMA Board of Trustees with AMA Auxiliary Board of Directors; membership 35,000; only five states not organized; physical fitness is a target program.

1948

Dues increased from 25 cents to $1; memebrship increases to 43,357; primary program is dissemination of information on voluntary vs. compulsory health insurance plans.

1949

Budget is $34,493; 49,550 members; emphasis on AMA's 12-point program fro the advancement of medicine and public health; president offers to visit states, on request, to help with programs.