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The 1970's

The 1970's began with a buying trip to Europe by Mrs. Mead, accompanied by Mrs. Carr; beautiful and affordable antiques and lovely and unusual china and porcelains were purchased.

As the decade opened, a total of $121,120.00 had been donated to Barney's Children's Medical Center, with a new high of $15,000.00 given in 1972. Also in 1972, Arlene Saul joined the staff of The Little Exchange as bookkeeper. In the early 70's, The Nearly New Chairman was Mrs. Thomas Frazier (Jenny).

The organization and responsibilities expanded, and there was a need to increase the number of board members, as well as to attract younger members and customers. In the mid 1970's, there was a new focus on buying for men and teenagers and there was a continual search for accomplished "knitters and sewers". Mrs. James Frame (Marilyn) was in charge of the specialty Christmas decorations created at the Mead Work-Shop, located at Mrs. Mead's residence...and there were special Christmas shows. Advertising was expanded to include spots on radio and TV and ads in the Kettering- Oakwood Times. While the Shop featured elegant giftware, there was a continual emphasis on hand-made original designs of children's clothing and sweaters.

Over a period of 20 years, from 1958-1978, a quarter of a million dollars had been donated to the Barney's Children's Medical Center.

In 1978, Mrs. Mead announced at the Board Meeting of The Little Exchange that she was resigning. "No one paid any attention, and the meeting moved on..." as noted in minutes. However in 1979, Mrs. Mead announced that she would retire from the Board and that Mrs. H.M. Huffman (Jane) and Mrs. C.E. Drury (Ruthie) would be serving as Co-Chairmen. An Associate Board was formed in 1979, Mrs. Richard C. Cammerer (Molly) and Mrs. W. Anthony Huffman (Pokey) were to be the liaison between the Board of Trustees and the newly formed Associate Board, the purpose of which was to involve younger members of the community.

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