Pan American Round Table of San Antonio

Founded October 16, 1916, in San Antonio, Texas, the mission of the Pan American Round Table (PART) movement is to encourage mutual knowledge, understanding and friendship among the people of the Western Hemisphere. This women's movement is based on the ideals of Pan-Americanism and was very active between the World Wars. In 1921, the state organization, Pan American Round Tables of Texas was founded, and by 1944, international growth demanded that an international body, the Alliance of Pan American Round Tables, be formed. There are round tables throughout Texas, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Southwestern United States.

From the description of Pan American Round Table of San Antonio records, 1916-1994. (University of Texas at San Antonio). WorldCat record id: 39683671

The Pan American Round Table (PART) was established October 16, 1916, in San Antonio, Texas. It is an independent, nonsectarian, nonpolitical, noncommercial and nonfederated women's organization. Charter members of PART, present at the first meeting at the Menger Hotel, included: Florence Terry Griswold (Mrs. John Case), Olivia Nolte (Mrs. Walter), Mrs. A.C. Pancoast, Mrs. Joseph Burton Dibrell, and others. PART borrowed extensively from the Pan American Union in its structure and symbolism; the round table concept was taken from the use of such a table at the Pan American Union headquarters in New York City, and members of PART represent each of the American republics.

The founder and Director General of PART from 1916 to 1941 was Florence Terry Griswold. Griswold founded PART out of concern for women and children who were refugees from the Mexican revolution of 1913, with the intention of facilitating better relations between the United States and Mexico. The premise of PART was that a women's organization would have the unique ability to build relationships that men involved in business and politics were not fostering, and if the women of Mexico and the U.S. could become friends, then such ties would influence men of commerce and government towards greater understanding and cooperation. This premise drew directly from the ideals of Pan Americanism and its principle that through education, rather than legislation, understanding and friendship will grow.

Under the direction of Griswold, the founding round table in San Antonio became the center of a well-organized movement and helped to establish round tables throughout Texas, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Southwestern United States. The second round table was founded in Laredo in 1921, and the first round table outside the United States was established in Mexico City in 1928. In 1921, the state organization, Pan American Round Tables of Texas was founded, and by 1944, international growth demanded that an international body, the Alliance of Pan American Round Tables, be formed.

Between the World Wars, a period when isolationism was prominent in U.S. politics, the women of PART were particularly active in their efforts to encourage mutual knowledge, understanding and friendship among the people of the Western Hemisphere. In 1921, members of San Antonio PART were the first American women ever to be invited by the first lady of Mexico, Mrs. Alvaro Obregon, to attend and to speak to a conference sponsored by the Federal Chamber of Commerce in Mexico about problems facing women. In 1931, in cooperation with the Pan American Union, PART of Texas aided in persuading President Herbert Hoover to proclaim April 14 as Pan American Day. In 1935, PART of Texas organized and implemented the placement of a tablet dedicated to Pan American friendship on the International Bridge in Laredo, TX. In 1939, San Antonio PART hosted a visit by Mabel Vernon and the Peoples Mandate to End War Goodwill Tour during the PART of Texas convention. In 1941, Florence Terry Griswold died, and the centrality of the San Antonio PART to the larger PART movement decreased as each round table became more autonomous.

San Antonio PART has continued the work of Griswold by providing scholarships to foreign nationals wishing to study in the U.S.; donating books related to countries in the Americas to libraries, universities, and primary schools; entertaining students, military personnel, diplomats, and other visitors from Latin America; supporting adult education and cultural programs about the Americas; sponsoring lectures by university professors and experts on Latin America; and contributing to disaster relief funds for Latin American countries. San Antonio PART has frequently been host to both PART of Texas conventions and Alliance conventions. Members of San Antonio PART have spoken out against the spread of communism in the Western Hemisphere and discrimination against Mexicans; and they also voiced support of the Good Neighbor policy and repeal of legislation that taxes travel to and from Latin American countries. In 1975-76, the San Antonio PART initiated restoration the gravesite of Florence Terry Griswold and the inscription of the stone with a commemoration of Griswold's founding of PART. The San Antonio PART was host to the celebration of PART's Diamond Jubilee in 1991. As of 2002, the San Antonio PART is still active and meets regularly. Accessions will continue to be added to these records.

From the guide to the Pan American Round Table of San Antonio Records MS 3., 1909-2006, (University of Texas at San Antonio Libraries Special Collections)