Miscellaneous items related to Bina West Miller.

[United States] : [Various publishers], 1912-1944.

1 box (15 items) illustrations (some color), metal, paper ; 45 x 30 x 8 cm.

English

Collection is arranged by item type.

At the end of the 19th century, most women were unable to purchase life insurance because of property laws that deprived them of many rights to real estate and other assets, and because of their high mortality rates from childbirth and illness. Women were generally considered to have no legal "insurable interest" unless they were granted special legal rights of interest. This was not the case in most jurisdictions. To correct this situation, Bina West Miller allied herself with a fraternal benevolent order of "Maccabees" and founded the Woman's Benefit Association in 1892 to provide life insurance for women and children. Her organization became a highly successful real estate company that also administered social programs for women and children. It continues to this day as the Women's Life Insurance Society.

Collection contains two vintage photographs (1918 and 1932) of Bina West Miller and two additional photographs, dated June 16, 1924, from the commencement ceremony at the University of Michigan where she received an honorary degree; three postcards showing property associated with the Woman's Benefit Association; an insurance policy titled "Certificate for junior protection" issued by the WBA; four pins associated with WBA events and offices; a banquet program with menu, poems, songs, and toasts dated July 18, 1932; and the November 1912 issue of The Ladies' Review, which lists Bina West Miller as editor on page 198.

Ladies review.

May 01, 2023