Irene S. Bame, 1890-1965

Mrs. Irene S. Bame was one of the pioneering teachers for Americanization classes in Akron.

Her work with Americanization (the process of making immigrants familiar with American culture) began during World War I when she was involved with finding a solution to immigration problems in Buffalo, N.Y. She began her work in Akron in 1918 after moving here from Buffalo. The Akron Americanization program was in the very early stages when she arrived, so Bame had no textbooks from which to teach her classes. The lack of available resources prompted her to write and publish "English for Adult Immigrants" and "Lessons for Homemakers." Bame served as supervisor of instruction of the Akron Public School's Americanization program for many years.

Bame graduated from the University of Michigan where she was affiliated with Chi Omega. After moving to Akron, she once headed the Akron Panhellenic Association. Bame was also a member of the College Club, a charter member of the Akron Art Institute and participated in the Akron Woman's City Club.

In addition to these activities, Bame was on the YWCA board, the International Institute board, and the Akron General Hospital board. She attended the First Congregational Church and belonged to its Women's Fellowship. She was involved with the Family and Children's Service Society of Akron as well.

Bame's husband, Alfred, worked as a clerk at Goodyear and they resided at 717 Diagonal Road. They had no children. Bame enjoyed several years of retirement from Akron classrooms before her death in 1965 at the age of 75. She is buried in Attica, N.Y.

Photo courtesy of The University of Akron Archives.

--Janelle Baltputnis