Helen Hellwig

Helena Rebecca Hellwig Pouch (March 4, 1874 – November 26, 1960) was an American tennis player and served as the 18th President General of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Personal life Helena was born in New York City, the daughter of Morris and Helen Hellwig. She married William "Billy" H. Pouch on 8 November 1897 in Kings, New York. Pouch was the son of Alfred J Pouch and chairman of the Concrete Steel Company. Helena died in New York City at the age of 86.

Together, Helena and William had one daughter, Helen Pouch, who died in January 1919 at the age of 18.

Tennis career Hellwig won the 1894 U.S. National Championships singles title defeating reigning champion Aline Terry in five sets. Together with compatriot Juliette Atkinson she won the 1894 and 1895 doubles title. She lost her singles title to Juliette Atkinson who beat her in straight sets in the 1895 challenge round.

Grand Slam finals

Singles (1 title)

ResultYearChampionshipSurfaceOpponentScoreWin 1894 U.S. Championships Grass Aline Terry 7–5, 3–6, 6–0, 3–6, 6–3

Doubles (2 runner-ups)

Daughters of the American Revolution Pouch was elected the 18th DAR President General in 1941, having previously joined the Richmond County Chapter in Staten Island, NY in 1916. She served as Chapter Regent (1926–1929), New York State Chairman of Better Films, National Vice Chairman of the Northern Division (1929–1931), Vice President General (1931–1934), and Organizing Secretary General (1935–1938). Additionally, she was elected Senior National President of the National Society of the Children of the American Revolution in 1937.

President General Administration Elected DAR President General in 1941, Pouch's administration coincided with World War II, and all of her projects addressed the war effort. She encouraged members to comply with and support wartime rationing and to volunteer with the American Red Cross. Younger members were asked to consider enlisting in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps or Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, and Pouch supported these branches by visiting their training camps. In 1942 the 51st Continental Congress, nicknamed the "Victory Congress," was held at the Stevens Hotel in Chicago, Illinois, in 1943 the 52nd Continental Congress was relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio, and in 1944 the 53rd Continental Congress was held in New York City. The 1945 Continental Congress, held during the Talmadge administration, was canceled due to ongoing rationing and restrictions.

Other associations Girl Scout Council of Greater New York Staten Island Historical Society United States Tennis Association