Educated, thoughtful, engaged in the world, determined to improve themselves and the community: the eight founders of the Old Mission Women's Club launched a legacy 75 years ago.
Gathering November 12, 1931, in a member's home, these eight women carved out special time for a range of usually educational programs. The unifying theme was to broaden their horizons by tapping the expertise, education and creativity of the members.
"Many of the programs were given by members, there was one on India given by Lillian Ladd and another on an imaginary trip to an English flower garden," said Lois Manigold, portraying founding member Susan Walker, the club's first vice president. "Still today, we draw on membership for programs which showcase the talents of many."
Members of the Old Mission Women's Club gathered Thursday for a celebratory luncheon in honor of the club founders. During a program created over 14 months by a committee of 11 club past presidents, attendees welcomed visits by the eight founders who were visiting for the afternoon "from Heaven."
Portrayed by club members clad in clothes from the era, these women gave a synopsis of the club's history, philosophy, projects, programs and goals. Beginning with the roll call tradition started by the founders, they worked through a meticulously researched script written by past president Susan Cogswell. Cogswell acknowledged the dedication of Carolyn Burns in filling the script with telling facts about the club's members and activities throughout the years.
"Carolyn read 75 years of minutes, she researched obituaries and conducted interviews," noted Cogswell.
While other women's clubs existed on the Old Mission Peninsula when the Old Mission Women's Club formed, their formula proved a winner. With 147 members this year, it remains one of only two in existence today. During its lifespan, dues have gone from the initial $1 to $4 in 1974 to the current $20 fee.
Started just 12 years after women won the right to vote in elections, the founding members of the club were active in their community: three held elected office in the township. Current events and topical discussions formed the basis for many programs, spanning the decades from 1931 to today.
"To those here today, remember us who worked so hard so you can cast your votes on Tuesday," said Carol Murray, portraying Emily Prescott, the current events chair of that first club.
Throughout the years, the group's focus never wavered: a deep and lasting care of the community. To that end, it has taken on a range of charitable projects as an complement to its social mission. Time, energy and money have gone to community organizations over the years, including the American Red Cross, Munson Medical Center, the March of Dimes, Old Mission Peninsula School's PTO and the Traverse Symphony Orchestra.
During a 20-year span from 1969-89, the club baked 131 cakes for the NMC Barbecue. Since 1993, they have given away 74 Thanksgiving baskets to needy families and in 1992 the club raised $5,000 to save, move and restore the Hessler Log Cabin, which is now a central feature at the Lighthouse State Park.
The hallmark of their public events is the annual cookie sale, which for the past ten years has drawn hundreds of people who snap up tens of thousands of homemade holiday treats. Lines form before the sun even rises on this annual early December event, which this year is scheduled for Saturday, December 2, from 8 a.m. until noon at the township's Fire Station Number 2.
Club members concluded their celebratory luncheon by singing Irving Berlin's "God Bless America" and enjoying tributes from township officials, state representatives, Governor Jennifer Granholm and the state's two United States Senators. Cogswell also unveiled a flag sent to the club by Rep. Dave Camp that had flown over the United States Capital Building earlier this year.