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History of the Juniors Club in the 1930's

The Coral Gables Woman's Club was organized in 1923, and became a member of the Dade County, Florida and General Federation of Woman's Clubs. During the term of Mrs. Lewis Robinson in 1929, the Junior Department was formed, and Mrs. John L. Skinner took over the reins of the Department numbering 75 members. The aims of the group were to promote the friendship of younger women of the community; help others less fortunate; work in harmony with the mother club. The members chose purple and green as their colors, Bougainvillea as their flower and Service to Others as their motto. Sponsor: 1929-1930 Mrs. Jack Hone

The range of purpose and the scope of activity broadened a little each year. Under the leadership of Miss Louise (resigned) and Mrs. Howard Weenick (1931-32) plans were started for a day nursery in Coral Gables. The Juniors produced and presented a 3-act play in order to raise $500.00 to contribute to the Senior Club for their projected clubhouse and library. Sponsor: 1930-32 Mrs. J. K. Brandt.

The depression years left their mark on the membership of this young Club. Resignations were numerous, and in 1932 only 30 members remained to carry on the growing need for civic and welfare work. With their President, Mrs. Malcolm MacDonald (1932-35), the Club saw the start of a new enterprise the sponsorship of a group known as the Little Women. Girls ranging in age from 14-18 were eligible for membership. They helped with welfare work and served at social functions, and through these contacts were trained to be future Club members. The popular Cabaret Dance was inaugurated at this time, and Mrs. MacDonald herself served as State Junior Chairman-the only Coral Gables Junior ever to hold that post. Sponsor: 1932-34 Mrs. R. Erle Wynn Sponsor: 1934-1935 Mrs. 0. A. Sandquist.

In 1935-36, Mrs. Alexander Orr, III was Junior President and Mrs. Louis E. Lanford was President of the Senior Club. When Mrs. Lanford learned of the newly created Federal Agency, the Works Progress Administration, she coordinated the activities of the Coral Gables City Commission, the WPA, and the Coral Gables Woman's Club for the construction of a clubhouse. The City provided the land and native rock, the WPA did the work, and the Woman's Club obligated itself for the sum of $10,067.00. The cornerstone was laid January 9, 1937, and the first meeting was held at the clubhouse just 37 days later. Sponsor: 1935-1936 Mrs. M. Lewis Hall.

In 1936, the Junior Department headed by Mrs. Robert Scholz, for the first time drew up a constitution and bylaws separate from the Senior Club. A member of the Senior Club was appointed by the Senior President to serve as sponsor and advisor. Sponsor: 1936-1938 Mrs. James M. Ammen.

During the presidency of Mrs. Upton Ewing (1937-39), a story hour for children originated, and met each Saturday morning in the clubhouse. These years also found the Juniors buying equipment and supervising after school play years also found the Juniors buying equipment and supervising after school play for the Merrick Demonstration School. Sponsor: 1938-1939 Mrs. Roy Peterson.

The Juniors, with Mrs. G. G. Lee, Jr., (1939-41) as their President, started the now famous dental clinic for indigent children The City of Coral Gables gave its full cooperation, and the Clinic was installed in the offices of the mayor where it remained for 18 years until May 1957. Sponsor: 1939-1940 Mrs. Upton C. Ewing Sponsor: 1940-1941 Mrs. Malcolm MacDonald.

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Coral Gables Woman's Club
Organized 1923

Federated 1924 with:
General Federation of Women's Clubs
Florida Federation of Women's Clubs
Dade County Federation of Women's Clubs

RENTAL INQUIRIES
Our charming, historic location is the perfect setting for weddings and special events in Coral Gables. It is regularly available to show:
Thursdays 5:00 to 7:00 pm
Saturdays 10:30 am to 1:00 pm.

Call to make an appointment to view our facility at your convenience:
Phone: 305-639-4749
Email: rentals@CoralGablesWomansClub.com

CONTACT US

Clubhouse Telephone: 305-448-7080
Clubhouse Address: 1001 East Ponce de Leon Boulevard
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 140-614, Coral Gables, FL 33114
Club Webmaster: Robin Burr
Email: info@CoralGablesWomansClub.com


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