History of the Juniors Club in the 1940's

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.

The years of World War 11 created many new activities. The wartime presidents: Mrs. Dana McLendon (1941-41), Mrs. W.O. Mehrtens (1942-43), Mrs. J. Stanley Hall (1943-44) and Mrs. W. T. Babbitt (1944-45) carried on despite many hardships and restrictions. The Senior and Junior Clubs were instrumental in having a USO established in Coral Gables, cadet teas were given bimonthly, and a dance for servicemen was a weekly affair. The Club gave itself 100% to all war projects. They were successful in recruiting enough WAVES to form 2 platoons. The dental clinic had to be closed in 1944 due to the shortage of dentists. Also in that year, the Juniors and Seniors enjoyed their first May breakfast, and that continued until 1952 when the size of both groups made it advisable to hold separate functions. Sponsor: 1941-1942 Mrs. G.G. Lee, Jr. Sponsor: 1942-1943 Mrs. Herbert A. Leonard Sponsor 1943-1944 Mrs. W. Dickey Oglesby.

A kindergarten for the schools of Coral Gables was investigated and set up under the presidency of Mrs. Leo C. Cloney ( 1945-46). Sponsor: 1944-1946 Mrs. Jack Erneman.

In the fall of 1946, Mrs. Elizabeth Cox (1946-47) again appointed a Dental Clinic Committee, and as soon as a dentist was procured, the Clinic was reopened. In 194748, during the presidency of Mrs. Curtis Haggard, a newer dental unit was purchased for the Clinic. That year the Juniors sponsored a group of outstanding girl students at Ponce de Leon High School ‑ The Junior Girls. This service club was the first of its kind in local high schools. Mrs. Haggard also instituted the President's Council of Junior Clubs in the Miami area. Sponsor: 1946-1948 Mrs. Leonard C. Olson.

At the close of Mrs. C.H. DeCamps' administration (1948-49), the Juniors presented the Seniors with $500.00 for the purchase and installation of the terrazzo floor for the porch in the clubhouse.

In 1949, under Mrs. James Markley (1949-50), the Club turned the sponsorship of the kindergarten over to the Exchange Club. This year marked the first time that Club members took over the entire production of Cabaret. They devised the theme, made costumes, and scenery and produced the complete show. Only a choreographer was hired. Consequently, a great deal more profit was realized from the dance than ever before. Sponsor: 1948-1950 Mrs. G. G. Lee, Jr.

MORE HISTORY

• 1950's
• 1960's
• 1970's
• 1980's
• 1990's
• 2000's
• Cabaret