History of the Juniors Club in the 1950's

The Youth Center called for our assistance in 1951, with Mrs. H. J. Coleman as President (1950-51). The members completely refurnished the library and hobby room. Even an entire new floor was laid. Sponsor: 1950-1951 Mrs. Elizabeth Cox.

By 1951-52 the Cabaret was doing so well financially, and building up such a surplus in the Welfare fund, that Mrs. John H. Lipscomb's administration voted to start a Building Fund of $200.00 in preparation for the time we would have our own building for the dental clinic. In joint effort with the Senior Club, Pierce's Playground in the Coral Gables Colored section was established and equipped. Sponsor: 1951-1952 Mrs. Nevin Schaaf.

Mrs. Harry W. Graham (1952-53) paid homage to the past in 2 ways. She invited all past presidents to return to a special luncheon honoring them, and asked them to speak on their year in office. Mrs. Graham also gathered up as many of their pictures as possible and put them on display in the clubhouse.

When Mrs. Margaret Akers was President in 1953-54, the dental clinic once again expanded its services, and for the first time engaged 2 dentists and operated the Clinic 5 mornings a week. Sponsor 1952-1954 Mrs. Curtis A Haggard.

The story of the clinic and its ever-expanding services in Dade County in 1954-55, Mrs. Eugene Hancock, President, brought more honor to the Juniors. The Junior Woman's Club was named Outstanding Club of the year in the annual Miami Herald contest. We were awarded a sterling silver punch bowl and ladle-how appropriate for our 25th Anniversary!

A new field of endeavor was begun under Mrs. James Day (1955-56) The Cobblers. Children's shoes were collected from members and friends, polished and refurbished and given out to our dental clinic patients and their brothers and sisters. An X-ray machine was added to the clinic equipment this year. Sponsor 1954-56 Mrs. W. 0. Mehrtens.

Under Mrs. B. C. Brunson, Jr. (1956-57), we added the present dental clinic wing to the clubhouse at a Cost of $9,000.00. We provided over $4,000.00. The balance was in the form of a $1,000.00 loan from the Senior Club, and gifts from many Coral Gables clubs and dentists.

Mrs. A. Jack Mayor (1957-58) became our 25th President. We dedicated our very own dental clinic in September 1957, and opened it on a 3-day-a-week schedule. The Club undertook the full sponsorship of the Coral Gables Junior Girls, who have proved to be a great asset. Sponsor: 1956-1958 Mrs. J. M. Markley.

President: 1958-1959 Mrs. John E. Page

With Mrs. A. B. Kirtland, Jr. as President (1959-60), the dental clinic started a 5-day-a-week operation and a $500.00 high speed drill was purchased. We conducted a "Swim for Your Life," campaign with Club members teaching 297 adults and children how to swim. A $1,000.00 Life Membership donation was made to the Florence Crittenton Home and we spent a total of $5,000.00, raised by our Cabaret, for welfare. Sponsor: 1958-1960 Mrs. William Cox.

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• 1960's
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