Miss Virginia Little First President-Numerous Projects Carried Out In Past Decade
From the 1938 centennial edition of The Times-Register
Eleven years ago, or on Tuesday evening, February 15, 1927, to be exact, an enthusiastic group of young women met in Salem High School for the purpose of planning and forming a Junior Woman’s Club. These girls received much encouragement and advice from Mrs. W. F. Morehead, then president of the Virginia State Federation of Women’s Clubs, and from Mrs. Henry A. Oakey, president of the Salem Women’s Club.
Miss Ella Trevey, who was named temporary chairman, selected a committee to frame a constitution and by-laws, consisting of Misses Margaret Lewis Stearnes, Sadie Littrell and Mary Kelly.
A second meeting was held on Washington’s birthday at which time the constitution and by-laws were adopted and a permanent organization effected with Miss Virginia Little selected as the first Salem Junior Women’s Club president.
In May 1927 the club became federated in the Virginia State organization, and after a very successful year in which the club participated in many activities the period was brought to a close with a first birthday party in the form of a banquet when many state officers were present, Miss Little was selected to represent Virginia Juniors at the National meeting held in San Antonio.
In July of that year Mrs. Lily Strouse Rice was chosen as the first advisor of the club.
While it is impossible to review all of the activities of the club during the past eleven years in this article, a few of the outstanding events are mentioned under each succeeding president of the organization.
Miss Helen Lavinder was elected president to succeed Miss Little, and during 1928-1929, the club held several picnics, gave benefit card parties, took a course in parliamentary training, and conducted a “Hope Chest Project”. Dad’s night was inaugurated during the year.
1929-1930 saw Miss Ruby Garst as the club president and in June the organization joined the Roanoke County Federation of Women’s Clubs. In November the first Charity Ball was given and the main project, a “Baby Show” proved unusually successful.
Miss Rosalie Stevens was elected president for two successive years 1930-31 and 1931-32. Among the outstanding activities for these years were: providing playground equipment for boys at the Grammer School; hot lunches daily for two school children. Toys for baskets at Christmas. Miss Garst was sent as a delegate to the Denver meeting of Women’s Clubs. Club took an active part in the Fourth of July celebration: sponsored Salem Night each Tuesday at Lakeside. A Spanish Fiesta at the newly developed Lake Spring Park. Cooperated with the Kiwanis Club in staging a Horse Show at which time $375 was realized. The club was responsible for planting memorial trees and a marker at Lake Spring Park. Sunrise Easter service sponsored at Lake Spring Park. Gave an entertainment program at the Elks National Home in Bedford.
The sixth year of the Junior Club’s career was under the guidance of Miss Catherine Amiss and it was during this year that the new clubhouse was acquired. A Fashion Show given at the Salem Theatre proved highly successful as were square dances, vanishing teas, bridge parties, the money for which was applied on the clubhouse fund.
The formal opening of the clubhouse was held on September 17, 1932, at which time a silver tea marked the occasion.
In December the club cooperated with the town in decorating College Avenue and Main Street with colored lights and Christmas trees.
Following Miss Amiss, came Miss Emily Lorraine for 1933-34. One of the most interesting and profitable projects was the “Thrift Soap” campaign resulting in a net income for the club of $201.43. The balance due on the clubhouse note was paid in November of that year, and the first Christmas Party for underprivileged children was held with 100 present. A very successful Glee Club was organized during the year, with Mrs. Ruth H. Jones director and Mrs. Virginia Deyerle, accompanist.
Miss Mary Morgan was also chosen for two successive terms, 1934-35 and 1935-36. In July the club held a joint meeting with the Roanoke Juniors at the home of Mrs. Annie B. Witner, and later sponsored a concert at Andrew Lewis High School. The club helped out financially to the extent of $45 for underprivileged children.
The biggest project of the year was the “Monte Carlo Ball” in which the Juniors cooperated with the county and city clubs resulting in the organization benefiting to the extent of $168.29. A bridge tournament brought 47.20 into the club treasury.
Special feature events were conducted such as “Hobo Party”, “Christmas Party”, “Beaux Night”, “Mother’s Night”, and “Bingo Party”. A marionette was presented at the Kiwanis Carnival, and the second Monte Carlo Ball was held.
For the next two years 1936-37 and 1937-38, Miss Mildred Worley was president, during which time a number of dances were sponsored, rummage sales held, and teas given. Articles were donated to the Needle Work Guild; $20 given to the underprivileged children. A bridge tournament was sponsored, and donations made to the Community Fund Drive, and a Baby Show was conducted. The club assisted, together with the Roanoke County Juniors, and Roanoke City Club, as hostesses for the annual state convention of the Virginia Federation of Women’s Clubs.
Miss Celia Lavinder was elected president for the ensuing year.
-Prepared by Lisa King
