Tredyffrin Easttown Historical Society
History Quarterly Digital Archives

Source: April 1960 Volume 11 Number 1, Pages 18–19

The Monday Afternoon Club of Malvern

Iva B. Warner

Page 18

A continuation of the history which appeared originally in Vol.X, #1 of the History Club Quarterly.

In the election of 1950, Mrs. Howard E. Rowe was the women's choice for President. Donations went toward the Cancer Fund, Penny Art Fund, Tuberculosis Society, and for a Girl Scout Campership. A Merchandise Club was formed and the Junior Club became prominent, having been reorganized. Even more attention was directed to the Royer-Greaves School, and a Disaster Chairman appointed. The main event during Mrs. Rowe's administration was the burning of the mortgage on the evening of March 17, 1952. At the Garden Party held that spring, Mrs, Frank L. Stetson was installed as President. Programs for the Junior Club were given and reciprocated. Hobby show was very interesting, and for Fine Arts Day held at the Club House in 1954 this Club won first honors in a flower arrangement contest. Some splendid programs were presented about Home Decorating, Mexico, and the World Affairs Council. The Club House was 25 years old and the occasion celebrated with a Reciprocity Tea. One hundred dollars was given to fulfill a pledge toward furnishing Independence Hall, Philadelphia in the County Federation project - Americanism.

Page 19

Mrs. W.H. Kepler being elected as President, the Club continued its philanthropic donations. With the good work of the separate Circles, proceeds from rummage sales and exchange tables, the treasury was increased greatly. Christmas packages and decorations went to Embreeville State Hospital. A delegation enjoyed a tour of the Evening Bulletin building and combining with the Junior Club, many cancer dressings were made. The Club advanced a payment toward the State Federation project- Women's Medical College of Philadelphia.

Then Mrs. Ray Steele was honored as President. The usual charity donations were continued as was the sponsorship of the Teen Age dances. Solicitors for the Cancer Drive were registered from the membership and a class formed to study flower arrangement and horticulture. Programs featured various school problems including retarded children. Much was learned about the libraries of the vicinity, mental health and neighborhood gardens of Philadelphia. The Club participated in the State project of caring for the adopted French boy. Twenty-eight Junior members were welcomed to this Club and alternate meetings held in the evenings to include their attendance. The Bloodmobile still made use of the Club House as one of its centers.

Today Mrs. Raymond D. Burns occupies the Presidential Chair, having served part of her term of office. During last year (1958) help was given Crippled Children, Easter Seals, Heart Association, Leisure Hour Club, and additional sums placed in the Reserve Fund of this Club.

We have given support to the Junior Club Project - Crusade for Freedom, and donated one half the expense of the Cancer Loan Closet. It is a pleasure to share the Club House with the Musical Coterie of Wayne and to have the Girl Scouts continue to use it as their home. Programs have been diversified and inspiring and the Club's part in the women's Medical College project has been completed.

Those responsible for the Anniversary Year Book are to be congratulated, and the members look forward to the plans ahead.

It is by looking into the past that we can act intelligently as we go forward. We salute those who have been the well-spring in the life of this Club, with their splendid work, their deep interest, and their undaunted courage and spirit.

Written for the Fiftieth Anniversary, October, 1959.