Oxford’s oldest service club selected new officers last week to lead the group into its 75th year.
The Oxford Women’s Club, founded in November 1932, installed Darlene Toliver as president and Kathy Hoeflein as vice president/program chair. Nancy Wray and Pam Brooks were elected secretary and treasurer, respectively.
For more than seven decades, the Women’s Club has worked to make Oxford a better place by living up to its motto ? ‘Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.?
Originally founded as the ‘Junior Literary Society,? the club’s programs used to be strictly educational in nature with presentations by members or outside speakers.
When America entered World War II, the club put its energy into helping defeat the Axis powers by selling war bonds and making donations to the Red Cross.
During the 1950s, the club decided to focus primarily on charity work and reinvesting in the community. Members purchased gifts for the local convalescent home and helped furnish the Vets Hall.
In 1953, after touring Camp Oakland (now called Crossroads for Youth), the Women’s Club donated money to the facility and clothing to the children. Members also personally laundered the facility’s curtains.
Today, most of the money raised by Women’s Club goes toward a scholarship fund for graduating high school seniors in the Oxford area. Last year, six Oxford High School seniors were awarded $1,000 each to further their educations.
The club raises money primarily through its annual fashion show at Addison Oaks ? the next one is Wednesday, Oct. 11 ? and Christmas Roping/Wreath/Bow sales.
Women’s Club meets the first Wednesday of the month from September through June. Meetings are usually held at members? homes.
Anyone interested in joing the club is invited to call Membership Chairperson Barbara Kriigel at 693-8066 or President Darlene Toliver at 628-1796.