The Van Buren Women's Club was organized and chartered through the efforts of Frances (Doherr) Sturtevant, in 1944, while she was employed by the Housing Authority of Beaver County. Purpose was to get the women of the government projects acquainted and working together.
At first the year began in January. Later it was changed to coinside with officers of the County Federation, since it was federated in 1947.
Mrs. Elizabeth Van Winkle, a music and voice teacher, became an honorary member in 1946 and gave the club many programs and has always been revered by the members ever since.
Mrs. James Kinney was the first president. There have been 29 presidents; two have passed away and others have scattered throughout the country or moved away. Each president has had a project and members have worked toward that goal.
For many years, some member spent one day a week at the Light House for the Blind, assisting them, A Home Talent Play was put on for several years, once at home, then taken to Passavant Home to entertain the patients and to the Old Ladies Home in New Brighton.
Each Thanksgiving, juices and jellies, apples and oranges have been taken to Passavant Home. More recently fruit trays have been taken to the elderly and shut-ins. At Christmas, for three years our project was the McGuire Home. Many years ago, a load of coal was sent to people in the Village during a long steel strike.
Most recent project is the Poison Control Unit at the Rochester Hospital, which has become a reality with the help of other clubs and organizations.
While a member of the Van Buren Women's Club, Mrs. William Hapach saw a need for a junior women's club and with the guidance of Mrs. Donald DeVault (the County Federation President at the time) she set about and organized the new club.
Van Buren Women's Club granted their approval by sponsoring with Mrs. John J. Batko and Mrs. Peter Madgar as general sponsors.
Mrs. Hapach contacted all qualified women in Vanport to join, received permission from Van Buren Homes and the Vanport Presbyterian Church, for meeting places and arranged a final meeting with the group to decide on fundamental matters. On March 12, 1974 Beaver County Federation chartered the club with the following as members: Mrs. Wm. Barry, Mrs. Robert Culley, Mrs. Thomas Evans, Mrs. John Dymond, Mrs. Gary Marinkovich, Mrs. Marilyn Flersom, Mrs. Eugene Pugh, Mrs. Daniel Reznik, Mrs. Daniel McKeel, Mrs. David Noll, Mrs. Ronald Benson and Mrs. Joseph Pillar. Mrs. Hapach was elected the first president; Mrs. Pillar, vice president; Mrs. Benson, treasurer, Mrs. Flersom, secretary and the theme became "Tiny Voices", devotion to children. The club song, "We've Only Begun", the flower, Lilies of the Valley and the colors, blue and white.
The "mother club", the Van Buren Women's Club, presented the club with a gavel and a secretary's recording book. They in turn presented the elder club with a written by-law stating a joint project yearly (at the time, was the Poison Control Center).
Some of the accomplishments already achieved are: assisted the Men's Club with a children's Christmas Party; entertained the children of the New Brighton Home by taking them to a ball game and a benefit game; Christmas caroling; presented awards to a Grandmother of the Year, Mother of the Year, Girl of the Year and Easter Aunt; honored Vanport Elementary teachers; adopted a son and supported many foundations.
Mrs. Peter Madgar is now president and Mrs. William Barry will be incoming president for 1976-77. Plans for an exciting and rewarding year are formulated, with a membership of 25 willing ladies to do whatever they can to give a helping hand.
The Vanport Democratic Women's Club was organized February 26, 1961 at the home of Mrs. Paul Perkins, with eight women present. Kathleen Evans, Beaver County Clerk of Courts, spoke on Democratic affairs.
Officers were elected and application for charter was made. On March 8, 1961, the charter was received with 26 members. Mrs. Tate, regional director , installed the following officers: Mrs. Perkins, president; Mrs. Martha Bumiller, vice president; Mrs. Hazel Cool, recording secretary and Mrs. Katherine Herzog, corresponding secretary.
The club has been very active in Democratic politics and community affairs. Mrs. Perkins and the club members have been in charge of the American Cancer drive for six years in Vanport.
Through the efforts of its members the club has won various prizes including scrap books. At the State Convention of Democratic Women in Harrisburg and Philadelphia, "Buttons and Bows" won the political hat award and the "Hat of Hats" has made Vanport known throughout Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Perkins is still president of the organization and is still winning awards with her famous hat.
Mrs. Ann McKeel, Mrs. Mary Nitsche, Mrs. Karen Riddle and Mrs. Opal Neville have assisted her for many years.
On April 7, 1957, fifteen women gathered and organized the club. They were Sarah Sanford, Louise Chaney, Margaret Baker, Rose Mary Hudson, Betty
Barringer, Mary Torbic, Helene Boyd, Betty Davis, Kay Meronski, Virginia Byers, Mary Milligan, Lillian Gordon, Zola Chysh, Grace Whann and Shirley Hoegle.
On May 6, 1957 the following were elected as the first officers: Margaret Baker, president; Louise Chaney, vice president; Rose Hudson, treasurer; Betty Davis, corresponding secretary and Betty Barringer, recording secretary.
Attorneys William Angel and Carl Kerchner acted as installing officers. Mrs. Amelia Strutt presented them with their first gavel.
Approximately 3000 books and reference books were donated to the first library in the Van Buren Homes Community Building. The members were instrumental in dedicating "Lytle Hall" in memory of Lena Lytle, a manager and loyal friend of the club until her death in 1962.
Through nearly twenty years the club has provided, through fund raising activities, many worthwhile items for the community building.
Mrs. Grace Whann, a charter member, has been Chaplin for fifteen years.
(These facts submitted by the club historian,
Mrs. Oscar Everett)