Welcome to women volunteers, a GFWC-NC podcast where we talk with women across North Carolina, who volunteer their time in support of community improvement. We'll find out how they got started, how they manage these projects, and the impact of their volunteer actions.
Hello, everyone, it is great to have you with us here today. It is March and March is Women's History Month. Now, you might be wondering why we celebrate Women's History Month. And essentially, it's because that's a month that's dedicated to reflect on the often overlooked contributions of women to United States history. Now, there are a lot of things that we could talk about in Women's History Month and like most months in which we have observations, we could certainly have our observations for more than just one month. But what I'm going to focus on this month in our podcast series is women who have contributed to the General Federation of Women's Clubs of North Carolina.
And this month, I'm going to focus on some of our leadership that we've had over the years. And specifically for this episode of the podcast. I'm actually going to read from one of our history books, Challenges for Change. And it's volume four in our series of history books for the GF WC NC. And this book was published in 1982. And what I'm going to do is I'm going to read two chapters, about one Juanita Martin Bryant.
Now, Juanita Bryant was president of the General Federation of Women's Clubs of North Carolina, from 1968 to 1970. She was also president of the International Association, the General Federation of Women's Clubs from 1982 to 1984. So I'm going to walk us through and read to us a little bit of history about Juanita's administrations.
A Time for Women and Community Action. Juanita Martin Bryant, Mrs. J. Frank, President 1968 to 1970. Executive Committee, Mrs. J. Frank Bryant of Boonville, President; Mrs. George W. Ross of Wilmington, First Vice President; Mrs. J. W. Weathers, Jr. of Youngsville, Second Vice President; Mrs. Charles E., Brawley of Morrisville, Third Vice President; Mrs. Ellie Barnhart of Charlotte, Recording Secretary; Mrs. Guy Buckle of Eden, Corresponding Secretary; and Mr. L. Y Ballantine of Raleigh, Treasurer. I wonder if that was supposed to be Mrs?
Board of Trustees, Mrs. James M. Harper of Southport, Chairman; Mrs. Edwin P. Brown of Murfreesboro, Vice Chairman 1968 to 69, retired 69; Mrs. George H. Kate's of Faison, Vice Chairman 1969 to 70; Mrs. Byrne Bullard of Raleigh, Secretary; Mrs. Charles G. McIntosh of High Point, and Mrs. Fred B. Bunch, Jr. of Statesville (new member 1969); Mrs. J. Frank Bryant, President; and Mrs. L. Y Ballantine, Treasurer;and ex officio members.
No man is an island unto himself. With this premise in mind, and at a time when student unrest was prevalent, and pride in oneself community and nation at a low ebb, an administration theme of A Time for Women in Community Action was chosen as a General Federation theme of "Individual Involvement." The symbol of the volunteer emerged, with special emphasis placed on involvement in public affairs. The program became one of action, focusing on the club woman's recognition of her community needs and acting upon those needs. At the beginning of the administration, a 28 page administration program booklet, covering all phases of Federation work was written and distributed, and a Caroline Clubwoman paper doll booklet was created depicting the work of six departments and the 34 divisions.
During the two year administration, evidence of strength and growth may be summarized as follows. In the area of membership, a club extension chairman was appointed and a survey made of communities without clubs clubs were asked to federate new clubs in their districts where none existed. As a result, 15 new General and Junior and 13 new Sub-Junior clubs were organized during the two year administration. The sub-juniors at their annual Jamboree in 1969, voted to become per capita dues-paying members of the Federation. In citizenship. 164 clubs had 100% of their members registered and voting in the general election, while 156 clubs conducted Get Out the Vote campaigns. American flags were purchased by 3,965 club members for their homes and clubwomen purchased and wore American flag pins to implement their emphasis on patriotism, and citizenship.
The Federation played an important role in the passage of three bills in the North Carolina legislature, the establishment of a state Youth Commission, an Eye Safety Check for schoolchildren, and the State Zoo located near Asheboro. Clubs held 23 forums across the state and all state legislative candidates were invited to attend one of these forums.
A public affairs survey on issues and problems facing North Carolina was conducted with a tabulation of results forwarded to the governor and members of the legislature. The Federation held a Visit Your State Capitol Day on May 28, 1969. With 1,233 club members attending the legislative sessions of the North Carolina General Assembly, visiting the governor's mansion at a coffee, and holding private sessions with their respective legislators. At the Federation's request, the governor proclaimed North Carolina Citizenship Week, May 25 through 31st 1969. In scholarships, over $16,000 was added to the Sally Southall Cotton Scholarship Fund in an effort to reach the NCFWC goal of $100,000. Four scholarships at $800 each were awarded each year. In leadership, leadership development classes were promoted and conducted on the local as well as a state level with an increase in attendance at all but one of the 16 district meetings. Club presidents in 1969 were included as members of the Federation's Board of Directors, enabling them to receive further leadership training.
A questionnaire was presented to all board members including club presidents, so that the North Carolina Federation might determine better and more efficient ways to serve the membership and to give members the opportunity to express themselves concerning all phases of Federation work. As a result, many good new ideas and suggestions were brought to the Executive Committee. Open House was held at all eight state correctional schools in September and October 1969. Especially featured on September 27th 1968, was NCFWC day. It Samarcand Manor and celebration of that institution's golden anniversary. Also the Federation was notified that Marjorie Y. Yokley Memorial School and Koriuma Bolivia, which was sponsored by the North Carolina Federation memory of Miss Yokley, past President 1966 to 67, had been dedicated on August 18, 1969.
At a time when women were accused of not properly assuming their political responsibilities, and with the urging of her Federation friends and business acquaintances, Mrs. James M. Harper Jr. of Southport ran for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina. In the 1968 Democratic primary there were three persons running. Mrs. Harper, a newcomer to state politics came in second was 23.99% of the vote, having pulled 148,613 votes. The winner of the race was a former Speaker of the House in the General Assembly. The following two North Carolina Federation Past Presidents died during this administration, Mrs. Kate Burr (Clarence) Johnson, President 1917 to 18 of Raleigh, died August 15, 1968 and Mrs. Ida McDonald (Charles G.) Hook, President 1919-21 of Charlotte, died December 8, 1968. Mrs. Edwin P. Brown of Murfreesboro, and NCFWC past President 1954 to 56, was presented the Chowan College's Distinguished Alumni Award during commencement 1968.
The 1969 convention was held at the Grove Park Inn Asheville, April 27 through 30. Using the theme A Time for Challenge, charters were presented to seven clubs; Welcome Woman's Club of Lexington, Laurinburg Woman's Club, Bessemer Junior Woman's Club of Greensboro, Jamestown Service, League of High Point, Zebulon Junior Woman's Club, Boonville Junior Woman's Club, and the Junior Woman's Club of Williamston.
A budget of $50,000 was accepted and Mrs. Fred B Bunch Jr. of Statesville, was elected to a five year term on the board of trustees. Mrs. Leif Valand of Raleigh, Chairman of the Legislative Committee, reported to the that the Federation as a very active member of the NC Legislative Council had been urging the General Assembly to pass a three pronged program, licensing of daycare centers, a consumer protection law, and the abolishment of the death penalty. The latter did not pass. Mrs. Valand urged club women to support a pending bill regarding auto tire safety. Mrs. Robert LaBoyteaux of Gibsonville, Cookbook Chairman, reported a total of 5,002 volumes of Tarheel Receipts had been sold and presented $750 to the SSC Scholarship Fund, bringing the total net profit to $3,250. Mrs. Hayes Jones of the Lexington Woman's Club presented $150 from her club to the scholarship fund as a memorial to Mrs. Bryant's mother-in-law, Mrs. Dixie Bryant.
New resolutions passed for 1969 to 1973 were on air pollution control, conservation, fine arts, Family Life Education, United Nations, pornographic materials, television, education and training of deaf children, and crime and violence. A revision of the constitution and bylaws meant at the Federation would have an executive committee of seven officers and executive board composed of approximately 54 officers and chairman of departments, divisions and committees, and a board of directors including all club presidents, bringing its membership to approximately 500. The Board of Directors was thus restructured to increase involvement and greater use of talents of more club women than heretofore in the Federation.
Especially appropriate and well received was an inspirational was an inspiring musical program given by approximately 125 Young people called the Sing Out Asheville group. They demonstrated a new vitality and morality, patriotism and love. Special guest at this convention was Mrs. Carol E. Miller, GFWC Third Vice President who addressed the Convention on This is The Time other speakers were Charles J. Carriker, Jr, Director of Employee and Community Relations and Secretary of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati, Ohio who spoke on LIFE with a capital E. E being enthusiasm, and speaking on the need for enthusiasm to work with people, he challenged club members with quote, yours may wrinkle your skin but to give up enthusiasts, some will wrinkle your soul. end quote. Senator Marshall A. Rauch of Gastonia, spoke on A Look At The 1969 Legislature and discussed bills pending in the legislature of special interest to club women. Dr. Gordon W. Blackwell president of Furman University in South Carolina spoke on student unrest on the campus describing and analyzing the three types of restless students as being the committed idealist, the career rebels and reformers, and the unstable and pathological with an overlapping between the types. And Roger Carrick of high point president of the North Carolina youth councils Incorporated, who spoke on Youth Today and his endeavor to establish a state Youth Commission. He stated his slogan, "If you want to get something started, get youth behind it. And if you want to get it established, get the women's clubs behind it." The legislature established the Commission on April 30 1969.
Robert Montgomery, former film star and current president of the Board of the Repertory Rheater of Lincoln Center in New York City, spoke at the convention meeting on communication. He expressed his concern over the power the radio and television networks exert over culture. By request, he read Robert E. Lee by Beret.
Registered at this convention were 569 voting delegates. Mrs. Bryant chose as her 1970 convention theme, A Better World Begins With Me, with special emphasis on good citizenship. The convention was held April 21 through 24th at the Robert E. Lee Hotel and Convention Center in Winston Salem. The following eight new clubs were chartered; Selma Junior Woman's Club, Four Oaks Junior Woman's Club, Robins Woman's Club, Hudson Woman's Club, Parkville Woman's Club, Renaissance Woman's Club of Charlotte, Monroe Junior League, and evergreen Woman's Club of Fayetteville.
Speakers were Dr. Cleo Dawson, psychologist, author and lecturer from Lexington, Kentucky, whose topic was the 20th Century Head-On. Dr. C. Excelle Roselle, retired Minister, who spoke on the Responsibilities of Citizenship. Mrs. Nancy W. Chase, Wayne County representative in the General Assembly, Mrs. Geraldine R. Nielsen Senator from Forsyth County, who spoke on the importance of women in politics and problems and opportunities facing our state and nation. And Dr. Harvey C. Hahn, pastor of the Otterbeing United Methodist Church, Dayton, Ohio, who talked on Patterns for Living. Mrs. Earl J. Hazelton, GFWC Leadership Division Chairman conducted leadership development workshops throughout the convention.
At this convention, the North Carolina Federation became an affiliate member of the North Carolina Association of Women Highway Safety Leaders Incorporated. There were 834 registrants at the convention, Mrs. Edwin P. Brown, and GFWC Past President installed the following officers to serve during the 1970 1972: President, Mrs. Paul Keller of Smithfield; First Vice President, Mrs. Harold W. Odenwald of Greensboro; Second Vice President, Mrs. Edwin McCoy of Statesville; Third Vice President, Mrs. James D. White of High Point; Recording Secretary, Mrs. JV Caliendo of Stanley; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Frank Moffett of Charlotte; Treasurer, Mrs. David Worth of Raleigh' and Trustee, Mrs. Julian Porter of Severn.
Mid-year board of directors meetings were held in Raleigh December 5 through 6th, 1968 at the Velvet Cloak, and in Charlotte at the White House in December 8 through 9th, 1969. State fine arts festivals were held both years at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, March 29, 1969, with 593 in attendance, and again on April 4, 1970, was 613 registrants. State summer workshops were held at Lake Junaluska July 8 through 9th, 1968, and in High Point June 26 through 27th 1969. The sixth and seventh annual sub-Junior Jamborees were held in Smithfield July 30 through 31st, 1968, and in Raleigh August 4 through 5th, 1969. More than 200 sub-juniors attended these meetings. A large number of women attended the NCCWO leadership training workshops at Chapel Hill, July 8 through 11th, 1968. And at Meredith College, Raleigh, July 14 through 17th, 1969, as well as the NCCWOPublic Affairs fall forums at NC State University, Raleigh, September 26, 1968. And again September 25, 1969 at the Statler-Hilton, Raleigh.
Members attended the GFWC Southeastern council meetings of which Mrs. C. Gordon Maddrey of Raleigh was president, held at St. Petersburg, Florida November 11 through 13th, 1968, November 3 through 5th, 1969 in Birmingham, Alabama. The GF WC Southeastern Regional Community Improvement Program seminar held at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill September 30, through October 1, 1968, was well attended by North Carolina club members.
The Federation sponsored a trip to Hawaii February 7 through 21, 1970. And club women attended the General Federation convention held June 2 through 6th, 1969. In Cleveland, Ohio. Twenty from the North Carolina Federation attended the GFWC convention held at San Antonio, Texas June 7 through 12, 1970. The Federation was 100% participation in the Community Improvement Program and received $800 From the Sears Roebuck Foundation at this convention. The Federation allocated the money to the SSC Scholarship Fund. In honor of the retiring President Mrs. Bryant. The North Carolina Junior clubs, won division awards in recreation, public speaking, creative homemaking, United Nations, International Hostess, and International Affairs. They tied for second place for federating the most new clubs, and they were presented a special plaque for their skit given at GFWC Junior fun night. The North Carolina Federation was recognized for having the best sub Junior program in the nation.
Those North Carolina club women serving the General Federation during the 1968-70 administration were Mrs. James M. Harper Jr. of Southport, Chairman Constitution and Bylaws Committee; Mrs. Fred B. Bunch, Jr. of Statesville, Chairman of Processionals at GFWC Convention; Mrs. George H. Cate's of Faison, Hostess Committee at GFWC Convention; and Mrs. C. Gordon Maddrey of Raleigh, President of the Southeastern Regional Council.
There's some interesting observations in reading this chapter. And one that really stands out is the politics. Right? 1968 1970 great unrest in the US. A lot of a lot of division. And a lot of unity and coming together, I think you would see in this this administration. I think the numbers were quite interesting, in the sense of how many women went to the state capitol on May 28, 1969. It was 1,233 women. Imagine that today. These women coming to speak with the governor and speak with their elected officials, and to put forth the agenda that they believe is important to lifting women up in North Carolina. Also we talked about the former president who was running for Lieutenant g]Governor, that's Mrs. James Harper of Southport and the support she received from the club, and the the amount of fundraising and money that came in, but also that action about the licensing of daycare centers, a consumer protection law. Some of these things, it's easy to recognize the value of them today, but we may not know where they started. A lot of the things that we find of value or make for safe communities are safe families are safe homes, really were born in the women's clubs at the time when women were really stepping into political action.
And also you noticed our conventions. We had a lot of different speakers speaking on different topics, and a lot of attendees at the conventions. Another thing that really stands out to me as I read through these history books, is the fact that it can be a little bit difficult to understand who these women were because we were still referring to them by their husbands' name. So, you know, Juanita Bryant, for example, was Mrs. J. Frank. So, I know when I've done some historical research, I found that to be a little bit difficult, when there are multiple Mrs. J. Frank's right, and trying to figure out which one is which.
Now, Juanita Bryant was installed as the International President of the General Federation of Woman's Clubs from 1982 to 1984. And I'm going to read from that chapter for you.
The installation of Juanita Martin Bryant, Mrs. J. Frank, the first North Carolinian ever to serve as International President of the General Federation of Women's Clubs took place on June 11, 1982 in Bismarck, North Dakota, at the close of the 91st GFWC annual convention. Mrs. Bryant is an honorary president of the North Carolina Federation, having served for the 1968-70 administration. Staunchly supporting their candidate, the North Carolina delegation of 58 club members and six husbands was the largest delegation at the GFWC convention held June 6 through 11th, 1982, except for the hostess state of North Dakota. Members arrived early and stayed late, traveling by car, van, camper, private plane and commercial plane. They took advantage of a 2,000 mile treck to see the intervening countryside and used it as a stepping stone to visit the west coast and toured the Dakotas picturesque plains and mountains both before and after the five day convention. Preparations for this event began early in the summer of 1981. Mrs. John V. Sutton, NCFWC President 1980-82 held the first state meeting after Mrs. Bryant's election as GFWC President-Elect in June 1980. The following NCFWC past presidents were appointed to the steering committee, Mrs. C. Gordon Maddrey, Overall Chairman, Mrs. Harold W. Odenwald and Mrs. V. Herman Creech, Jr, Chairmen of the North Carolina Inaugural Dinner, Mrs. Molly L. Johnson and Mrs. Frank C. Moffett, Chairmen of the Reception, Mrs. Curran Holloman, President Elect Chairman of the Installation, Mrs. Sutton and Mrs. Joseph G. Tobert. NCFWC Executive Secretary were ex officio members of the committee. Members called themselves Friends of Juanita.
To begin the festivities, the North Carolina social hour and dinner were held in the Bavarian room at the Kirkwood Motor Inn at 6pm on June 11, 1982, preceding the installation. In attendance were GFWC honorary presidents and their husbands outgoing and incoming GFWC officers, special guests, members of the president-elect's family and the entire North Carolina delegation and husbands with Mrs. John V. Sutton and NCFWC President 1980-82 presiding. Mrs. C Gordon Maddrey NCFWC Honorary President 1960 to 62 and GFWC Chaplain for 1982 to 84. Gave the invocation. After Mr. Sutton introduce the guests, Mrs. Harold W. Odenwald NCFWC Honorary President 1972 to 74 and GFWC Southeastern Conference President 1980-82 presented Mrs. Bryant with a hand-painted dogwood arrangement on a wooden pedestal with a plaque engraved "in Federation Love" as a gift of devotion from the North Carolina Federation.
Mrs Kern Holloman, NCFWC President 1982 to 84 toasted the incoming GFWC International President and Mrs. Bryant responded with her thanks and gratitude to the North Carolina Federation for its support through the years. She announced that the GF WC fall Board of Directors meeting would be held in Raleigh in September 1982 and extended a personal and special invitation to board members to attend. She also announced North Carolina Days in Washington at headquarters would be October 1, 2 and 3, 1982 and invited North Carolina club women to visit her at GFWC headquarters during this time.
She then disclosed her personal appointments for the two years for Mrs. Molly L. Johnson of Thomasville, Honorary President 1976 to 78 as GFWC Executive Hostess and her personal aides, Debby Bryant of Boonville and Raleigh, daughter of Mrs. Bryant, Pat Davis of Raleigh, Theresa Lee of Wilmington, and Judy wall of Rural Hall, sister of Mrs. Bryant.
The theme of the dinner North Carolina From The Mountains To The Sea, was evident in the table decorations which were centered with three metal discs, on which hurricane lamps held blue candles surrounded by arrangements of seashells, pine branches, white roses and blue ribbons. Cross Stitch placecards with the outline of North Carolina in blue on white, were centered with individual embroidered names. Favors were sand dollars from the North Carolina coast, and wooden plaques on stands on which were printed the legend of the sand dollar.
Immediately following the dinner, the group went to the Bismarck Municipal Auditorium for the Installation. At 8:30pm. North Carolina Marshals Linda Marko of Greensboro and Betty Tolbert of Raleigh, led the processional of incoming officers to the stage, where the focal point was a magnificent basket of red roses. Mrs. Don L. Shide GFWC retiring International President presented Michael Riley, operatic bass baritone, who's many concerts set the tone for the evening. Mrs. Shide recognized Mrs. Carroll A Miller, G.FWC, Honorary President, 1974 to 76 who installed the 1982-84 GFWC officers.
As each officer was installed. She was escorted to the center of the stage by her state Director of Junior Clubs where she was met by her State President, presented an arm bouquet of red roses, received her charge of office and was given a pin designed by Mrs. Bryant that will designate each office in the future. At the conclusion of the installation service, and the presentation of honorary president and presidential pins by the outgoing incoming presidents, Mrs. Bryant gave her inaugural address.
Her presentation part spoken and part three dimensional audio visual was innovative, informative and inspiring. She announced that the new logo for the 1982-84 administration would be the V for Volunteer and the theme Unity in Diversity, community improvement through volunteer efforts. She invited the audience to view a capsule presentation of the professionally narrated audio visual presentation entitled GFWC Volunteer 1982 to 84, which outlined programs and projects for the new administration. She quoted from Jenny June Crowley, who described the purpose of the Sorosis Club of New York, the GFWC mother club as being, quote, "a stirring of intense desire that women should come together all together, not from one church or one neighborhood or one walk of life, but from all quarters and take counsel together, find the causes of failure and separation of ignorance and wrongdoing, and try to discover better ways, more intelligent methods" end quote. Nowhere, Mrs. Bryant said, is there a better definition of unity in diversity. Mrs. Bryant pledged that as this administration begins, quote, "I shall draw strength from your strength, find wisdom in your counsel, learn humility from your steadfastness, and draw courage from your dreams because the potential of GFWC is infinite." end quote.
North Carolina club members escorted the officers from the auditorium where they boarded buses for the reception in the Ryan Hall room of the Kirkwood Motor Inn. The walls of the entire Ryan Hall ballroom were covered with hand painted scenes of North Carolina, from mountains to the sea. On the right wall, were mountains flanked with a border of flowering dogwood, rhododendron, and native North Carolina plants was a focal point being pilot mountain. directly ahead in the center was a white colonial mansion flanked by scenes of Old Salem and tobacco fields. On the left was the seashore bordered by sandy beaches, shells and shrubs, and the Cape Hatteras lighthouse, while on the fourth wall was an outlined map of the state, pinpointing North Carolina's industrial and agricultural products. Gazebos on each side served as refreshment centers for a variety of drinks, small tables interspersed over the room were ladened with food, barbecued pork roast beef roast sausage and ham biscuits, colorful finger sandwiches, hors d'oeuvres, petit fours, miniature fruit pies, and Moravian cookies and peanuts from North Carolina.
To identify the North Carolina delegation as hostess, delegates wore long Navy skirts on which were hand painted the North Carolina official flower and bird, the dogwood and the Cardinal. Summery long-sleeved white blouses were worn with the skirts, and the identifying handcrafted badges used as placecards at the dinner earlier in the evening completed their attire. The receiving line was formed on the porch of the colonial mansion, where Mrs. Kern Holoman received the guests and Mrs. John V. Sutton presented them to Mrs. Bryant and the newly installed officers. As international guests signed the guestbook, they were given an original hand woven laminated bookmark commemorating the event.
Present for the festivities were Mrs. Bryant's husband Frank, daughter, Debby, son and daughter-in-law Steve and Dawn, Brian and Jay and sister, Judy Wall. The three hour reception marked close of a never to be forgotten moment in the history of the North Carolina Federation of Women's Clubs. A landmark filled with beauty, satisfaction and excellence. It was the ending of the Federation's two years of preparation and the beginning of a GFWC administration founded on solid support, confidence, pride, love and high esteem.
A complete list of North Carolinians in attendance were Marjorie Beavers and Jeanne Bolt, Winston Salem; Gladys Burrows, Greensboro; Carol Brinkley, Lexington; Sarah Lou Brown, Booneville; Debby Bryant, Raleigh; Juanita and Frank Bryant, Booneville; Jay Bryant and Steve and Dawn Bryant, Raleigh; Johnny Burke, Greensboro; Ruth Capps, Black Mountain; Mary Conrad, Lexington; Pat Davis, Raleigh; Marty Dixon, Greensboro; Angela Early, Ahoskie; Virginia Evans, Washington; Joyce Givens, Asheville; Edwina Gilliam, Waygran; Louise Greer, Wilmington; Katy Grubbs, Winston Salem; Nellie Haley, Rocky Mount; Inez Hargrove, Oriental; Rosaleen Harlan, Rockingham; Grace and Fred Harwell, Washington; Alice Hatcher, Kinston; June Hayes, Raleigh; Willie Lee and James Hollingsworth, Asheville; Kaye and Kern Holoman, Raleigh; Molly Johnson, Thomasville; Martha Lancaster, High Pointl Teresa Lee, Wilmington; Carol Lewis, Gastonia; Eva Long Tarboro; Mabel Claire Maddrey, Raleigh; Carolyn Mann, Boonville; Linda Marcotte, Greensboro; Peggy Moffat, Charlotte; Essie Newman, Star; Elaine Odenwald, Greensboro; Margaret Ellen, Salisbury; Barbara Price, New Bern; Doretha Rose, Ahoskie; Eva Ross, Wilmington; Polly Russ, Shallotte; Ola Belle and AN Sawyer, Washington; Jean Sharpe, Ahoskie; Donna Sims, High Point; Sarah Sizemore, Booneville; Emma Gay Stevenson, Durham; and Anita Stilley, Charlotte; Helen Sutton, Greensboro; Esther Thomas, Laurinburg; Louise Thompson, Wilmington; Betty Tobert, Raleigh; Anne Upchurch, Raeford; Vonna Viglione, Fayetteville; JudyWall, Rural Hall; Lucille Whidbey Wilmington; Mary Kay and Orin whitener, Lenoir; Thelma Whitley, Washington; Iris Williams, Asheville; JB Williams Tarboro; and Mildred Wishon, Hickory.
That was a long list of names, but it was a special moment for the North Carolina Federation. And one thing I find really interesting, as you know, a couple of years, obviously, into this pandemic. That's the decorations for this installation sound absolutely amazing. I could just picture it in my mind. And I think that we could agree that Juanita and the women of the North Carolina Federation, did an amazing job at presenting North Carolina to the rest of the women. Thank you for walking back with me a little bit and exploring some history. And we'll continue to explore our history through the entire month of March.
Women volunteers is a podcast by Kelly Paul for GFWC-NC. If you're interested in learning more about the General Federation of Women's Clubs of North Carolina, and how you can join these amazing women in improving our communities, please visit us on the web at GFWCNC.org
