History of The Saturday Club: 1950 to 1980

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1950 to 1980

• An oyster supper was held that raised $100, which was given to the State Federation for the restoration of Independence Hall.
• The Health and Welfare Department administered funds to 17 national and local community welfare programs in a span of two years.
• The first printed and mailed club calendar was distributed, followed by a newsletter called ‘Chatterbox’, which was mailed once a month informing members of all club activities and happenings.
• Procedure Manuals were created to pass from year to year to succeeding officers and committees at the end of their administration to assist and preserve the traditions of the club and to maintain continuity of information.
• The scholarship, education and youth conservation department worked together to raise funds to provide two annual, three year scholarships for nursing to Upper Main Line High School graduates.
• The Ways & Means Committee was established and introduced new concepts: a ‘shop and co-op’ and Wayne, an Antique Show, a Silent Auction, a Holiday Market and a spring dance held at St. David’s Golf Club.
• The total membership reached 307 and it was voted to open the membership to 400.
• Two meetings were held each month with 14 departments and divisions participating. Antiquing, millinery, stretch and slim, bridge classes, travel exchange programs, choral group rehearsals and bowling were popular departments of the time.
• The Evening Section of The Saturday Club was formed due to the overwhelming popularity of the club.

“It has been a privilege to serve as your president, I have received more than I have given and I hope I have learned how to face any situation which may come my way in the future. I am confident that there will always be a bright and glowing future for this Club.”

– Mrs. Francis N. Hoffman, President 1960-1962

• In 1957 the Junior Saturday Club celebrated its 50th Anniversary; they were presented with an inscribed gavel in recognition of 50 years of community service. This gavel is handed down to each incoming President of The Saturday Club to this day.
• The Saturday Club assisted The General Federation in raising funds to complete the base of the Statue of Liberty through the ‘Dimes for Liberty Fund’.
• The cement porch and front steps with hand rails were installed and the Clubhouse driveway was paved.
• The Junior Saturday Club contributed over $5,000 to the new Paoli Memorial Hospital.
• In the Spring of 1969 it was decided that there would be one membership meeting a month, allowing members to participate in smaller workshops and classes of their choosing on other Tuesdays.
• Round Robin Bridges were held every month from October through June to raise several hundreds of dollars for scholarships for local students to attend school for nursing.

“As we look to the future of the seventies, we know that we are living in a world of upheaval, protest, problems and changes. It is gratifying to know that we are members of an organization which has endured for 84 years, through other times during which there have also been similar periods of war and discontent.”

– Mrs. Francis N. Hoffman, President 1968-1970

• At the 90th celebration of The Saturday Club, Maggie Kuhn was invited as a speaker. She was America’s foremost opponent of discrimination based on age and founder of the Gray Panthers.
• The Quarter Century Club was started in 1975 with 28 ladies who had been members for 25 years or more.
• The boiler was replaced in 1976 and members held a “Boiler Blow-out Supper” in the clubhouse. It was a gala affair, attended by 165 members and friends.
• The Clubhouse was placed on the Pennsylvania Register of Historical Sites in March of 1977 and placed on the National Register of Historical Sites on April 6, 1978.