After more than a century of teas, bus trips, speakers, and civic activity, the Dedham Women’s Club folded yesterday afternoon.Calling it “heartbreaking,” many said they were sad to see the organization go, but were determined to send it out with style.
The organization, made up largely if not entirely of senior citizens, could not find volunteers to take up leadership positions to carry the organization further.The club was in existence for 115 years, 11 months and 21 days.
Instead of electing officers for the next year at their annual meeting, the members voted to donate all their property and records to the Dedham Historical Society, and the remaining funds to several non-profits.
Members dined on a hot catered lunch in the ballroom before undertaking the business of putting themselves out of existence.An engraved silver tea service that dates back to the early 1900’s was on display in the corner.Alongside it sat the president’s gavel, which had been carved out of the Old Avery Oak.
On the table in the front of the room sat a cake with the club’s seal, and a tablecloth with the names of members in 1973 embroidered on it.Also on display were several pieces of the club’s formal china, which date back to at least the 1940’s.
Several members remembered not only when the formal china and silver were used before their move to the Endicott Estate seven years ago, but also when the members dressed much more formally.
“We all wore hats and white gloves,” said Polly Gould.“We would drink tea and eat tea sandwiches.”
Gould, who at 51 years a member is the club’s longest, was recognized as such.A plaque was affixed to a piece of the club’s china and presented to her with a stand on which to put it.Similar pieces were given to each of the past presidents, and tea cups full of flowers were given to present and former board members.O’Keefe was also presented with a tiara, a bouquet of flowers, and a cash gift from the members.
In a final act of business, the members voted to double their scholarship awarded to a High School student to $1,000 and to award two of them this year.In addition, they voted to give $2,000 to the Historical Society, the Endicott Estate, the Dedham Education Foundation, and the Dedham School of Music.
The last was given in appreciation to Joe Brogan, director of fine arts in the schools, who has brought the High School brass ensemble to play at the club’s Christmas party for several years.A donation of $2,000, plus any money left over from interest in the accounts, will be donated to the Food Pantry.
In her closing speech, President Pat O’Keefe gave a listing of all the accomplishments and milestones women have achieved in the past 115 years, and noted that things continue to improve.
“Our children and grandchildren are growing up in a world we never could have imagined,” O’Keefe said.
Members say they will miss the social aspects of the club, but also giving back to the community.The club annually donated books to the public library, and supported several local causes.
The Dedham Women’s Club was organized on April 19, 1893, and joined the state federation in 1895.They joined the national federation in 1923, but withdrew from it in 1973.Their motto, still published in the membership book, is “Coming together is a beginning; Keeping together is a progress; Working together is a success.”
Peg Lexander said she hoped that an annual reunion could be held.In closing the meeting, O’Keefe quoted another long time member, Eileen Coffin.
“It’s the end of an era for us,” O’Keefe said.“It’s sad, but we had a good run.”
