The Women's club of Greenbelt was formed on Nov 17, 1939. It was
allotted a chapter by the General
Federation of Women's Clubs officially in March of 1940. It consisted
of the local townswomen, who desired to give back to the Greenbelt
community. The purpose of the club was to promote educational,
industrial, philanthropic, literary, artistic and scientific culture
amongst its own members. A good reflection of their goals (as well as a
measure of gender expectations of the mid 20th century) is the handwritten
recipe in the inaugural yearbook of
1940-41. For more information on culinary practices and the revolution
of the housewife click
here.
Greenbelt is a unique city, being one of the three "Green Towns" built
during the Depression days of the thirties. Both President Roosevelt and
the First Lady took great interest in it,
visiting often. The Woman's Club was one of many organizations that
formed to unite the community and soon occupied a high place in civic
affairs and cultural development of the town. Through its existence the
club initiated many worthy projects to benefit the community. The club
especially tried to help young people, forming youth clubs and a center.
During World War II the club was active in USO and Red Cross work.
Their work did not go unnoticed. Awards of
acknowledgement and gratitude were prevalent to The Women's club.
Remnants of the Woman's club, which disbanded in 1990 still exist today. Plaques
on the Greenbelt Community Center and the statue of Mother and Child, by
Lenore Thomas, in the Town Center were
purchased by the club. In addition, a few members of the now defunct club,
such as Lucille
Howell still live in Greenbelt and remain vibrant members of the
community.
Greenbelt is still up and running today. Although the Women's Club of
Greenbelt is no longer an existing organization, it still symbolizes much
of what Greenbelt's architects hoped for: It involved cooperation,
support and community amongst its members. The Women's Club of Greenbelt
helped nurture a thriving community, much like the mother nurtures the
child. If you would like to learn more about women's life in Greenbelt
on a broader scale I
suggest you check this
out.