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The Harlem Women's Club was first organized in 1925 by a group of ladies living in the community and was a very active organization until 1930. Meetings were held at the homes of the members each month with refreshments served at the close of each meeting. The women would make their plans to improve the community. They would follow through with their endeavor but disbanded after five years.

Thursday afternoon, May 10, 1945, a meeting was called at the Methodist Church to reorganize The Women's Club in Harlem.

Mrs. Oventon McDaniel stated the purpose of the meeting and presented the names of the following officers who were elected as a whole.

Officers
Mrs. L. I. Prather	President
Miss. Marian Baughn	First Vice President
Mrs. P. H. Paschal	Second Vice President
Mrs. Francis Lamkin	Recording Secretary
Mrs. Eugene Trowbridge	Treasurer
Mrs. R. E. Whiddon	Corresponding Secretary
Mrs. Frank Walton	Historian
Mrs. Sara B. Gox	Parlimentarian
Mrs. Thomas Cliatt	Chaplin

Board of Directors

Mrs. Oventon McDaniel

Mrs. E. D. Clary, Jr.

Mrs. Robert Meybohm

The Constitution and bylaws as presented by the Directors were approved and adopted. The Harlem Club was federated In 1945.

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One of the first projects planned by the Club was the building of a Community Club House. Raising funds for this project was accomplished by having weekly dances that were held at the school gymnasium, selling soft drinks at the dances, gifts of $10 from each member of the club and exhibits at the fair in Augusta for which the club received $40. Suppers were also served to the Rotary Club of Harlem and generous contributions came from individuals and organizations. The park was decided upon as a suitable site and part of this was bought with funds raised by three ladles - Mrs. Corrine Ramsey, Mrs W. E. Hatcher and Mrs. F. H. Phillips.

Monthly meetings were held at the club members homes with varied programs and many outstanding speakers.

The first year book was compiled in 1946 by Mrs. F. J. Walton, Mrs. H. O. Hatcher, Mrs. Randolph Lamkin and Mrs. H. S. Paschal.

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The club sponsored a kindergarten, the Youth Conservation, an annual flower show, a clean up week and the Tallulah Falls School which is the only school in the world owned and run by women.

In 1949 Georgia Power Company sponsored "The Home Town Contest", which was entered by the club. Much hard work was put into the project by club members and citizens of Harlem. The club was a winner and received a plaque and a check in the amount of $100 from Georgia Power Company.

The Harlem Club had the honor of having two members, Mrs. E. 0. Clary, President and Mrs. R. G. Hanna, Corresponding Secretary, installed as officers of the 10th District for 1950 at the State Woman's Club Convention held in Brunswick, Georgia.

The foundation of the club house was laid on October 30, 1951 with many state, district, county and local club leaders present. Mrs. T. A. Maxwell of Augusta, State President, and Mrs. E. 0. Clary, Jr. of Harlem, District President, spoke at the ceremonies, as did Mrs. R. E. Whiddon President of the Club. Mrs. Randolph Lamkin presided and music was provided by the Thomson High School Band.

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In 1953 a Girl Scout Troop was organized under the leadership of Mrs. E. O. Clary with many members contributing their time and efforts. Nineteen girls were enrolled in the intermediate group and sixteen in the Brownies.

One of the outstanding programs of the year was presented by Mrs. E. O. Clary who introduced Miss Brigite Peukert, a lovely German exchange student, sponsored by the 10th District Federation and the Kiwanis Club, Woman's Club, P.T.A., Woodman of the World, Daughters of America, Order of Eastern Star and the Masonic Lodge.
The club contributed toward the Harlem Recreational Center that was realized and dedicated May 18, 1956.

Club member, Mrs. Gerald Carter served as Chairman of the Mother's March, the Red Cross, T. B. and Heart drives.

At the 10th District meeting held in Bowman on March 28, 1956, Mrs. E. L. Kelley was installed as 2nd Vice President of the 10th District.

An annual flower show was held in April of 1957 with much interest shown by all members.

The Club House continues to be of great value to the community being constantly in demand by various organizations and individuals. Several utilities have been added and the grounds have been improved with shrubbery and the planting of grass.

By 1958 the indebtedness on the Club building had been reduced to $885.14. The reduction was due to hard work of members and donations by individuals and other organizations in the area.

Christmas greetings were presented in front of the Club House in a beautiful manner and Miss Nina Wooten represented the Club at the Freedom Institute. Nine boxes of magazines were sent to foreign countries in the "Magazines of Friendship" drive by her department.

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During the year of 1959 the indebtedness of the Club house was paid off in full.

Harlem was made a "Bird Sanctuary" through the efforts of the Conservation Committee.

The Club has always supported Tallulah Falls School, however in 1959 the amount was increased to $3.23 per member. All local and county wide fund raising drives were supported by the Club.

Beginning in 1960 through 1961 many things were accomplished as follows. The conservation Department cooperated with the Pioneer Garden Club in their "Litter Bug Clean Up" project and continued to promote an "Essay on Conservation" in the schools.

Through a special program presented by the State Forestry Department, they emphasized "Good Outdoor Manners," "Watershed Study for Safety," "Erosion Control" and "Forest Fire Prevention and Control."

The Education Department sponsored a star student contest in the Columbia County schools, placed pertinent literature In the school library, emphasized Book Week, made a contribution to Radio Free Europe and Crusade for Freedom, and had a special program on school administration which included suggestions for Club member cooperation and participation. Plans for implementing the Cancer Crusade was in the making.

The Fine Arts Department promoted learning the State song in the Club and in the schools, furnished music for Rotary Club weekly meetings, Christmas music for the December Club Meeting, and presented the Harlem Methodist Church Choir in a program of Anthems and Black spirituals at the March meeting. The Club contributed $5 to the Penny Art Fund.

The Home Life Department secured and sent in data on Mrs. Albert Howard (Lucy Hamilton) as a candidate for the State Mother of the Year, sponsored the Vogue sewing contest in which Harlem club member Mrs. V. F. Griffin won first place In the state contest. A religious survey of club members was done and found all the members to be members of a church and gave a special program on the "Family as a Unit" with emphasis on religion.

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The Public Affairs Department promoted the sale of "Gracewood Angels," the fund to be used in expanding the training school, old Christmas cards were sent to the State Hospital Therapy Department at Milledgevllle as they were using them in a project. A special program on Mental Health was given and the value of the Constitutional Amendment for Grants in Aid and Mental Health Scholarships to help train personnel to care for the mentally ill was discussed.

The Community Improvements Division had a special program on the need for slum clearance, expansion of the sewage disposal plant and plans for financing it, publicized the need for bond issue to finance the project and urged citizens to register and vote. Transportation to and from the polls was provided by the Club.

The Club provided $150 for maintenance of the school at TaIIuIah Falls and gave a program on the subject.

The Club House has continued to serve the needs of the community. Free use is given to Teen-Town, Boy Scouts, Cub and Girl Scouts as well as the Brownies.

The Club year ending in 1962 continued support of the Cancer Crusade urging everyone to have examinations as a preventive measure.

Clothing and accessories were assembled and delivered to Milledgevllle State Hospital.

The Conservation Department sponsored an Essay Contest in the high schools on "Meeting Future Water Needs through Soil Conservation Districts." The winner of the State contest was invited to read his paper at the regular meeting of the Club. The club joined the Planer Garden Club in its effort to clean and beautify the streets In the business section of the city.

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The Fine Arts Department presented a study of the "Cultural Values of the Western Hemisphere." A program of music featuring American composers was given by outstanding local high School students, followed by a declamation given by Min Leong who later was declared the winner of the State contest. A contribution was made to the Art Shelf of the local school library.

The Home Life Department had a demonstration of Christmas food for the family. A Sewing contest was held and a Program was held on "Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency." There was a program on religions in different countries showing the influence of their religion in past and present world affairs.

The International Affairs Department sold cards for UNICEF benefit and contributions were made to CARE. Another project was informing students regarding Communism through a program called "Project Patriot."

Iris for planting were sent to the Tallulah Falls School for a project they had and publications about the school were distributed.

This year the Club House was used for the Area Scout Council meeting dinner and for the March of Dimes kick-off program. Many dinners were served for the Kindergarten groups from Augusta in addition to the regular scheduled meetings for Scouts and Brotherhood, etc.

Nina I. Wooten, President of Harlem Woman's club attended the Georgia Federation of Women Clubs Annual Club Institute held at Emory-at-Oxford in August1962.

During 1962-1963 participation in the suggested club projects of the GaFWC "To Strengthen the Arm of Liberty" were followed and contributions were made to Penny Art fund, CARE, Girl Scouts, Peace Corps, Cancer, Radio Free Europe and Eyes for Needy. Old eye glasses were collected for shipment for "Eyes for the Needy." Conservation material was distributed to help young people and older people to recognize their responsibility for the preservatlon and advancement of our natural resources. Fire prevention posters were made and distributed by the local Boy Scouts and Forestry Unit. An Arbor Day program was Sponsored at the Harlem Elementary School and several dogwood trees were planted. A stewardship film entitled "The Earth is the Lord's" was shown at the March meeting.

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In 1962-1963 The Fine Arts Department selected Cuba as the country to study. Cuban refugee citizens of Harlem have been presented on programs in civic clubs, organizations and schools.

Two programs were presented, one a Christmas play reading by a former University of Georgia professor and the other music by students of the high school. The 10th District Award for the best report on activities in clubs of less than 50 members was received with pride.

Home Life continued the study of "Religions of the World." Good family living was presented at two meetings as a prelude to the selection of the "Family of the Year." The Rev. J. Edward Cook family won the election. A silver award was presented to the family at the February meeting of the club. The other was the Vogue sewing contest mentioned earlier won by Mrs. Griffin.

The International Affairs Department was privileged to present a military man of high rank from Pakistan assigned to Ft. Gordon, who discussed his religion as a dominant factor in national and international affairs.

Public Affairs Committee prepared and served refreshments at open house for the two new doctors and a new medical building in Harlem. Cancer Day was March 29, 1963. Mental health was a situation citizens were made aware of and the Hospital at Milledgeville and Gracewood School were given gifts.

In 1963-1964 the GaFWC theme was "To Strengthen the Arm of Liberty." An effort was made to give each member something to do which would stimulate their interest in furthering state and local objectives. The club participated in the drive for legislation to create a Department of Youth in the State. A Civil Defense program for this area was sponsored.

Kindergarten was discontinued due to no teacher being available but will try to get this going again at another time.

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The Georgia Chamber of Commerce Star Student-Teacher Program was sponsored again. Marjory Luckey of Harlem was winner. She is the daughter of our member, Marjorie Luckey. A Recognition Luncheon was held at the Augusta Country Club on March 24, 1964.

Miss Evelyn Hatcher and Club President Nina Wooton attended "Golden Anniversary & Christmas Tea" of the Augusta Womans Club in December 1963. The Georgia Federation of Women's Clubs held in Augusta April 13-15, 1964 was attended by Mrs. J. D. Green and Mrs. Wooton as delegates.

On April 20, 1964, Harlem Rotary Club had "Ladies Night" and some ladies of the club attended as guests.

The club worked with the Pioneer Garden Club and planted Day Lilies and trees in the city on both private and public property.

In 1963 and 1964 National Library Week was observed and books for both adults and children were distributed.

In September of 1968 the club discontinued serving meals to the Rotary Club after doing so for the past twenty years.

As a fund raiser, note paper was printed and was sold. This paper was attractive and was profitable.

In January 1969, Harlem Woman's Club agreed to sponsor the Junior Girl Scout program.

Guest speaker in February 1969 was Mrs. Philip Wall of the Augusta Woman's Club. At the April meeting the Star Student & Teacher Program was a success just as it had been for many years. The club sponsored a drive to stamp out pornography in our area.

It was an honor to have Mrs. Allan Rotter, President,10th District give a program entitled "Keeper of the Spring." There were programs on drug abuse with Dr. Dan Cook speaking on the subject. There were programs on fine arts done by Mr. Harold Benge of Harlem High School.

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Mrs. Dale Clark and Mrs. Gene Cranford of the Augusta Junior Woman's club were guest speakers in February 1970 and the subject was Tallulah Falls School.

During the next few months, the club received 500 dogwood trees which were planted in the city for the beautification of the area. These trees were from the Columbia Forestry Department.

A Citation of Achievement Award was presented to the Club by the GaFWC and the Sears Foundation.

Mrs. Johnnie Hilburn, Augusta League of Women's Voters, was guest speaker on the importance of voting in September 1970. Students of Harlem High School gave the devotional and they were Sara Shelton, Faye and Kaye Cook.

October 8th, 1970 was "Clean Up Day" and the club contributed to the event by feeding the workers. The Rotary, Garden Club and Jaycettes also joined in with furnishing the lunch. This project was a success and the town looked fresh and clean.

The club house was used in October 1970 by Family Planing Service of HEW and henceforth meetings were on the 2nd Monday of each month.

In October 1970, Capt. Dear Farmer of Ft. Gordon expressed appreciation for the opportunity to visit the club and introduced Major Jesus Altunna, a National from the Philippines. His subject was "Women in the Philippines."

Family Planning and Well Baby Clinic was sponsored by the club.

The Club received a TEN YEAR award from the Georgia Chamber of Commerce for the Star-Teacher Student Program.

During Thanksgiving and Christmas, members of the club gave food to the needy and also transported patients to Talmadge Hospital during the year.

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During 1972 there were many excellent programs, religious, civic etc . Mr. Jim Davis from WJBF Television station spoke on problems of the world and Mrs. Joe Green, club member, spoke of her trip to Tallulah Falls School. Two members of the Augusta Police Department spoke on attacks on women, showing film and
told how to protect yourself.

Columbia County had a student by the name of Clara Reich attending Tallulah Falls in 1973 and at Christmas a gift was sent to her, being a clock radio.

Col. Donald B. Whitmarsh of Ft. Gordon spoke on internationa relations and slides of Berlin were shown. He shared his experiences as liaison officer between our forces and the Russians. Ft. Gordon has always been a great asset and the officers have always been willing to participate in local programs. They are appreciated very much AND they appreciate the area.

Dr. Franklin Shumake, President of Tallulah Falls was guest in September.

The First Chicken Barbecue Dinner was held in 1974 at the school cafeteria. This was a fund raiser and proved to be a successful project. These dinners continue each year.

Retiring Tenth District President, Mrs. H. L. Dickinson was guest speaker in May 1974.

The club had Bicentennial Commemorative plates made and sold in December 1974.

Georgia Federation of Women's Clubs Tenth District Meeting was held in Harlem October 22, 1975. Mrs. H. L. Dickerson was President of the Tenth District.

In 1976 the club was looking into the possibility of a library in Harlem since there was none in Columbia County .

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This club sponsored the establishment of a community library in 1980 which was the first library in Columbia County. The building for this purpose was donated to the city ten years prior to this time. The president and appointed library committee met with the mayor and city council to request permission to establish
this library. Permission was granted. Contracts were made with county officials to secure financial assistance with renovation of the building as required by the Regional Library Association. The county agreed to pay $20,000 on renovation and to pay salary for a 20 hour week and all utilities. The city leased the building
to the County for $1 per year. Through efforts of the Woman's Club, money was received from donations and the club donated $750. The library became a reality which would have not come about without this club. The library was dedicated in 1981. The three women appointed to this committee were, Mrs. Edward Stephany, Chairman; Mrs. Jeff Little and Miss Marion Baughn.

On October 27, 1982, Harlem hosted the District Fall Meeting. The dinner was prepared and served by members. Mrs. Doris Blalock was 10th District President, Mrs. LeMerle Kay, First Vice President acted in the place of president. Mrs. Julia Prather gave the welcome speech and gave a report of Harlem Club history.

During 1983 and 1984 there were many fine programs and a lot were school related. There were contest for the children and items donated to the library. In April 1984, Mrs. Doris Blalock outgoing tenth district president and Mrs. Sue Gunn, incoming president, were quests.

Local artist, Mrs. Emily Middleton, presented a paintins of the Harlem Library to the club in September 1984. The painting hangs over the fireplace in the club house.

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In 1995 there was a 'face lift' for the club house due to the years of use. It was completely renovated and a complete new heating and air conditioning system installed. The club is well equipped and ready for family reunions, large parties and weddinqs or for the smallest meetings or get together.

Since the clubhouse is used as a community center, what better way to improve the community, than to make the necessary renovations on this building. Since this has been an approximate $12,000 project, the women of the Harlem Woman's Club have to invest most of their time and efforts to complete this endeavor. The motto after all is "Builders of a Better Community."

Proudly Harlem Woman's Club plays host and is a sponsor of the Star Student-Star Teacher program and 1996 will be the 35th year of doing so.

A fund raiser for over 30 years has been selling birthday calendars. This is a most successful project. Another way of raising money is having an annual chicken barbecue dinner which takes place in April on a Sunday which is convenient for the
People getting out of church. This has been a practice since 1974.

Of the 38 charter members, seven are in the club today. Sadly our eldest charter member, Mother Doll (Mrs. Hanna) died at the age of 99. Up Until the last few months of her life she was very active and could respond very promptly to anything asked of her. She was at all meetings, participated in all activities and baked the best caramel cake anyone ever tasted. She was so loyal and is missed so very much. She held a position as Corresponding Secretary for the tenth district in 1950.

LaMerle Kay, member of over 30 years, passed away in 1995 too. She worked very hard in the interest of the club and the community and had served as vice president some years ago.

Some members who have held positions with the 10th District such as: Mrs. Virginia Clary, President (1950), Mrs. Dolly Hanna, Corresponding Secretary (1960), Mrs. Julia Prather, Recording Secretary (1976-1978), she also was treasurer (1978-1980) she also was in charge of Public Affairs. Mrs. Josie Prather was Historiann (1958-1960) and Mrs. E. L Kelley was 10th District Vice President in 1956.

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