In the first meeting of this committee Mrs. Ford contacted Miss Ethel Beach to help form a business woman's organization. It was suggested that the
women who worked along Main Street, including those in a factory on the corner, might like to form an organization. So, one lunch hour Miss Beach left
Steven's Hardware with pencil & paper in hand & went along the street asking women if they were interested in forming a club. Miss Beach was then
elected the new chairperson until a Constitution & By-Laws could be drafted. On October 25, 1921 the first meeting was held with 19 members attending.

The Constitution read: "The object of our Club shall be mental & social growth, civic
improvement & philanthropic work." Through the years the club has made every effort to carry
out the objectives listed above.

The present day Club has meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month (except July, August and Holidays). Contributions are given to many local fund
raising organizations which aid our hospital, the Salvation Army, the Family Service Association & many other local charities. For several years
we endowed a room at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital.

We  hold craft auctions, play bingo & raffles with members donating either purchased or handmade items. A portion of the proceeds from these go toward
our Easter & Christmas Projects & send 1 or more children to YMCA camp.

Each Christmas & Easter, through funds collected by our members & donations for area businesses we provide food for a Christmas & Easter dinner & gifts
for the families in need through the Family Service Association & Opportunities for Otsego. At Easter time each child receives an Easter outfit.

Monthly collections of food items & personal care items are distributed to the Salvation Army & to the Family Service Association.

Each year the Club presents an OHS scholarship to two current graduates planning to pursue a business degree.  In addition, we offer a scholarship to any
school with a student who is an immediate family member of an active member.  This scholarship is funded by members of the club.

At the present time our membership is 170 strong which includes active & Honorary Members (active for 25 years)

In 2006 the Club celebrated its 85th anniversary.

For information write to:

The Oneonta Business Woman's Club c/o