Founded in
1921
By: Ethel Beach
Here are some Photos from our annual Highway Clean up!
The Oneonta Business Woman's Club of
Oneonta was originally started in the fall of 1921.
Mrs. Arthur E. Ford of Oneonta was appointed chairperson of a
committee to endeavor to provide
entertainment for the girls employed in the factories of our city.
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).