W O M E N ’ S H I ST O RY
KILLEEN DAILY HERALD | SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 2024
JANA LYNN KILCREASE | HERALD
From left are Wednesday Review Club President Tina Ratliff, District President Amy McDaniel and Modern Study Club President Gwendolyn Caviness.
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JANA LYNN KILCREASE | HERALD
These six hostesses prepared the table, decorated the hall and prepared the delicious treats for the Joint Meeting of GFWC Texas Wednesday.
Local women’s clubs go over history in service to the community BY JANA LYNN KILCREASE KILLEEN DAILY HERALD
With a bit of Irish whimsy and touches of green, two longstanding Killeen women’s clubs — the Wednesday Review Club and Modern Study Club — met together Wednesday for some business, a history lesson and a whole lot of camaraderie. Member Terri Gulig from the Modern Study Club recited the Irish Blessing for an invocation which was followed by two beau-
tiful songs by Allen Hollinger, grandson of member Sherry Hollinger. Allen Hollinger sang “My Wild Irish Rose” and “Danny Boy” to which the membership gave an applause. Introduced by Modern Study Club President Gwendolyn Caviness, Amy McDaniel brought a visual presentation about the rich history of General Federation of Women’s Clubs. Daniel is the District President of The General Federation of Women’s Clubs - Capitol District. Both lo-
cal women’s clubs are part of the federation. Founded in 1890, GFWC’s roots can be traced back to 1868 when Jane Cunningham Croly, a professional journalist, attempted to attend a dinner at an all-male press club honoring British novelist Charles Dickens. Croly was denied admittance based upon her gender, and in response, formed a woman’s club called Sorosis. In celebration of Sorosis’ 21st anniversary in 1889, Jane Croly invited women’s
clubs throughout the United States to pursue the cause of federation by attending a convention in New York City. On April 24, 1890, 63 clubs officially formed the General Federation of Women’s Clubs by ratifying the GFWC constitution. From 1910 to 1924, membership in the GFWC went from 1 million to 1.7 million women. Today, membership stands at about 60,000. According McDaniel, the principles of the GFWC, one of
the oldest women’s volunteer organizations, include building global communities where people unite in diversity and dedicate their service to changing lives. “GFWC celebrates the engagement of people of all backgrounds and believes in fostering an inclusive, equitable climate and culture where community members can thrive,” according to McDaniels. At its inception, the federation PLEASE SEE HISTORY, D4