“One Hundred Years of the College Woman’s Club of Westfield“ is the subject of the Westfield Historical Society’s monthly “First Wednesday” Luncheon on Wednesday, March 8, at 12 pm at the Echo Lake Country Club, 515 Springfield Ave. in Westfield.
Founded in April 1917, the College Woman’s Club is one of Westfield’s oldest charitable service organizations. The club was formed with the express purpose “to serve the general interests of the community and to further the higher education of women.” Its mission continues to be to award scholarships to young women from Westfield on the basis of financial need, academics, leadership and community service.
Annmarie Puleio, a CWC past president, will present an historic overview of the club, setting the stage for the group’s founding on the eve of WWI and at the height of the suffragette movement. Special emphasis will be given to the club’s early years, including its founders and first scholarship recipients.
Her talk will be richly illustrated with photos, news clippings and documents recently uncovered by the archives of the Westfield Historical Society. Ms. Puleio is executive director of The Fred C. Rummel Foundation, current chair of the CWC Scholarship Committee, and a former member of the Westfield Board of Education.
“The fact that an organization founded by and for women before they even had the right to vote not only survived but thrives 100 years later is a real testament to the foresight of our founders,” said Ms. Puleio. “The story of these spirited women and their legacy speaks volumes about Westfield’s longstanding commitment to education.”
Those wishing to attend the luncheon may make a reservation by calling Mary Orlando at 908-233-2930, by noon Monday, March 6th, 2017. The luncheon fee of $30 (WHS members) or $35 (non-members) includes a three course meal, coffee/tea, and gratuity. The luncheon fee may be paid at the door. Westfield Historical Society memberships will also be available at the luncheon. For information about the College Woman’s Club, please visit cwclubwestfield.org.
For Echo Lake County Club dress code information, visit: http://www.echolakecc.org.
College Woman’s Club of Westfield co-founders Mabel Sturgis, Wellesley ’02, and Helen French Welch, Vassar ’14, will be among the personalities featured during the historical society’s luncheon talk on the club’s centennial.
