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The Freeland Women’s Study Club celebrates 75th anniversary

The purpose of the Freeland Women’s Study Club is life-enrichment, self-improvement, and to serve the community. The Club was established in 1936, when twenty-one Freeland women gathered at the home of Mrs. Harriet Reavey for their first meeting.

Throughout the year, Club members are busy with special projects and fundraising efforts to benefit the Freeland community.

The biggest project ever undertaken by the Club was the Memorial Park Building.  It all began when the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, along with help from the Kroger Foundation, sponsored a contest in 1949 encouraging groups to “Build a Better Community.”  The Club, with thirty-two Freeland ladies, decided to establish a memorial park honoring the heroes of World War II.

In 1949, the land was purchased for $2,000, with the township paying $1,500. Club members signed a $500 note at the Freeland Bank. At that time, there were 21 organized groups in the township. Their support for the project was overwhelming. The land was quickly cleared, and a memorial service to dedicate the park was held on Memorial Day in 1950.

In 2010, the Club began their 75th year with a potluck in September, a presentation by Margaret Breasbois from Mosquito Control in October, with a tour of HealthSource scheduled for November.

The Club’s project for this past summer was maintaining the Village Park next to the Freeland Post Office. One of their most successful fundraisers has been the Pancake Breakfast held at the Memorial Park Building each year during the Walleye Festival.

The Club not only donated money for the construction of the Freeland Sports Zone, but it also collects donations for Project Up-Close, and the Kathryn Lewis Thayer Scholarship Fund, which is set up to benefit a Freeland High School student.

A donation is collected from Club members each month, and the money is given to someone in the community with a special need. Last year, the Club began a new tradition of collecting money from members during the holiday season, and placing it a Christmas jar. The jar was then presented anonymously to a family in the Freeland School System. It was left at their door, along with a copy of “The Christmas Jar,” by Jason F. Wright.

Club officers include Olga Storm, President, Marilyn DuCharme, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Barb Reinig, Corresponding Secretary, Clarice Vasold, and Treasurer, Kathy Stevens. Lois Niethammer, a retired teacher since 2002, has served as secretary and treasurer.

The Club meets the first Tuesday of every month, featuring interesting programs with guest speakers. There are no special requirements to become a member, and anyone is welcome to join. If you are interested in becoming a member, or have any questions about the Freeland Women’s Study Club, contact Linda Sanborn, Membership Chairman, 695-5642.

 

 

 

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