Lafayette County WI Archives History - Books .....Blanchardville Woman's Club 1976
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Book Title: A History Of Blanchardsville, Gem Of The Pecatonica

Blanchardville Woman's Club

    On October 7, 1936, a group of women met at the home of Mrs. Susan Stuessy
for the purpose of considering the organization of a club for women. Mrs. Minnie
Thompson was temporary chairman, and they chose a committee to draw up a
constitution. This committee consisted of Mrs. Susan Stuessy, Mrs. Cora Guldhaug
and Mrs. Harold Ostrum.

    The first meeting was held October 23rd at which time the constitution was
read and adopted by 12 charter members. They were Mmes. Minnie Thompson, Cora
Guldhaug, Wm. Muller, Laura Eidsmore, Verne Marshall, O. R. Olson, G. M.
Ingwell, Oscar Bolender, H. R. Burgdorff, Harold Ostrum, M. A. Davis, Susan
Stuessy.

    They elected the following officers: President Minnie Thompson, Vice
President Mrs. Harold Ostrum, Secretary Susan Stuessy and Treasurer Mrs. H. R.
Burgdorff.

    From 1936 to 1950, meetings were held twice a month; but thereafter only
once a month. The members prepared educational programs which included book
reviews, biographies and studies of foreign countries — especially, Latin
America. They also presented public programs featuring important speakers from
out of town. During World War II the Club was very active in helping the war
effort by buying bonds, collecting clothing and entertaining servicemen in
hospitals and in the U.S.O.

    Soon after this they became affiliated with the General Federation of Womens
Clubs and participated in some State and National projects carried on by this
organization.

    The club always had a strong interest in young people. Students with talent
in music and forensics were invited to perform at club meetings. Many programs
centered around the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. The club sponsored the Girls
Scouts for a number of years and contributed to their support.

    For five consecutive years the club provided scholarships of $100.00 for
students attending college. They have also sponsored girls to compete for a
nursing scholarship given by the district. They also encouraged Junior High
School students to enter the annual art contest conducted by the district; and
each year, for the past six years, they have given dictionaries to two English
students in the high school graduating class.

    Another concern of the club was for handicapped people. They invited
speakers from institutions which serve these people. At various times they also
contributed to CARE and to the Red Cross.

    At one time, Blanchardville had no Public Library. In 1949, however, the
Woman's Club decided to do something about it. They conducted fund-raising
events, and had a Village Tag Day. In 1950 they opened a small library in modest
quarters, with the help of books borrowed from the Library Commission in
Madison. The village paid the rent and members of the Woman's Club served as
volunteer librarians.

    After three years the village purchased a small brick building by the bridge
to house the library. In 1960 the village legally assumed control and support of
the library and appointed a Library Commission to supervise library affairs.
Thus, the Woman's Club was relieved of responsibility for the library.
Nevertheless, the library is still one of its abiding interests, as shown by
frequent donations to the library. Total cash contributions to the library over
the years has amounted to approximately $1400.

    In 1972 the Woman's Club sponsored a movement to recycle bottles, tin cans
and newspapers. This project has continued to the present day, but it now
operates without the help of the Woman's Club. Citizens bring bottles and cans
to a central collecting point and the village hauls them to a recycling center.
Unfortunately, there was a time when newspapers were not recycled because there
was no market for them. But now another buyer has stated he will buy newspapers,
so once again, newspapers are being recycled.

    In 1972 the club was instrumental in organizing a Senior Citizens Club which
has grown to be very popular and very successful.

    In recent years the Woman's Club has contributed to the beautification of
Blanchardville. Each Spring the members work on the hillside by the bridge,
cleaning up the dead brush. Last year they enlisted the help of the FFA. The
members also clean up the grounds around the Library and plant flowers. They
also plant petunias and marigolds on an island on the highway leading into
Blanchardville. Last year 150 tulip bulbs were planted on this island, which
should be a lovely sight for many springtimes to come. When the tulips are done
blooming, then petunias will be planted again.

    Presently there are 21 members (small enough to meet in members' homes), but
the group is full of enthusiasm and anxious to be of service to the community.
They have also been active in the Third District of the Wisconsin Federation.
One of the members, Mrs. Eldon Hird, was District President, and is still on the
District Board.

    1974-76 Officers are President, Mrs. Eldon R. Hird; Vice-president, Mrs. Al
Schuler; Secretary, Mrs. Art Juve; Treasurer, Mrs. Gordon Elden and
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Dennis Novinski.

    The Club's Bicentennial project was to compile this history of
Blanchardville and promote the sale of this book.


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A History of Blanchardville, Gem of the Pecatonica

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