The Woman’s Club of Lebanon met recently to mark the 128th anniversary of the organization.
According to a press release from Woman’s Club president Elizabeth Wentling, 27 women met 128 years ago at the invitation of Deborah Norris Coleman Brock to organize the fledgling group. They adopted a constitution with a dual purpose: to form an organized center for the intellectual and social development of its members, and to promote such public measures as shall be conducive to the welfare of the community.
In other words, Wentling said in the release, the club focused on both “personal growth and community improvement.”
Brock, Wentling noted, was also instrumental in establishing the Pennsylvania Federation of Women’s Clubs, which was founded in October 1895, and she served as the federation’s first president.
Over the years, Wentling said, the Woman’s Club of Lebanon has been instrumental in establishing the free public library in Lebanon, initiating a school for nurses, and contributing to the founding of the Good Samaritan Hospital. They were also active in associated charities, now joined together as Family and Children’s Services.
“All of these establishments are still an integral part of our Lebanon heritage,” Wentling said in the release. “The Woman’s Club platform is to come together to add value with our experiences, creativity, and support to our community.”
She cited various charitable contributions made by the group, including $30,500 in grants since 2015 for nursing and health care, $10,500 to Lebanon Valley College, and $124,500 to various community charity since 2012. The Historical Society also houses several artifacts of the Woman’s Club, including a silverware display, wooden house replica, and pictures.
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