To arouse civic consciousness to the need of preserving the natural beauty of the city, and to awaken a latent sense of civic responsibility (1905)
     The Wyoming Valley Woman’s Club (WVWC) was founded in 1905 by late author and philanthropist, Edith Brower (1848-1931). The early years of the organization realized a number of previous monikers: the Town Improvement Society and the Sociological Club.

The History

     One January day in 1903, 12 women met at Brower’s home for reading and discussion. Two years later, the ladies organized, marking the beginning of activity within the civic club.  Those women were: Mrs. Ellen Palmer, Mrs. Frederick Johnson, Miss Elizabeth Loveland, Mrs. Robert Broadhead, Mrs. Andrew Raub, Mrs. Lilly Jackson, Mrs. William C. Shepherd, Mrs. Ira G. Marvin, Mrs. S.J. Strauss, Mrs. George Galland, Mrs. Charles Long, Mrs. Charles F. Murray, and President Edith Brower.
     In 1908, meetings were held in the old Memorial Hall. The membership designated a committee that worked with the city council, board of trade, and the mayor to improve “general hygiene, schools, and the city streets”. In 1910, the club became federated, and regular meetings were held in the sun parlor of the YWCA. Annual dues were $1, and there were about 130 active members.
     Shortly after its incorporation in 1921, the women purchased a club house, the former Derr residence at 83 N. River St., in Wilkes-Barre. The first meeting was held there on May 23, 1922, and in 1923, the name was changed to what it is today– Wyoming Valley Woman’s Club, and a bronze plaque was prominently displayed on the building. That year, membership numbers reached all all-time high of nearly 600.
     From 1923 to May 1936, the WVWC sponsored exhibitions of paintings at the clubhouse. Following the sale of the clubhouse in 1936, exhibitions continued at the club’s headquarters in Chase Hall at Bucknell University Junior College (BUJC), today’s Wilkes University. Notably, some members of the art committee would inevitably found the Wyoming Valley Art League, which still exists today.

A Succession of Presidents

     Through its succession of presidents- including Mrs. Arthur James, wife of Governor Arthur James, and Mrs. Eugene Farley, wife of the president of BUJC- the organization has proudly carried on the valued traditions set forth more than a century ago. Not only did the WVWC live up to its purpose, but through these many years has continued to donate generously to a number of local charities and agencies, which most recently include the Salvation Army, YMCA, Ruth’s Place, local libraries, and St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen.  
     In order to become president of the WVWC, three vice presidents each serve two-year terms as they move up the ladder to their presidency. Through her journey to become the club’s current president, Dorothy J. Withey Carroll (2008-2009)– a member since 1997– brought forth a desire to present a fashion show as her primary fundraising project. Therefore, Carroll hosted the High Tea Luncheon & Fall Fashion Show, presented by the WVWC on Thursday, October 8th at Apple Tree Terrace, at Newberry Estates.
     “I felt very strongly that this type of event could be a huge success,” Carroll said.
     The well-attended event boasted an array of fall fashions and accessories from area businesses, including Boscov’s, Dress Barn, Humphrey’s, Bridal Trinkets & Special Day Gifts and hair and make-up by Mary Taylor’s Family Hair and Skin Care Centers. WVWC members modeled everything from evening wear to casual and mingled throughout the afternoon. They included: Terry Eckert, Marilyn O’Connell, Renee Benedetti, Catherine Jones, Ann MacFarland, Carol Carroll, Restaino, Eleanor Benedetti, Anna Elmir, and Peg Malkemes. Chairwomen were Carol Carroll, Joan Hudak, and Rose Panzitta. Hudak and Panzitta also served as commentators. The event, paired with a recent Bakeless Bake Sale, raised more than $1,300 for the WVWC.
     “The money will be applied to next year’s funds, and our board will decide how much to donate and to whom. It varies from year to year,” Carroll said.
     A special Calendar of Events is published annually. Among the 2008-2009 entries were special arts events and programs, including: author Mary Beth Kennedy Voda, “World War II: A War in Letters”; District Attorney Jackie Musto Carroll; and Attorney Charles Petrillo, historian. For 2008, the WVWC named Sister Miriam Studulis as its Outstanding Woman of the Valley. Sister Miriam is the founder of the McGlynn Learning Center, in Wilkes-Barre. “Our club is a fine woman’s club, doing only good things in and for our Wyoming Valley,” concluded Carroll.

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