Plantation Woman's Club
75 Years of History
THE FIRST TEN YEARS OF THE PLANTATION
WOMAN’S CLUB - information put together by Helen Ackerman, Club Historian 2022
HIGHLIGHTS of 1949-50
1949 - February 28th: First official meeting of the club with 35 women in attendance at the offices of “Plantation Homes” located on Broward Boulevard where the Village Shopping Center is now located. The club named itself “Plantation Community Club”. It was also referred to as “Plantation Homes Woman’s Club”. Branch’s Country store was also located in the area. Grantham’s General Store/post office was on the SW corner of State Road 7 and Broward Boulevard. Bulletin boards were placed in these establishments to let residents know of community activities. The Club was initially organized for “social purposes only” and wanted to work with the newly rganized Men’s Club to have shuffleboard courts, other “social projects” and youngster’s playground equipment installed.
Background data: Many events were held outside, like square dances, barn dances and hayrides at the Peter’s Ranch. Fund raisers were primarily card games, bridge, poker, canasta and bingo. Club interests centered around tropical gardening, playground equipment purchasing for the Community House and supporting, via donations, the maintenance of the Community House that was being maintained by the Plantation Home Owner’s Association.
Three groups shared the “Community House” located at Farmington Drive and Cypress Road: The Plantation Community Church, The Plantation Woman’s Club and the Plantation Home Owner’s Association. The remaining “Community House” is now the front-west small meeting room of Deicke Auditorium.
In June of 1949 new grass was placed behind he Community House by volunteers for the holiday BBQ on July 4th.
There was also a warehouse trailer which housed the offices of “Plantation Homes”. It was located somewhere in the area where the Village Shopping Center is now located at East Acre Drive and Broward Boulevard. Club meetings and other events were sometimes held there.
In December of 1949 the club changed its name to “Plantation Woman’s Club”. Club dues were set at $3 per year.
Our club purchased a second-hand piano for use at the Community House along with the Community Church’s donation for the piano.
IN 1949 THE CLUB MEMBERS PASSED THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION AS RECORDED IN THE MINUTES: “THAT WE HEREAFTER USE MARRIED NAMES OF THE MEMBERS INSTEAD OF THE MEMBER’S FIRST NAMES, WERE, UPON MOTION DULY MADE AND SECONDED, UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED”.
HIGHLIGHTS of “fiscal year 1950-51”
The Community House began to be called “The Community Center”- later to be the home of Deicke Auditorium which is located on the Hoffman Park area.
The club purchased a first aide kit, one dozen chairs, two card tables, ash trays and outside flood lights for the Community Center along with plastic serving ware, punch bowl and ladle. The club shared the expense of purchasing a heater with the Community Church.
THE FIRST DONATION OF $100 WAS MADE BY THE CLUB FOR “A UNIVERSITY FOR BROWARD COUNTY”. The funds came from the first bazaar event and baked goods sale.
ANOTHER $100 WAS MADE TO THE HOME OWNER’S ASSOCIATION FOR A TREE FUND.
The Plantation Golf and Country Club opened in December of 1950 and became a major venue for Plantation and club activities.
HIGHLIGHTS from the 1950’s
Our Club began the Plantation Summer Children’s Program at the Community Center. Playground equipment was
purchased.
The Club organized a learn-to-sew class as well as learning how to play bridge. A Mother’s Committee was organized to set up plans for holiday parties, supervised play and pre-school activities.
The Club gave donations to the Daniel Rehabilitation Institute of Florida for indigent patients needing physical rehab services. The Institute was located at 619 West Broward Boulevard.
Donations were given to the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis by raising funds via card parties.
The Club sponsored the Children’s Pet Show at the Community Center.
The First Annual Thanksgiving Charity Ball was held at the Plantation Country Club and raised funds for the Southeast Florida Tuberculosis Hospital in Lantana and baskets for the needy. The Club ladies sewed pajamas with scruffs for the patients in Lantana.
ON MAY 8, 1953 THE CLUB AFFILIATED WITH FLORIDA FEDERATION OF WOMEN’S CLUBS.
Every year there was a Holiday Fund raising dance at the Plantation Country Club or larger venues beginning in 1954. This became a major Broward County benefit event with well-known orchestras, hundreds of door prizes, ten grand prizes with special balloon drop giveaways and an all-male revue called “First Class Male” featuring a floor show of male chorines dancing to a themed program (Hawaiian, ballet, etc.). These are the husbands of Club members. This event and the dancers get major local newspaper publicity every year and it raises thousands of dollars for the Club’s major charities. It is even featured on all Broward County U.S. mail trucks as a poster for PWC’s advertising of funding for the United Fund. In 1958 our Club donated $2,100 to the United Fund as part of the proceeds from the fifth annual Charity Ball held at the Governor’s Club in Ft. Lauderdale. (As a side note there is a mention that “babysitters are at a premium” when this event is held).
(In 1959 the population of the City of Plantation is 3,200 - scrapbook notation).
In the 50’s the Club sponsors “Over the Coffee Cups” and “Spring Coffees” which were events to welcome new residents to Plantation at various member’s homes.
The 50’s also saw the beginning of “block card parties” to raise funds for the Club’s projects and charities.
The Club sponsored “sewing days” for welfare projects. Conversational Spanish was also offered to members at no charge.
THE CLUB ACTIVATES THE FIRST LIBRARY IN PLANTATION IN 1959 AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER. THIS LIBRARY IS OPEN ON TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FROM 1:30 TO 2:30 FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY TO USE. BOOKS ARE FREE TO TAKE OUT FOR ONE WEEK. THERE IS A 5 CENT DAILY CHARGE FOR LONGER BORROWING TIMES. THE CLUB HAS
RESPONDED TO THE FLORIDA FEDERATION REQUEST TO UPDATE LIBRARIES AROUND THE UNITED STATES. CLUB MEMBERS VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME AND THEIR BOOKS.
Plantation phone numbers start with LU such as LU3-5791.
The Club is involved with numerous fund-raising projects such as the Lantana Tuberculosis Hospital, the Daniel Rehabilitation Center, The Seminole Indian Girl Project - providing food and clothing for several indigent Indian families, the Broward County Dental Clinic, and the Broward County Crippled Children’s Society.
In September of 1956 the Club begins the sale of Florida Driver License renewals at the Westgate Shopping Center in a storefront. There is no Chamber of Commerce in Plantation and our Club is the only registered non-profit that sees the opportunity to provide a community service and make money for the Club’s charities. This activity continues until Florida starts renewing licenses by birth month instead of only once per year.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 1960’s
The Club is continuing to sponsor the Annual Charity Ball which is now open to the general public via pre-paid tickets. It is held at major venues like the Galt Ocean Mile Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale that “has at least three ballrooms for the event.”
The Club supports the United Fund, Cerebral Palsy Fund, Haven of Rest for the Aged, Police Athletic League, the Seminole Indian Welfare and Scholarship Fund, the Sun Dial School, the Children’s Home Society of Broward County, the Visiting Nurses Association, the Ft. Lauderdale Oral School for the Deaf, the Lantana Tuberculosis Hospital and the Mental Hygiene Clinic, just to name a few.
In Plantation, our Club begins the “Civil Defense Program” in cooperation with the Plantation Police, Fire Department and Peters PTA to form the Civil Defense Action Corps - an informational program to let residents know what to do in “case of an air attack or storm”.
THE CLUB PROVIDES THE FIRST TWO-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP TO THE NEWLY FORMED “JUNIOR COLLEGE OF BROWARD COUNTY”. THE SCHOLARSHIP IS TO GO TO “ONE BOY AND ONE GIRL” CHOSEN BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE, DR. JOSEPH RUSHING. IN FEBRUARY OF 1961 TWO STUDENTS RECEIVE AN ALL-EXPENSE SCHOLARSHIP FROM OUR CLUB. THE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS ARE: FLORENCE J. GRANDE, 6021 SW 3RD TERRACE, PLANTATION AND ROBERT HAROLD STRICKLAND, 5732 SW 10TH COURT, WEST HOLLYWOOD.
The Club is running summer socials such as bridge and canasta parties along with splash party events. The Club sponsors book reviews and brunches which are open to the public at the Pier 66 Yacht Club.
THE BUILDING FUND FOR THE PROPOSED CLUBHOUSE BECOMES A MAJOR PRIORITY FOR FUND RAISING EFFORTS BY 1960.
The Broward County Federation of Women’s Clubs held their 41st Anniversary Silver Tea in December of 1960. The hostess club was the Lake Forrest Woman’s Club of Hollywood. Having a silver tea service set was the norm for this annual event and explains our Club’s silver tea service that is in storage.
In 1960 The Junior Woman’s Club is sponsored by the “Plantation Senior Woman’s Club” (Ft. Lauderdale News--March 8, 1960). The Juniors form when members of our Club want to go in another direction. They meet at Peter’s Elementary School in mid-March of 1960 and become another community support organization.
All information is from the Minutes of the Club as well as the scrapbooks. The Minutes are in the process of being copied by the Plantation Historical Museum so that anyone will be able to reference them in the future.
WOMAN’S CLUB - information put together by Helen Ackerman, Club Historian 2022
HIGHLIGHTS of 1949-50
1949 - February 28th: First official meeting of the club with 35 women in attendance at the offices of “Plantation Homes” located on Broward Boulevard where the Village Shopping Center is now located. The club named itself “Plantation Community Club”. It was also referred to as “Plantation Homes Woman’s Club”. Branch’s Country store was also located in the area. Grantham’s General Store/post office was on the SW corner of State Road 7 and Broward Boulevard. Bulletin boards were placed in these establishments to let residents know of community activities. The Club was initially organized for “social purposes only” and wanted to work with the newly rganized Men’s Club to have shuffleboard courts, other “social projects” and youngster’s playground equipment installed.
Background data: Many events were held outside, like square dances, barn dances and hayrides at the Peter’s Ranch. Fund raisers were primarily card games, bridge, poker, canasta and bingo. Club interests centered around tropical gardening, playground equipment purchasing for the Community House and supporting, via donations, the maintenance of the Community House that was being maintained by the Plantation Home Owner’s Association.
Three groups shared the “Community House” located at Farmington Drive and Cypress Road: The Plantation Community Church, The Plantation Woman’s Club and the Plantation Home Owner’s Association. The remaining “Community House” is now the front-west small meeting room of Deicke Auditorium.
In June of 1949 new grass was placed behind he Community House by volunteers for the holiday BBQ on July 4th.
There was also a warehouse trailer which housed the offices of “Plantation Homes”. It was located somewhere in the area where the Village Shopping Center is now located at East Acre Drive and Broward Boulevard. Club meetings and other events were sometimes held there.
In December of 1949 the club changed its name to “Plantation Woman’s Club”. Club dues were set at $3 per year.
Our club purchased a second-hand piano for use at the Community House along with the Community Church’s donation for the piano.
IN 1949 THE CLUB MEMBERS PASSED THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION AS RECORDED IN THE MINUTES: “THAT WE HEREAFTER USE MARRIED NAMES OF THE MEMBERS INSTEAD OF THE MEMBER’S FIRST NAMES, WERE, UPON MOTION DULY MADE AND SECONDED, UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED”.
HIGHLIGHTS of “fiscal year 1950-51”
The Community House began to be called “The Community Center”- later to be the home of Deicke Auditorium which is located on the Hoffman Park area.
The club purchased a first aide kit, one dozen chairs, two card tables, ash trays and outside flood lights for the Community Center along with plastic serving ware, punch bowl and ladle. The club shared the expense of purchasing a heater with the Community Church.
THE FIRST DONATION OF $100 WAS MADE BY THE CLUB FOR “A UNIVERSITY FOR BROWARD COUNTY”. The funds came from the first bazaar event and baked goods sale.
ANOTHER $100 WAS MADE TO THE HOME OWNER’S ASSOCIATION FOR A TREE FUND.
The Plantation Golf and Country Club opened in December of 1950 and became a major venue for Plantation and club activities.
HIGHLIGHTS from the 1950’s
Our Club began the Plantation Summer Children’s Program at the Community Center. Playground equipment was
purchased.
The Club organized a learn-to-sew class as well as learning how to play bridge. A Mother’s Committee was organized to set up plans for holiday parties, supervised play and pre-school activities.
The Club gave donations to the Daniel Rehabilitation Institute of Florida for indigent patients needing physical rehab services. The Institute was located at 619 West Broward Boulevard.
Donations were given to the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis by raising funds via card parties.
The Club sponsored the Children’s Pet Show at the Community Center.
The First Annual Thanksgiving Charity Ball was held at the Plantation Country Club and raised funds for the Southeast Florida Tuberculosis Hospital in Lantana and baskets for the needy. The Club ladies sewed pajamas with scruffs for the patients in Lantana.
ON MAY 8, 1953 THE CLUB AFFILIATED WITH FLORIDA FEDERATION OF WOMEN’S CLUBS.
Every year there was a Holiday Fund raising dance at the Plantation Country Club or larger venues beginning in 1954. This became a major Broward County benefit event with well-known orchestras, hundreds of door prizes, ten grand prizes with special balloon drop giveaways and an all-male revue called “First Class Male” featuring a floor show of male chorines dancing to a themed program (Hawaiian, ballet, etc.). These are the husbands of Club members. This event and the dancers get major local newspaper publicity every year and it raises thousands of dollars for the Club’s major charities. It is even featured on all Broward County U.S. mail trucks as a poster for PWC’s advertising of funding for the United Fund. In 1958 our Club donated $2,100 to the United Fund as part of the proceeds from the fifth annual Charity Ball held at the Governor’s Club in Ft. Lauderdale. (As a side note there is a mention that “babysitters are at a premium” when this event is held).
(In 1959 the population of the City of Plantation is 3,200 - scrapbook notation).
In the 50’s the Club sponsors “Over the Coffee Cups” and “Spring Coffees” which were events to welcome new residents to Plantation at various member’s homes.
The 50’s also saw the beginning of “block card parties” to raise funds for the Club’s projects and charities.
The Club sponsored “sewing days” for welfare projects. Conversational Spanish was also offered to members at no charge.
THE CLUB ACTIVATES THE FIRST LIBRARY IN PLANTATION IN 1959 AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER. THIS LIBRARY IS OPEN ON TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FROM 1:30 TO 2:30 FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY TO USE. BOOKS ARE FREE TO TAKE OUT FOR ONE WEEK. THERE IS A 5 CENT DAILY CHARGE FOR LONGER BORROWING TIMES. THE CLUB HAS
RESPONDED TO THE FLORIDA FEDERATION REQUEST TO UPDATE LIBRARIES AROUND THE UNITED STATES. CLUB MEMBERS VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME AND THEIR BOOKS.
Plantation phone numbers start with LU such as LU3-5791.
The Club is involved with numerous fund-raising projects such as the Lantana Tuberculosis Hospital, the Daniel Rehabilitation Center, The Seminole Indian Girl Project - providing food and clothing for several indigent Indian families, the Broward County Dental Clinic, and the Broward County Crippled Children’s Society.
In September of 1956 the Club begins the sale of Florida Driver License renewals at the Westgate Shopping Center in a storefront. There is no Chamber of Commerce in Plantation and our Club is the only registered non-profit that sees the opportunity to provide a community service and make money for the Club’s charities. This activity continues until Florida starts renewing licenses by birth month instead of only once per year.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 1960’s
The Club is continuing to sponsor the Annual Charity Ball which is now open to the general public via pre-paid tickets. It is held at major venues like the Galt Ocean Mile Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale that “has at least three ballrooms for the event.”
The Club supports the United Fund, Cerebral Palsy Fund, Haven of Rest for the Aged, Police Athletic League, the Seminole Indian Welfare and Scholarship Fund, the Sun Dial School, the Children’s Home Society of Broward County, the Visiting Nurses Association, the Ft. Lauderdale Oral School for the Deaf, the Lantana Tuberculosis Hospital and the Mental Hygiene Clinic, just to name a few.
In Plantation, our Club begins the “Civil Defense Program” in cooperation with the Plantation Police, Fire Department and Peters PTA to form the Civil Defense Action Corps - an informational program to let residents know what to do in “case of an air attack or storm”.
THE CLUB PROVIDES THE FIRST TWO-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP TO THE NEWLY FORMED “JUNIOR COLLEGE OF BROWARD COUNTY”. THE SCHOLARSHIP IS TO GO TO “ONE BOY AND ONE GIRL” CHOSEN BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE, DR. JOSEPH RUSHING. IN FEBRUARY OF 1961 TWO STUDENTS RECEIVE AN ALL-EXPENSE SCHOLARSHIP FROM OUR CLUB. THE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS ARE: FLORENCE J. GRANDE, 6021 SW 3RD TERRACE, PLANTATION AND ROBERT HAROLD STRICKLAND, 5732 SW 10TH COURT, WEST HOLLYWOOD.
The Club is running summer socials such as bridge and canasta parties along with splash party events. The Club sponsors book reviews and brunches which are open to the public at the Pier 66 Yacht Club.
THE BUILDING FUND FOR THE PROPOSED CLUBHOUSE BECOMES A MAJOR PRIORITY FOR FUND RAISING EFFORTS BY 1960.
The Broward County Federation of Women’s Clubs held their 41st Anniversary Silver Tea in December of 1960. The hostess club was the Lake Forrest Woman’s Club of Hollywood. Having a silver tea service set was the norm for this annual event and explains our Club’s silver tea service that is in storage.
In 1960 The Junior Woman’s Club is sponsored by the “Plantation Senior Woman’s Club” (Ft. Lauderdale News--March 8, 1960). The Juniors form when members of our Club want to go in another direction. They meet at Peter’s Elementary School in mid-March of 1960 and become another community support organization.
All information is from the Minutes of the Club as well as the scrapbooks. The Minutes are in the process of being copied by the Plantation Historical Museum so that anyone will be able to reference them in the future.
THE SECOND TEN YEARS OF THE PLANTATION WOMAN'S CLUB— Information put together by Helen Ackerman, Club Historian 2023
HIGHLIGHTS OF 1959 TO 1969
In 1960, major projects centered around raising funds for the "Clubhouse Building Fund" by selling the new 50 State U.S. flag, card parties and driver license renewals. The "Benefit Ball", held at the Galt Ocean Mile Hotel benefited two two-year scholarships at the Junior College of Broward County. Socials involved book brunches and new member teas.
In 1961-62 the Club continued its support of the Police Athletic League, teen youth dances and preteen socials. The club's summer socials were bridge and canasta parties. The United Fund and heart fund were charities noted. The local civil defense course was publicized as well as the Plantation Junior Woman's Club "Cabaret".
In 1962-63 general meetings were held at 8 PM on the second Tuesday of each month at Peters Elementary School. Board meetings were held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Plantation Community Church. Our Club membership was at 140 women.
In 1963 the Club bought a Knabe grand piano and presented it to the City for the new community center located at 5555 Palm Tree Road.
Continued in 1963 were monthly card parties at the community center. In December the two-day Christmas Bazaar is held at the Plantation Community Center.
February 1964 notes the Fashion Crafts Show at the community center with a note that, "Our members (PWC) are special guests at the Junior's meetings". In March of the same year the Junior Woman's Club sponsors Cabaret—a fund raiser—at the War Memorial Auditorium in Ft. Lauderdale. In April our Club sponsors the "Spring Dance" for couples at the Plantation Country Club.
Fundraisers in the fall of 1964 centered around the Club's sponsorship of the Christmas Bazaar at the Plantation Community Center. The Club ran the family BBQ in April at the Peters Road picnic grounds for members and their children.
In 1964 the Club began a two-year Cancer Campaign distributing literature on cancer to other clubs and businesses. The Club ladies pledged to make "dressings" for cancer patients as many members were expert at using sewing machines. April of 1965 featured a couple's dinner-dance entitled "April Showers" where the proceeds benefited the Plantation Library.
A fashion show and bridge luncheon were held at Pier 66 in Ft. Lauderdale where profits went to Broward Junior College and the Easter Seal Clinic for the purpose of buying a speech therapy machine.
At the end of 1964 a "Holiday Glamour" makeup program, in conjunction with the Jackie Gleason Show in Miami, was held in Plantation for members. As part of this glamour event, members brought food donations for Thanksgiving for needy families.
In January of 1965 the Plantation Library honored the Club by dedicating a plaque to the Plantation Civitan Club and the Plantation Woman's Club for their work in establishing a local library.
December saw the Club's sponsorship of "Bazaar A Go-Go" that raised funds for the scholarship fund at Stranahan High School.
The years 1966 and 1967 were successful fund-raising times with a September fashion show, "Attic Treasures" benefiting the Plantation High School Senior Scholarship fund, as well as fund-raising rummage sales.
The Club's 18th birthday was celebrated in 1967 with an evening party at Plantation General Hospital's cafeteria. The Plantation Woman's Club and the Plantation Junior Woman's Club were feted at the same time for their work in the community.
400 dressings for the cancer society were completed in 1967 meeting the Club's goal.
In January of 1968 the Club ran the "Potpourri Shop" at the Sun Dial special needs school on Thursdays.
The Club sponsored the Plantation High School Juniorettes, books for the Plantation Library, the Summer Reading project and the Plantation High School scholarship fund.
At the end of 1968 the Club raised funds via the December Christmas Bazaar. In March of 1969 the annual rummage sale benefited the Plantation Library. In 1969 the Club presented the Plantation Library with a five-piece engraved silver service and a coffee maker.
As the decade came to an end, the Christmas Bazaar was now held at a larger facility—the Lauderhill Mall in the City of Lauderhill. Hacienda Girls Ranch was taken on as an on-going project. A tea honoring new members and past presidents was held in December of 1969.
All information is from scrapbooks and yearbooks. Photos have been copied from these materials to accompany history tidbits when presented in the newsletter.
Every year there was a Holiday Fund raising dance at the Plantation Country Club or larger venues beginning in 1954. This became a major Broward County benefit event with well-known orchestras, hundreds of door prizes, ten grand prizes with special balloon drop giveaways and an all-male revue called “First Class Male” featuring a floor show of male chorines dancing to a themed program (Hawaiian, ballet, etc.). These are the husbands of Club members. This event and the dancers get major local newspaper publicity every year and it raises thousands of dollars for the Club’s major charities. It is even featured on all Broward County U.S. mail trucks as a poster for PWC’s advertising of funding for the United Fund. In 1958 our Club donated $2,100 to the United Fund as part of the proceeds from the fifth annual Charity Ball held at the Governor’s Club in Ft. Lauderdale. (As a side note there is a mention that “babysitters are at a premium” when this event is held).
(In 1959 the population of the City of Plantation is 3,200 - scrapbook notation).
In the 50’s the Club sponsors “Over the Coffee Cups” and “Spring Coffees” which were events to welcome new
residents to Plantation at various member’s homes.
The 50’s also saw the beginning of “block card parties” to raise funds for the Club’s projects and charities.
The Club sponsored “sewing days” for welfare projects. Conversational Spanish was also offered to members at no charge.
THE CLUB ACTIVATES THE FIRST LIBRARY IN PLANTATION IN 1959 AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER. THIS LIBRARY IS OPEN ON TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FROM 1:30 TO 2:30 FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY TO USE. BOOKS ARE FREE TO TAKE OUT FOR ONE WEEK. THERE IS A 5 CENT DAILY CHARGE FOR LONGER BORROWING TIMES. THE CLUB HAS
RESPONDED TO THE FLORIDA FEDERATION REQUEST TO UPDATE LIBRARIES AROUND THE UNITED STATES. CLUB MEMBERS VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME AND THEIR BOOKS.
Plantation phone numbers start with LU such as LU3-5791.
The Club is involved with numerous fund-raising projects such as the Lantana Tuberculosis Hospital, the Daniel Rehabilitation Center, The Seminole Indian Girl Project - providing food and clothing for several indigent Indian families, the Broward County Dental Clinic, and the Broward County Crippled Children’s Society.
In September of 1956 the Club begins the sale of Florida Driver License renewals at the Westgate Shopping Center in a storefront. There is no Chamber of Commerce in Plantation and our Club is the only registered non-profit that sees the opportunity to provide a community service and make money for the Club’s charities. This activity continues until Florida starts renewing licenses by birth month instead of only once per year.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 1960’s
The Club is continuing to sponsor the Annual Charity Ball which is now open to the general public via pre-paid
tickets. It is held at major venues like the Galt Ocean Mile Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale that “has at least three ballrooms for the event.”
The Club supports the United Fund, Cerebral Palsy Fund, Haven of Rest for the Aged, Police Athletic League, the Seminole Indian Welfare and Scholarship Fund, the Sun Dial School, the Children’s Home Society of Broward County, the Visiting Nurses Association, the Ft. Lauderdale Oral School for the Deaf, the Lantana Tuberculosis Hospital and the Mental Hygiene Clinic, just to name a few.
In Plantation, our Club begins the “Civil Defense Program” in cooperation with the Plantation Police, Fire Department and Peters PTA to form the Civil Defense Action Corps - an informational program to let residents know what to do in “case of an air attack or storm”.
THE CLUB PROVIDES THE FIRST TWO-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP TO THE NEWLY FORMED “JUNIOR COLLEGE OF BROWARD COUNTY”. THE SCHOLARSHIP IS TO GO TO “ONE BOY AND ONE GIRL” CHOSEN BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE, DR. JOSEPH RUSHING. IN FEBRUARY OF 1961 TWO STUDENTS RECEIVE AN ALL-EXPENSE SCHOLARSHIP FROM OUR CLUB. THE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS ARE: FLORENCE J. GRANDE, 6021 SW 3RD TERRACE, PLANTATION AND ROBERT HAROLD STRICKLAND, 5732 SW 10TH COURT, WEST HOLLYWOOD.
The Club is running summer socials such as bridge and canasta parties along with splash party events. The Club sponsors book reviews and brunches which are open to the public at the Pier 66 Yacht Club.
THE BUILDING FUND FOR THE PROPOSED CLUBHOUSE BECOMES A MAJOR PRIORITY FOR FUND RAISING EFFORTS BY 1960.
The Broward County Federation of Women’s Clubs held their 41st Anniversary Silver Tea in December of 1960. The hostess club was the Lake Forrest Woman’s Club of Hollywood. Having a silver tea service set was the norm for this annual event and explains our Club’s silver tea service that is in storage.
In 1960 The Junior Woman’s Club is sponsored by the “Plantation Senior Woman’s Club” (Ft. Lauderdale News--March 8, 1960). The Juniors form when members of our Club want to go in another direction. They meet at Peter’s Elementary School in mid-March of 1960 and become another community support organization.
All information is from the Minutes of the Club as well as the scrapbooks. The Minutes are in the process of being copied by the Plantation Historical Museum so that anyone will be able to reference them in the future.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 1959 TO 1969
In 1960, major projects centered around raising funds for the "Clubhouse Building Fund" by selling the new 50 State U.S. flag, card parties and driver license renewals. The "Benefit Ball", held at the Galt Ocean Mile Hotel benefited two two-year scholarships at the Junior College of Broward County. Socials involved book brunches and new member teas.
In 1961-62 the Club continued its support of the Police Athletic League, teen youth dances and preteen socials. The club's summer socials were bridge and canasta parties. The United Fund and heart fund were charities noted. The local civil defense course was publicized as well as the Plantation Junior Woman's Club "Cabaret".
In 1962-63 general meetings were held at 8 PM on the second Tuesday of each month at Peters Elementary School. Board meetings were held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Plantation Community Church. Our Club membership was at 140 women.
In 1963 the Club bought a Knabe grand piano and presented it to the City for the new community center located at 5555 Palm Tree Road.
Continued in 1963 were monthly card parties at the community center. In December the two-day Christmas Bazaar is held at the Plantation Community Center.
February 1964 notes the Fashion Crafts Show at the community center with a note that, "Our members (PWC) are special guests at the Junior's meetings". In March of the same year the Junior Woman's Club sponsors Cabaret—a fund raiser—at the War Memorial Auditorium in Ft. Lauderdale. In April our Club sponsors the "Spring Dance" for couples at the Plantation Country Club.
Fundraisers in the fall of 1964 centered around the Club's sponsorship of the Christmas Bazaar at the Plantation Community Center. The Club ran the family BBQ in April at the Peters Road picnic grounds for members and their children.
In 1964 the Club began a two-year Cancer Campaign distributing literature on cancer to other clubs and businesses. The Club ladies pledged to make "dressings" for cancer patients as many members were expert at using sewing machines. April of 1965 featured a couple's dinner-dance entitled "April Showers" where the proceeds benefited the Plantation Library.
A fashion show and bridge luncheon were held at Pier 66 in Ft. Lauderdale where profits went to Broward Junior College and the Easter Seal Clinic for the purpose of buying a speech therapy machine.
At the end of 1964 a "Holiday Glamour" makeup program, in conjunction with the Jackie Gleason Show in Miami, was held in Plantation for members. As part of this glamour event, members brought food donations for Thanksgiving for needy families.
In January of 1965 the Plantation Library honored the Club by dedicating a plaque to the Plantation Civitan Club and the Plantation Woman's Club for their work in establishing a local library.
December saw the Club's sponsorship of "Bazaar A Go-Go" that raised funds for the scholarship fund at Stranahan High School.
The years 1966 and 1967 were successful fund-raising times with a September fashion show, "Attic Treasures" benefiting the Plantation High School Senior Scholarship fund, as well as fund-raising rummage sales.
The Club's 18th birthday was celebrated in 1967 with an evening party at Plantation General Hospital's cafeteria. The Plantation Woman's Club and the Plantation Junior Woman's Club were feted at the same time for their work in the community.
400 dressings for the cancer society were completed in 1967 meeting the Club's goal.
In January of 1968 the Club ran the "Potpourri Shop" at the Sun Dial special needs school on Thursdays.
The Club sponsored the Plantation High School Juniorettes, books for the Plantation Library, the Summer Reading project and the Plantation High School scholarship fund.
At the end of 1968 the Club raised funds via the December Christmas Bazaar. In March of 1969 the annual rummage sale benefited the Plantation Library. In 1969 the Club presented the Plantation Library with a five-piece engraved silver service and a coffee maker.
As the decade came to an end, the Christmas Bazaar was now held at a larger facility—the Lauderhill Mall in the City of Lauderhill. Hacienda Girls Ranch was taken on as an on-going project. A tea honoring new members and past presidents was held in December of 1969.
All information is from scrapbooks and yearbooks. Photos have been copied from these materials to accompany history tidbits when presented in the newsletter.
Every year there was a Holiday Fund raising dance at the Plantation Country Club or larger venues beginning in 1954. This became a major Broward County benefit event with well-known orchestras, hundreds of door prizes, ten grand prizes with special balloon drop giveaways and an all-male revue called “First Class Male” featuring a floor show of male chorines dancing to a themed program (Hawaiian, ballet, etc.). These are the husbands of Club members. This event and the dancers get major local newspaper publicity every year and it raises thousands of dollars for the Club’s major charities. It is even featured on all Broward County U.S. mail trucks as a poster for PWC’s advertising of funding for the United Fund. In 1958 our Club donated $2,100 to the United Fund as part of the proceeds from the fifth annual Charity Ball held at the Governor’s Club in Ft. Lauderdale. (As a side note there is a mention that “babysitters are at a premium” when this event is held).
(In 1959 the population of the City of Plantation is 3,200 - scrapbook notation).
In the 50’s the Club sponsors “Over the Coffee Cups” and “Spring Coffees” which were events to welcome new
residents to Plantation at various member’s homes.
The 50’s also saw the beginning of “block card parties” to raise funds for the Club’s projects and charities.
The Club sponsored “sewing days” for welfare projects. Conversational Spanish was also offered to members at no charge.
THE CLUB ACTIVATES THE FIRST LIBRARY IN PLANTATION IN 1959 AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER. THIS LIBRARY IS OPEN ON TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FROM 1:30 TO 2:30 FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY TO USE. BOOKS ARE FREE TO TAKE OUT FOR ONE WEEK. THERE IS A 5 CENT DAILY CHARGE FOR LONGER BORROWING TIMES. THE CLUB HAS
RESPONDED TO THE FLORIDA FEDERATION REQUEST TO UPDATE LIBRARIES AROUND THE UNITED STATES. CLUB MEMBERS VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME AND THEIR BOOKS.
Plantation phone numbers start with LU such as LU3-5791.
The Club is involved with numerous fund-raising projects such as the Lantana Tuberculosis Hospital, the Daniel Rehabilitation Center, The Seminole Indian Girl Project - providing food and clothing for several indigent Indian families, the Broward County Dental Clinic, and the Broward County Crippled Children’s Society.
In September of 1956 the Club begins the sale of Florida Driver License renewals at the Westgate Shopping Center in a storefront. There is no Chamber of Commerce in Plantation and our Club is the only registered non-profit that sees the opportunity to provide a community service and make money for the Club’s charities. This activity continues until Florida starts renewing licenses by birth month instead of only once per year.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 1960’s
The Club is continuing to sponsor the Annual Charity Ball which is now open to the general public via pre-paid
tickets. It is held at major venues like the Galt Ocean Mile Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale that “has at least three ballrooms for the event.”
The Club supports the United Fund, Cerebral Palsy Fund, Haven of Rest for the Aged, Police Athletic League, the Seminole Indian Welfare and Scholarship Fund, the Sun Dial School, the Children’s Home Society of Broward County, the Visiting Nurses Association, the Ft. Lauderdale Oral School for the Deaf, the Lantana Tuberculosis Hospital and the Mental Hygiene Clinic, just to name a few.
In Plantation, our Club begins the “Civil Defense Program” in cooperation with the Plantation Police, Fire Department and Peters PTA to form the Civil Defense Action Corps - an informational program to let residents know what to do in “case of an air attack or storm”.
THE CLUB PROVIDES THE FIRST TWO-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP TO THE NEWLY FORMED “JUNIOR COLLEGE OF BROWARD COUNTY”. THE SCHOLARSHIP IS TO GO TO “ONE BOY AND ONE GIRL” CHOSEN BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE, DR. JOSEPH RUSHING. IN FEBRUARY OF 1961 TWO STUDENTS RECEIVE AN ALL-EXPENSE SCHOLARSHIP FROM OUR CLUB. THE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS ARE: FLORENCE J. GRANDE, 6021 SW 3RD TERRACE, PLANTATION AND ROBERT HAROLD STRICKLAND, 5732 SW 10TH COURT, WEST HOLLYWOOD.
The Club is running summer socials such as bridge and canasta parties along with splash party events. The Club sponsors book reviews and brunches which are open to the public at the Pier 66 Yacht Club.
THE BUILDING FUND FOR THE PROPOSED CLUBHOUSE BECOMES A MAJOR PRIORITY FOR FUND RAISING EFFORTS BY 1960.
The Broward County Federation of Women’s Clubs held their 41st Anniversary Silver Tea in December of 1960. The hostess club was the Lake Forrest Woman’s Club of Hollywood. Having a silver tea service set was the norm for this annual event and explains our Club’s silver tea service that is in storage.
In 1960 The Junior Woman’s Club is sponsored by the “Plantation Senior Woman’s Club” (Ft. Lauderdale News--March 8, 1960). The Juniors form when members of our Club want to go in another direction. They meet at Peter’s Elementary School in mid-March of 1960 and become another community support organization.
All information is from the Minutes of the Club as well as the scrapbooks. The Minutes are in the process of being copied by the Plantation Historical Museum so that anyone will be able to reference them in the future.
THE THIRD TEN YEARS OF THE PLANTATION
WOMAN’S CLUB - Information put together by Helen Ackerman, Club Historian 2024
HIGHLIGHTS OF 1970 TO 1979
--The 1970’s saw many new projects, activities and accomplishments for the Club. Hacienda Girls Ranch was added to the on-going support list along with continued support of the Cancer Society, Helen B. Hoffman Library and scholarships. In 1970 there were 90 paid members.
--In 1971 a paper reclamation project was started. Money from this project was earmarked for the “community club building” as well as other causes. Summer activities focused on crafts including specialized bead making and painting.
--In 1972 the Club made a commitment to the City of Plantation for $16,747 (in today’s money that would be the equivalent of about $118,000) for a community club building in Hoffman Park. Deicke Auditorium now stands at that site and was dedicated on May 6, 1973.
--In 1972 meetings were held at the Plantation Community Center, 5555 Palm Tree Road. A “husband weigh-in” of 1 cent per pound was the admission price for a Hacienda Girls Ranch fund-raiser. There were 110 members, and the Club continued its support of scholarships, nursing home services and efforts to get bus service in Plantation. 900,000 pounds of paper were recycled with the Club earning $2,300 for that effort (about $16,000 in today’s money). Some of that money was earmarked for chairs at Deicke Auditorium and a piano for the Plantation Community Center.
--1973 saw the dedication in May of Deicke Auditorium - the new meeting home of PWC. Paper recycling
continued along with support for Hacienda Girls Ranch, Cancer Society, scholarships and public bus efforts. By December of 1973 the Club had “saved 10,000 trees” and had collected over 1,000,000 pounds of newspaper for recycling.
--Hacienda Girls Ranch, scholarships, bus service efforts and park development were 1974 concerns. The Club had 80 members. Funds for the 5th Street Park of $1,700 were donated to the City for the construction of the south end of the park and continued improvements. The Jackie Gleason Golf Tournament in Inverrary was a concession booth fundraiser for the Club in February of 1975. The Holiday Bazaar at the Plantation Towne Mall was also a major fundraiser.
--Support of arts and music in the schools was an important aspect along with having a Club chorus and drama activities in 1975. Nursing home support,
Hacienda Girls Ranch, bus service in Plantation, library donations along with Bicentennial activities made for the bulk of Club interests. 90 members paid $7.50 each for yearly dues.
--In April of 1976 the Club hosted a city-wide seven-day Country Fair and Bicentennial celebration at Deicke
Auditorium. Horseshoe pitching, cake judging, a beard-length competition, square dancing, craft displays, costumes from the American Revolutionary War, marching school bands and pony rides were just some of the event highlights. Bridge card parties continued as fund raisers throughout the year. The 1976 Woman of the Year honored ten Plantation residents. The Annual Christmas Bazaar was held at the Towne Mall with all hand-made items donated for sale by Club members.
--1977 featured a fund-raising spring fashion show and luncheon at Deicke Auditorium along with monthly bridge events. The Annual Olde Plantation Day continued to raise money for the library and Plantation Middle School’s Washington, D.C. trip. In June of 1977 the Club gifted funds for the fountain in front of City Hall for the City’s 25th anniversary.
--In 1978 the Club had 125 members paying $7.50 each for membership. The bus bench rentals earned a total of $1,000 for the year. Hacienda Girls Ranch, scholarships, bus service, the Cancer Society, chorus and drama events were among the continued activities. The Club sponsored a Prayer Breakfast in January at Pier 66 Restaurant which was open to the public. A jazz benefit concert for exceptional children participating in Special Olympics was held at Deicke Auditorium.
--1979 saw the continuation of the Annual Holiday Bazaar to benefit the Helen B. Hoffman Library, scholarship fund and community projects. Hacienda Girls Ranch, bridge card events, bus service in Plantation and Woman of the Year were major Club projects. The Club had 150 members paying $8 each for membership. Bus bench rentals brought in $2,000 for the year.
All information is from scrapbooks and yearbooks. Photos have been copied from these resources to accompany future history tidbits when presented in the newsletter and elsewhere.
Helen Ackerman
January 2024
WOMAN’S CLUB - Information put together by Helen Ackerman, Club Historian 2024
HIGHLIGHTS OF 1970 TO 1979
--The 1970’s saw many new projects, activities and accomplishments for the Club. Hacienda Girls Ranch was added to the on-going support list along with continued support of the Cancer Society, Helen B. Hoffman Library and scholarships. In 1970 there were 90 paid members.
--In 1971 a paper reclamation project was started. Money from this project was earmarked for the “community club building” as well as other causes. Summer activities focused on crafts including specialized bead making and painting.
--In 1972 the Club made a commitment to the City of Plantation for $16,747 (in today’s money that would be the equivalent of about $118,000) for a community club building in Hoffman Park. Deicke Auditorium now stands at that site and was dedicated on May 6, 1973.
--In 1972 meetings were held at the Plantation Community Center, 5555 Palm Tree Road. A “husband weigh-in” of 1 cent per pound was the admission price for a Hacienda Girls Ranch fund-raiser. There were 110 members, and the Club continued its support of scholarships, nursing home services and efforts to get bus service in Plantation. 900,000 pounds of paper were recycled with the Club earning $2,300 for that effort (about $16,000 in today’s money). Some of that money was earmarked for chairs at Deicke Auditorium and a piano for the Plantation Community Center.
--1973 saw the dedication in May of Deicke Auditorium - the new meeting home of PWC. Paper recycling
continued along with support for Hacienda Girls Ranch, Cancer Society, scholarships and public bus efforts. By December of 1973 the Club had “saved 10,000 trees” and had collected over 1,000,000 pounds of newspaper for recycling.
--Hacienda Girls Ranch, scholarships, bus service efforts and park development were 1974 concerns. The Club had 80 members. Funds for the 5th Street Park of $1,700 were donated to the City for the construction of the south end of the park and continued improvements. The Jackie Gleason Golf Tournament in Inverrary was a concession booth fundraiser for the Club in February of 1975. The Holiday Bazaar at the Plantation Towne Mall was also a major fundraiser.
--Support of arts and music in the schools was an important aspect along with having a Club chorus and drama activities in 1975. Nursing home support,
Hacienda Girls Ranch, bus service in Plantation, library donations along with Bicentennial activities made for the bulk of Club interests. 90 members paid $7.50 each for yearly dues.
--In April of 1976 the Club hosted a city-wide seven-day Country Fair and Bicentennial celebration at Deicke
Auditorium. Horseshoe pitching, cake judging, a beard-length competition, square dancing, craft displays, costumes from the American Revolutionary War, marching school bands and pony rides were just some of the event highlights. Bridge card parties continued as fund raisers throughout the year. The 1976 Woman of the Year honored ten Plantation residents. The Annual Christmas Bazaar was held at the Towne Mall with all hand-made items donated for sale by Club members.
--1977 featured a fund-raising spring fashion show and luncheon at Deicke Auditorium along with monthly bridge events. The Annual Olde Plantation Day continued to raise money for the library and Plantation Middle School’s Washington, D.C. trip. In June of 1977 the Club gifted funds for the fountain in front of City Hall for the City’s 25th anniversary.
--In 1978 the Club had 125 members paying $7.50 each for membership. The bus bench rentals earned a total of $1,000 for the year. Hacienda Girls Ranch, scholarships, bus service, the Cancer Society, chorus and drama events were among the continued activities. The Club sponsored a Prayer Breakfast in January at Pier 66 Restaurant which was open to the public. A jazz benefit concert for exceptional children participating in Special Olympics was held at Deicke Auditorium.
--1979 saw the continuation of the Annual Holiday Bazaar to benefit the Helen B. Hoffman Library, scholarship fund and community projects. Hacienda Girls Ranch, bridge card events, bus service in Plantation and Woman of the Year were major Club projects. The Club had 150 members paying $8 each for membership. Bus bench rentals brought in $2,000 for the year.
All information is from scrapbooks and yearbooks. Photos have been copied from these resources to accompany future history tidbits when presented in the newsletter and elsewhere.
Helen Ackerman
January 2024
THE FOURTH TEN YEARS OF THE PLANTATION WOMAN’S CLUB. Information put together by Helen Ackerman, Club Historian, 2024
--HIGHLIGHTS OF 1980 TO 1989
--The 1980 Year Book highlighted 15 club projects:
Hacienda Girls Ranch, Scholarships, Keep bus service in Plantation, Organize chorus and drama group, Increase publicity, inform public of club projects, Give service to our nursing homes, Organize a reading group, Support FFWC funds and as many projects as feasible, Support Plantation Library, Give financial support to Deicke Auditorium, Beautification of Plantation, Support Cancer Society Programs, Organize Literary Guild, Working with youth in the community and Plantation Woman of the Year Awards promoting civic involvement. The club had 180 members who paid $10 each for membership. Ten thousand dollars was pledged in that year for the upgrading of the kitchen facilities at Deicke Auditorium.
--In 1981 six scholarships were awarded with an award event theme of “Light a candle for understanding”. The theme reflected the understanding gained by the scholarship recipients through their educational experiences. Past presidents were honored in September with a piano song fest. Ground water conservation and management were a major club program in cooperation with the Broward County Extension Service. In November the directors of
Hacienda Girls Ranch, Colonel and Mrs. Kramer, were guest speakers. The Kramers were presented with a “cash donation of $268 and 36 S&H Green Stamp books”. Ten women from Plantation were honored for their community service in May of 1981 with keys to the city presented by Mayor Frank Veltri. The club had 177 members.
--1982 also boasted 177 members and an annual club arts & crafts program along with a fashion show where members modeled their craft sewing entries. The March meeting stressed the club’s literary interests as five members provided mini-book reports on best sellers in their own unique style. College scholarships were awarded in May along with a musical program presented by “36 students from Cooper City Elementary School”. That year ten women were honored by the club in the Woman of the Year luncheon. A student art show was also sponsored by the club at the Towne Mall along with the Towne Mall merchants and the City of Plantation. West Broward elementary, middle and high school
students participated. The American Cancer Society was supported by the club for their research efforts as well the Insight for the Blind program. Six thousand dollars ($6,000) was donated to the City of Plantation for the “installation of a commercial dish washer, a cooling commercial unit and a heating commercial unit” for Deicke Auditorium.
November saw a donation to Hospice and a donation to the anticipated Arts Museum to be built in Ft. Lauderdale. The annual holiday bazaar was again held at the Towne Mall where all items for sale were made by members who met during the year making arts and crafts. Also, in December an interdenominational program on the meaning of Chanukah and Christmas was presented along with a choral presentation by the Plantation High School choral group.
--1983 was a banner year for the club with 224 members. In June there was a re-dedication of Deicke Auditorium where the club donated funds for the renovation of the stage area and skirt, dishwasher, cooling and heating systems as well as carpeting. February saw the club art show which featured clothing made and modeled by members. Approximately 70 members sewed their way onto the modeling stage. Regular bridge parties continued to raise funds throughout the year. Booths were sponsored by the club at the Broward County Special Olympics Fair. In March the club held a fund raiser lunch and fashion show at Neiman Marcus in the Galleria Shopping Center in Ft. Lauderdale. In May, eight scholarships were awarded. Twelve outstanding women were recognized in May of 1983. Funds were donated to the City for the building of the Plantation Historical Museum. In July of 1983 the club underwrote the cost for all the drapes, replacement cabinets and counters at Deicke Auditorium. The first cookbook committee met in October to review, edit and prepare 448 recipes for the “Plantation Cookbook”- a project that was started in 1978 but never completed. The club took part in the community holiday bazaar in November. The first “Antique Show” scheduled for January of 1984 was planned with “twenty-five dealers from over the United States”.
--In January of 1984 club members displayed their creative talents, crafts, photography and design fashions at the luncheon meeting. The clothes were made and modeled by members. The first four-day Winter Antique Show was held on January 19th-22nd and was a huge success. In March a “Spring Gala Fashion Show” was held with clothing from three department stores featuring bridal, evening, sportswear and casual apparel. April included a trip to Hacienda Girls Ranch to see what the facility was doing with the donated funds. Seven Plantation. In May the Woman of the Year luncheon was held at the Ft. Lauderdale Intercontinental Hotel & Spa at Bonadventure where twelve club women were honored. In 1984 the Ft. Lauderdale Oral School of Nova University introduced ten students with hearing and speech impediments to club members as an inspirational learning experience in a program entitled “How We Learn”.
In October the “Festival of the October Moon”, a fund-raising event was held on a Saturday with multiple booths highlighting varied crafts, baked goods, books, jewelry new and used and “white elephants”. The 1984 holiday luncheon was held on December 11th with an accordionist playing both Christmas and Chanukah music during the social hour. There were 158 members listed in the Yearbook. In 1984 the club expended funds for equipment for Central Park’s Olympic pool so that a therapy program for the disabled could be sponsored. The first robotic teaching unit ($3,200) for “Pluggie” (pictured below) was given to the Plantation Fire Department for use in the public schools in teaching fire safety. The lady’s room at Deicke Auditorium was to be refurbished with all new tile and Formica by the club’s donations.
--1985 continued the club’s projects at Hacienda Girl’s Ranch, scholarships, support of FFWC projects, Partners in Progress, the City of Plantation, Helen B. Hoffman Library, Plantation Historical Society, the beautification of Plantation, leadership development through the Hugh O’Brien Youth Seminar (HOBY), working with community youth, service to nursing homes, “Woman of the Year”, promoting civic development, supporting the Cancer Society programs, informing the public of the club’s projects and supporting “Good Health - Catch It!” a project of the Florida Federation on health. In 1985, $9,000 was given for “community and state projects” and $5,000 for scholarships. The president’s project was “Public Education on Child Abuse”. The club had 156 members.
--1986 saw the assistive devices for the Central Park pool installed with a pool lift and “easy ladder” for use by stroke, accident and arthritis users. The club donated $3,125 to the City for these items. The “Member of the Month” award was presented to the club by the Plantation Chamber of Commerce for community efforts. PWC donations were made to the Plantation Historical Museum, the Goodwin Center for Cancer Research, The Helen B. Hoffman Library, the Broward County Library, the American Red Cross and Special Olympics. Twelve academic scholarships were awarded to Plantation graduating seniors.
--In 1987 there was continued support of the scholarships with ten awards being made to Plantation high school graduates. Two Special Olympians were also sponsored to take part in the Florida State Games. Funds went to the Helen B. Hoffman Library, the Broward County West Regional Library, the Plantation Historical Society, the Plantation Chamber of Commerce, the Museum of Art, the Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research, Hacienda Girl’s Ranch, Insight for the Blind and the Spina Bifida foundation. The club was one of the sponsors of the Tiny Tot Concert, for children ages 3-8, of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Florida. Membership was at 144.
--In 1988 the club continued its charitable activities along with volunteering time to take blood pressure readings for the American Red Cross in the Plantation Towne Mall. Members also rang the bells for the Salvation Army during the holiday season. The lady’s room at Deicke Auditorium was completed. Five new scholarships were awarded to Plantation high school students. In 1988 Macy’s Department Store presented the club with a check for $2,442.50 for the Hacienda Ranch Foundation. The club put in another $1,000 to help support this endeavor. “Beauties of the Coral Reef”, presented by the Smithsonian Institute’s Traveling Exhibit was made possible by a gift from the club in September of 1988. The club donated $5,000 to the Plantation Historical Society for the planned expansion of the Historical Museum.
--1989 saw the gift of a new fountain at the City Hall Annex building as well as landscaping and beautification of a butterfly garden on the site. In May of 1989 club funds were donated to the Plantation Police Department for the purchase of a life size “McGruff”, a teaching tool to promote the fight against crime, drugs and alcohol. Donations were given to the Child Care Connection, a day care center for children from low-income families. Funds were provided to the Starting Place, a youth drug rehab program, Special Olympics, The Cooperative Feeding Program and the Plantation Chamber of Commerce. PWC donated funds for the Plantation Summer Recreation Day camp. Additional pool
equipment was funded through a donation to the Plantation Recreation Department for swimming therapy classes for the disabled. The club received a certificate of appreciation from the National Organization on Disability. In 1989 PWC was the recipient of the J.C. Penney Golden Rule Award for outstanding volunteerism in the community. The club became an “adoptive parent” in April of 1989 for a golden eagle named “Pioneer” as part of the Florida Audubon Society Birds of Prey program.
All information is from scrapbooks and yearbooks. Photos have been copied from these materials to accompany history tidbits when presented in the newsletter.
Helen Ackerman, February 2024
--HIGHLIGHTS OF 1980 TO 1989
--The 1980 Year Book highlighted 15 club projects:
Hacienda Girls Ranch, Scholarships, Keep bus service in Plantation, Organize chorus and drama group, Increase publicity, inform public of club projects, Give service to our nursing homes, Organize a reading group, Support FFWC funds and as many projects as feasible, Support Plantation Library, Give financial support to Deicke Auditorium, Beautification of Plantation, Support Cancer Society Programs, Organize Literary Guild, Working with youth in the community and Plantation Woman of the Year Awards promoting civic involvement. The club had 180 members who paid $10 each for membership. Ten thousand dollars was pledged in that year for the upgrading of the kitchen facilities at Deicke Auditorium.
--In 1981 six scholarships were awarded with an award event theme of “Light a candle for understanding”. The theme reflected the understanding gained by the scholarship recipients through their educational experiences. Past presidents were honored in September with a piano song fest. Ground water conservation and management were a major club program in cooperation with the Broward County Extension Service. In November the directors of
Hacienda Girls Ranch, Colonel and Mrs. Kramer, were guest speakers. The Kramers were presented with a “cash donation of $268 and 36 S&H Green Stamp books”. Ten women from Plantation were honored for their community service in May of 1981 with keys to the city presented by Mayor Frank Veltri. The club had 177 members.
--1982 also boasted 177 members and an annual club arts & crafts program along with a fashion show where members modeled their craft sewing entries. The March meeting stressed the club’s literary interests as five members provided mini-book reports on best sellers in their own unique style. College scholarships were awarded in May along with a musical program presented by “36 students from Cooper City Elementary School”. That year ten women were honored by the club in the Woman of the Year luncheon. A student art show was also sponsored by the club at the Towne Mall along with the Towne Mall merchants and the City of Plantation. West Broward elementary, middle and high school
students participated. The American Cancer Society was supported by the club for their research efforts as well the Insight for the Blind program. Six thousand dollars ($6,000) was donated to the City of Plantation for the “installation of a commercial dish washer, a cooling commercial unit and a heating commercial unit” for Deicke Auditorium.
November saw a donation to Hospice and a donation to the anticipated Arts Museum to be built in Ft. Lauderdale. The annual holiday bazaar was again held at the Towne Mall where all items for sale were made by members who met during the year making arts and crafts. Also, in December an interdenominational program on the meaning of Chanukah and Christmas was presented along with a choral presentation by the Plantation High School choral group.
--1983 was a banner year for the club with 224 members. In June there was a re-dedication of Deicke Auditorium where the club donated funds for the renovation of the stage area and skirt, dishwasher, cooling and heating systems as well as carpeting. February saw the club art show which featured clothing made and modeled by members. Approximately 70 members sewed their way onto the modeling stage. Regular bridge parties continued to raise funds throughout the year. Booths were sponsored by the club at the Broward County Special Olympics Fair. In March the club held a fund raiser lunch and fashion show at Neiman Marcus in the Galleria Shopping Center in Ft. Lauderdale. In May, eight scholarships were awarded. Twelve outstanding women were recognized in May of 1983. Funds were donated to the City for the building of the Plantation Historical Museum. In July of 1983 the club underwrote the cost for all the drapes, replacement cabinets and counters at Deicke Auditorium. The first cookbook committee met in October to review, edit and prepare 448 recipes for the “Plantation Cookbook”- a project that was started in 1978 but never completed. The club took part in the community holiday bazaar in November. The first “Antique Show” scheduled for January of 1984 was planned with “twenty-five dealers from over the United States”.
--In January of 1984 club members displayed their creative talents, crafts, photography and design fashions at the luncheon meeting. The clothes were made and modeled by members. The first four-day Winter Antique Show was held on January 19th-22nd and was a huge success. In March a “Spring Gala Fashion Show” was held with clothing from three department stores featuring bridal, evening, sportswear and casual apparel. April included a trip to Hacienda Girls Ranch to see what the facility was doing with the donated funds. Seven Plantation. In May the Woman of the Year luncheon was held at the Ft. Lauderdale Intercontinental Hotel & Spa at Bonadventure where twelve club women were honored. In 1984 the Ft. Lauderdale Oral School of Nova University introduced ten students with hearing and speech impediments to club members as an inspirational learning experience in a program entitled “How We Learn”.
In October the “Festival of the October Moon”, a fund-raising event was held on a Saturday with multiple booths highlighting varied crafts, baked goods, books, jewelry new and used and “white elephants”. The 1984 holiday luncheon was held on December 11th with an accordionist playing both Christmas and Chanukah music during the social hour. There were 158 members listed in the Yearbook. In 1984 the club expended funds for equipment for Central Park’s Olympic pool so that a therapy program for the disabled could be sponsored. The first robotic teaching unit ($3,200) for “Pluggie” (pictured below) was given to the Plantation Fire Department for use in the public schools in teaching fire safety. The lady’s room at Deicke Auditorium was to be refurbished with all new tile and Formica by the club’s donations.
--1985 continued the club’s projects at Hacienda Girl’s Ranch, scholarships, support of FFWC projects, Partners in Progress, the City of Plantation, Helen B. Hoffman Library, Plantation Historical Society, the beautification of Plantation, leadership development through the Hugh O’Brien Youth Seminar (HOBY), working with community youth, service to nursing homes, “Woman of the Year”, promoting civic development, supporting the Cancer Society programs, informing the public of the club’s projects and supporting “Good Health - Catch It!” a project of the Florida Federation on health. In 1985, $9,000 was given for “community and state projects” and $5,000 for scholarships. The president’s project was “Public Education on Child Abuse”. The club had 156 members.
--1986 saw the assistive devices for the Central Park pool installed with a pool lift and “easy ladder” for use by stroke, accident and arthritis users. The club donated $3,125 to the City for these items. The “Member of the Month” award was presented to the club by the Plantation Chamber of Commerce for community efforts. PWC donations were made to the Plantation Historical Museum, the Goodwin Center for Cancer Research, The Helen B. Hoffman Library, the Broward County Library, the American Red Cross and Special Olympics. Twelve academic scholarships were awarded to Plantation graduating seniors.
--In 1987 there was continued support of the scholarships with ten awards being made to Plantation high school graduates. Two Special Olympians were also sponsored to take part in the Florida State Games. Funds went to the Helen B. Hoffman Library, the Broward County West Regional Library, the Plantation Historical Society, the Plantation Chamber of Commerce, the Museum of Art, the Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research, Hacienda Girl’s Ranch, Insight for the Blind and the Spina Bifida foundation. The club was one of the sponsors of the Tiny Tot Concert, for children ages 3-8, of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Florida. Membership was at 144.
--In 1988 the club continued its charitable activities along with volunteering time to take blood pressure readings for the American Red Cross in the Plantation Towne Mall. Members also rang the bells for the Salvation Army during the holiday season. The lady’s room at Deicke Auditorium was completed. Five new scholarships were awarded to Plantation high school students. In 1988 Macy’s Department Store presented the club with a check for $2,442.50 for the Hacienda Ranch Foundation. The club put in another $1,000 to help support this endeavor. “Beauties of the Coral Reef”, presented by the Smithsonian Institute’s Traveling Exhibit was made possible by a gift from the club in September of 1988. The club donated $5,000 to the Plantation Historical Society for the planned expansion of the Historical Museum.
--1989 saw the gift of a new fountain at the City Hall Annex building as well as landscaping and beautification of a butterfly garden on the site. In May of 1989 club funds were donated to the Plantation Police Department for the purchase of a life size “McGruff”, a teaching tool to promote the fight against crime, drugs and alcohol. Donations were given to the Child Care Connection, a day care center for children from low-income families. Funds were provided to the Starting Place, a youth drug rehab program, Special Olympics, The Cooperative Feeding Program and the Plantation Chamber of Commerce. PWC donated funds for the Plantation Summer Recreation Day camp. Additional pool
equipment was funded through a donation to the Plantation Recreation Department for swimming therapy classes for the disabled. The club received a certificate of appreciation from the National Organization on Disability. In 1989 PWC was the recipient of the J.C. Penney Golden Rule Award for outstanding volunteerism in the community. The club became an “adoptive parent” in April of 1989 for a golden eagle named “Pioneer” as part of the Florida Audubon Society Birds of Prey program.
All information is from scrapbooks and yearbooks. Photos have been copied from these materials to accompany history tidbits when presented in the newsletter.
Helen Ackerman, February 2024
THE FIFTH TEN YEARS OF THE PLANTATION WOMAN’S CLUB
Information put together by Helen Ackerman, Club Historian 2024
HIGHIGHTS OF 1990 TO 1999
--1990 saw the outdoor fountain and patio at the New City Hall Annex building completed along with the Club
planting of “Jennie June” roses commemorating forty plus years of cooperative effort and cultural improvements in Plantation as well as the celebration of GFWC’s 100 year founding. The Club gave the funds for the fountain and patio. Hacienda Girls’ Ranch, Scholarships, Partners in Progress for Community Improvement, Helen B. Hoffman Plantation Library, Plantation Historical Society, the Hugh O’Brien Youth Seminar (HOBY), a local soup kitchen, nursing home service, the Goodwin Cancer Institute and other activities kept the Club busy all year raising funds. The Antique Show was in its eighth year with 147 members listed in the yearbook.
--1991 continued support of all previous projects including the Winn Dixie Hope Lodge, Keeping Kids Safe, Special Olympics, Scholarships to graduating Plantation seniors and Canine Companions for Independence. Sponsorship participation in the first Garlic Festival with Al Hirt’s band was a major October event. Proceeds of the festival went for park improvements. Many groups took part including 4H clubs, the Medieval Players, artists and crafters. Foods included garlic pancakes and garlic beer. The winner of the art contest received a trip to the Gilroy Garlic Festival in California. The Club received the “Club of the Year for 1991” from the Florida Federation of Women’s Clubs.
--1992 saw the Club’s projects continued and expanded. Ten students were assisted in the AFS International
Exchange program. Two Special Olympics students were also sponsored in the Florida State Games. The Club noted that “over $10,000 had been given to the Plantation Historical Museum”. Donations were also given to Canine Companions for Independence, The Seeing Eye Dog Program and Dogs for the Deaf. The Club was active in the Duck Pond Gazebo restoration and took part in the “Summer Kitchen” restoration project to preserve the oldest structure in Plantation. The second Broward Garlic Festival was held at Heritage Park with Coca Cola, Marriott, Spice World, WIOD radio and our Club as sponsors. The Festival included local and national talent, an antique car show, garlic arts and crafts, a garlic cook off, kiddie rides, face painting and a student art show. Adopt-A-Teacher, the Arthritis Foundation, Learn to Read, Kids in Distress, Save the Children and Spina Bifida were also supported by the 152 members plus providing scholarships to graduating Plantation seniors. Bridge and other games were played for fun and fund-raising each month.
--1993 saw the completion of the Peters Family’s “Summer Kitchen”. For years children had enjoyed the Duck Pond and its bridge to the gazebo. An electrical short caused a fire that destroyed the gazebo’s roof. It laid dormant until the Club donated $10,000 to restore the site which was also noted to have been an Indian trading location. Three picnic sites for wheelchair residents were added. The restored gazebo also became a popular wedding venue. The Plantation community pool was provided with a hydraulic lift for physically challenged swimmers. Graduating Plantation high school students received scholarships each year. The Club also donated funds for a Deicke Auditorium sign at Broward Boulevard and Royal Palm Drive. Outside vendors were invited to participate in fund raising events at Deicke
Auditorium as the events grew larger, attracted more visitors and required more items to sell. The Club continued to support the Goodwin Cancer Research Institute by sponsoring an internship program. Reach-Out-To-Cancer-Kids (ROCK) camp and Hacienda Girls’ Ranch continued to be part of the listing of supported organizations.
--1994 began evening meetings being held for members who were not able to attend the monthly general meetings. Bridge luncheons were fund and fun raisers throughout the year. The three-day antique show was in its 11th year and continued to be held at Deicke Auditorium now with the addition of outside vendors. Many of the 153 members were active in making arts and crafts projects for the October Bazaar and they met every Tuesday during the summer with their sewing machines at Deicke Auditorium. The October 30th Bazaar featured baked goods, toys, books, decorations, hand crafted items and “Granny’s Attic” where children could listen to stories read by club members. Children could also wear costumes for a costume parade. Features of the show were scissor sharpening, potpourri, decorative baskets, hand-made guest towels, potted plants, maps and magazines. “Boomer”, a West Indian manatee living in Florida’s Blue Spring State Park, was adopted by the Club as a conservation project. Also supported was the American Cancer’s ROCK (Reaching Out to Cancer Kids) camp, Salvation Army, Covenant House of Florida, Hacienda Girls’ Ranch and the Goodwin Cancer Research summer intern program. Several scholarships were awarded by the Club to graduating high school students living in Plantation. The Club sponsored the Annual Health Fair where free screenings and health tests were offered to the public as well as immunizations in cooperation with the North Broward Kiwanis Club. 1994 also saw a “Spring Lark Crafts & Art” event sponsored by the Club at Liberty Tree Park to help finance the “children’s handicapped shallow water pool” in Plantation.
--1995 saw the official adoption of the romantic era “Floral Lady” starting with her picture on the 12th Annual Antique show brochure. After 46 years of various program designs and motifs, the Club decided to use the design created by a Club member’s son, Neil Tortorella, who provided the design free-of-charge. The Club’s name was later added to the design border. The original multi-colored drawing included a blue sky and white clouds. That the design could be reproduced in any single color for printing was an important feature at that time. 149 members supported Adopt-A-Library, Adopt-A-Teacher, Adopt-A-Park, the Arthritis Foundation, Canine Companions for Independence, the Child Care Connection, Cooperative Feeding Program, Covenant House, Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research, Hacienda Girls’ Ranch and Kids in Distress. The Antique Show was a three-day event in February while Granny’s Attic and Bake Sale were held in April at Deicke Auditorium. Bridge and canasta were monthly fund raisers. The Plantation Historical Museum and the Plantation Library were two major recipients of Club funding. Scholarships were awarded to outstanding Plantation graduating seniors.
--1996 had a banner message in the summer newsletter proclaiming, “Do you know that PWC has given over ¾ of a million dollars to City improvements since we organized in 1949!!” 129 members were involved in activities ranging from card parties where friends, spouses and potential members were invited to attend to the annual trip to Hacienda Girls’ Ranch in Melbourne. The Craft and Plant Festival was held in early November at Deicke Auditorium. Instruction in the Macarena dance steps was published in the newsletter for members. Scholarships were awarded to deserving Plantation high school seniors. The Club continued to support Canine Companions for Independence, the Plantation Library, the Historical Museum and the Salvation Army food drive. Members also donated used hearing aids and eye
glasses to the Lions’ Club. Arts and crafts projects were worked on as a group during the summer. The Club
continued to sponsor the KIDS ID program where children could be fingerprinted by the Plantation Police Department as well as having their photo taken for parents to have. In 1996 funds were pledged to the City of Plantation to build a park at SW 54th Avenue.
--1997 saw the cutting of apron patterns with “PWC” sewn on each apron. These were used at the February Antique Show. Sewers put the aprons together while non-sewers made decorations and favors for the Woman of the Year luncheon. The Rascals Wildlife Care Center, Operation Christmas Child (gift filled shoe boxes for children around the world in crisis zones), Duck Haven Inc. and the Smiling Acres Farm all received Club support. By 1997 the three-day Antique Show had grown so large that both Deicke Auditorium and the Community Center were used with shuttle service between both. Free health screenings were sponsored by the Club and local hospitals. The Club hosted AFS students (American Field Service) as well as sponsoring a candidate forum. Two fun trips were arranged for members: Miami’s Bayside Market Place via the Jungle Queen and Calder Race Track with a buffet luncheon. The Heritage Park gazebo and Duck Pond kept members busy with beautification projects. Co-sponsorship for the Animal Aid Festival featured pony rides, clowns, face painting, arts, crafts and a flea market. Funds for playground equipment that met the American Disability Act was provided at Heritage Park courtesy of the Club. The Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research, now called the “Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research” thanked the Club for providing funds for a summer science student and oncology books for their library. The Club awarded scholarships to Plantation graduating seniors as a major project.
--1998 started with the annual February Arts and Crafts show at Deicke Auditorium for members. Programs were often geared to computer savvy with “Women going online with Computers” as a topic. Dues were $20 per year and the Club had 121 members. Card parties were fun and fund raisers. The Teddy Bear Picnic in May was a Club highlight with children bringing their teddy bears to a story telling event. The summer months were spent on making craft items for the following year’s “Craft Fest” which was once called the “Annual Bazaar”. Toys for Tots, Operation Christmas Child for children in Bosnia, the Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute, Hacienda Girls’ Ranch, Helen B. Hoffman Library, and the Plantation Historical Museum were part of the Club’s donations. A burrowing owl called “Bobby” was sponsored through the Audubon Society’s adoption program. The Everglades 50th Anniversary was celebrated by members with a busload going to festivities at the Park. Selling orchids was a first at the 1998’s Antique Show with both Deicke Auditorium and the Community Center being used. Homemade casseroles, salads, key lime pie and sandwiches were offered along with a variety of soups with one member making “about a gazillion matzo balls”. The GFWC Heifer Project became a Club project as well along with support of the Girl Scouts, Plantation Elkettes, the Children’s Home Society, and the American Heart Association. Scholarships to Plantation graduating high school students was a major funding project.
--1999 celebrated the Club’s 50th Anniversary year. The Annual Arts and Crafts show began the year in January followed by the three-day February Antique event at both Deicke Auditorium and the Community Center. This was the major fund-raiser for the Club and featured an outstanding array of food choices for the public. The Club helped to support the State GFWC Boys’ Anchor House Ministries project. The Club ladies enjoyed two fun events: the Sea Escape one-day cruise and the Calder Race Track luncheon with one of the races named in the Club’s honor. Canine Companions for Independence, Hacienda Girl’s Ranch, ROCK camp, Christmas Shoebox and a host of other causes were supported by 123 members with scholarships to graduating Plantation seniors a major event. “Personal safety, scams and telemarketing fraud” was a 1999 Club general meeting program. The Club’s 50th anniversary was held on
February 28, 1999, from 1 to 4 PM at Deicke Auditorium with a display of award plaques, scrapbooks and a food table providing tea sandwiches and desserts. Members and their families were invited to attend this anniversary celebration. Ornate and highly decorated scrapbooks were entered each year at the Florida Convention. PWC won awards for these books and most of them are now available in our historical collection. The Club participated in the waterways cleanup, animal abuse prevention causes, the butterfly garden, the July 4th parade and “Shop Till You Drop” sponsored by Burdines from 6 AM to 10 AM for Club members. Burdines provided a continental breakfast, door prizes and a 15 percent discount. Bridge and canasta were ongoing fund and fun events with friends, neighbors and family invited. The October Craft and Plant Fest featured home-baked desserts and food, craft items, orchids and a wide variety of unique handmade treasures. Fingerprinting and photos were provided by the Plantation Police Department as well as baby car seat positioning checks at the event.
Information put together by Helen Ackerman, Club Historian 2024
HIGHIGHTS OF 1990 TO 1999
--1990 saw the outdoor fountain and patio at the New City Hall Annex building completed along with the Club
planting of “Jennie June” roses commemorating forty plus years of cooperative effort and cultural improvements in Plantation as well as the celebration of GFWC’s 100 year founding. The Club gave the funds for the fountain and patio. Hacienda Girls’ Ranch, Scholarships, Partners in Progress for Community Improvement, Helen B. Hoffman Plantation Library, Plantation Historical Society, the Hugh O’Brien Youth Seminar (HOBY), a local soup kitchen, nursing home service, the Goodwin Cancer Institute and other activities kept the Club busy all year raising funds. The Antique Show was in its eighth year with 147 members listed in the yearbook.
--1991 continued support of all previous projects including the Winn Dixie Hope Lodge, Keeping Kids Safe, Special Olympics, Scholarships to graduating Plantation seniors and Canine Companions for Independence. Sponsorship participation in the first Garlic Festival with Al Hirt’s band was a major October event. Proceeds of the festival went for park improvements. Many groups took part including 4H clubs, the Medieval Players, artists and crafters. Foods included garlic pancakes and garlic beer. The winner of the art contest received a trip to the Gilroy Garlic Festival in California. The Club received the “Club of the Year for 1991” from the Florida Federation of Women’s Clubs.
--1992 saw the Club’s projects continued and expanded. Ten students were assisted in the AFS International
Exchange program. Two Special Olympics students were also sponsored in the Florida State Games. The Club noted that “over $10,000 had been given to the Plantation Historical Museum”. Donations were also given to Canine Companions for Independence, The Seeing Eye Dog Program and Dogs for the Deaf. The Club was active in the Duck Pond Gazebo restoration and took part in the “Summer Kitchen” restoration project to preserve the oldest structure in Plantation. The second Broward Garlic Festival was held at Heritage Park with Coca Cola, Marriott, Spice World, WIOD radio and our Club as sponsors. The Festival included local and national talent, an antique car show, garlic arts and crafts, a garlic cook off, kiddie rides, face painting and a student art show. Adopt-A-Teacher, the Arthritis Foundation, Learn to Read, Kids in Distress, Save the Children and Spina Bifida were also supported by the 152 members plus providing scholarships to graduating Plantation seniors. Bridge and other games were played for fun and fund-raising each month.
--1993 saw the completion of the Peters Family’s “Summer Kitchen”. For years children had enjoyed the Duck Pond and its bridge to the gazebo. An electrical short caused a fire that destroyed the gazebo’s roof. It laid dormant until the Club donated $10,000 to restore the site which was also noted to have been an Indian trading location. Three picnic sites for wheelchair residents were added. The restored gazebo also became a popular wedding venue. The Plantation community pool was provided with a hydraulic lift for physically challenged swimmers. Graduating Plantation high school students received scholarships each year. The Club also donated funds for a Deicke Auditorium sign at Broward Boulevard and Royal Palm Drive. Outside vendors were invited to participate in fund raising events at Deicke
Auditorium as the events grew larger, attracted more visitors and required more items to sell. The Club continued to support the Goodwin Cancer Research Institute by sponsoring an internship program. Reach-Out-To-Cancer-Kids (ROCK) camp and Hacienda Girls’ Ranch continued to be part of the listing of supported organizations.
--1994 began evening meetings being held for members who were not able to attend the monthly general meetings. Bridge luncheons were fund and fun raisers throughout the year. The three-day antique show was in its 11th year and continued to be held at Deicke Auditorium now with the addition of outside vendors. Many of the 153 members were active in making arts and crafts projects for the October Bazaar and they met every Tuesday during the summer with their sewing machines at Deicke Auditorium. The October 30th Bazaar featured baked goods, toys, books, decorations, hand crafted items and “Granny’s Attic” where children could listen to stories read by club members. Children could also wear costumes for a costume parade. Features of the show were scissor sharpening, potpourri, decorative baskets, hand-made guest towels, potted plants, maps and magazines. “Boomer”, a West Indian manatee living in Florida’s Blue Spring State Park, was adopted by the Club as a conservation project. Also supported was the American Cancer’s ROCK (Reaching Out to Cancer Kids) camp, Salvation Army, Covenant House of Florida, Hacienda Girls’ Ranch and the Goodwin Cancer Research summer intern program. Several scholarships were awarded by the Club to graduating high school students living in Plantation. The Club sponsored the Annual Health Fair where free screenings and health tests were offered to the public as well as immunizations in cooperation with the North Broward Kiwanis Club. 1994 also saw a “Spring Lark Crafts & Art” event sponsored by the Club at Liberty Tree Park to help finance the “children’s handicapped shallow water pool” in Plantation.
--1995 saw the official adoption of the romantic era “Floral Lady” starting with her picture on the 12th Annual Antique show brochure. After 46 years of various program designs and motifs, the Club decided to use the design created by a Club member’s son, Neil Tortorella, who provided the design free-of-charge. The Club’s name was later added to the design border. The original multi-colored drawing included a blue sky and white clouds. That the design could be reproduced in any single color for printing was an important feature at that time. 149 members supported Adopt-A-Library, Adopt-A-Teacher, Adopt-A-Park, the Arthritis Foundation, Canine Companions for Independence, the Child Care Connection, Cooperative Feeding Program, Covenant House, Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research, Hacienda Girls’ Ranch and Kids in Distress. The Antique Show was a three-day event in February while Granny’s Attic and Bake Sale were held in April at Deicke Auditorium. Bridge and canasta were monthly fund raisers. The Plantation Historical Museum and the Plantation Library were two major recipients of Club funding. Scholarships were awarded to outstanding Plantation graduating seniors.
--1996 had a banner message in the summer newsletter proclaiming, “Do you know that PWC has given over ¾ of a million dollars to City improvements since we organized in 1949!!” 129 members were involved in activities ranging from card parties where friends, spouses and potential members were invited to attend to the annual trip to Hacienda Girls’ Ranch in Melbourne. The Craft and Plant Festival was held in early November at Deicke Auditorium. Instruction in the Macarena dance steps was published in the newsletter for members. Scholarships were awarded to deserving Plantation high school seniors. The Club continued to support Canine Companions for Independence, the Plantation Library, the Historical Museum and the Salvation Army food drive. Members also donated used hearing aids and eye
glasses to the Lions’ Club. Arts and crafts projects were worked on as a group during the summer. The Club
continued to sponsor the KIDS ID program where children could be fingerprinted by the Plantation Police Department as well as having their photo taken for parents to have. In 1996 funds were pledged to the City of Plantation to build a park at SW 54th Avenue.
--1997 saw the cutting of apron patterns with “PWC” sewn on each apron. These were used at the February Antique Show. Sewers put the aprons together while non-sewers made decorations and favors for the Woman of the Year luncheon. The Rascals Wildlife Care Center, Operation Christmas Child (gift filled shoe boxes for children around the world in crisis zones), Duck Haven Inc. and the Smiling Acres Farm all received Club support. By 1997 the three-day Antique Show had grown so large that both Deicke Auditorium and the Community Center were used with shuttle service between both. Free health screenings were sponsored by the Club and local hospitals. The Club hosted AFS students (American Field Service) as well as sponsoring a candidate forum. Two fun trips were arranged for members: Miami’s Bayside Market Place via the Jungle Queen and Calder Race Track with a buffet luncheon. The Heritage Park gazebo and Duck Pond kept members busy with beautification projects. Co-sponsorship for the Animal Aid Festival featured pony rides, clowns, face painting, arts, crafts and a flea market. Funds for playground equipment that met the American Disability Act was provided at Heritage Park courtesy of the Club. The Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research, now called the “Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research” thanked the Club for providing funds for a summer science student and oncology books for their library. The Club awarded scholarships to Plantation graduating seniors as a major project.
--1998 started with the annual February Arts and Crafts show at Deicke Auditorium for members. Programs were often geared to computer savvy with “Women going online with Computers” as a topic. Dues were $20 per year and the Club had 121 members. Card parties were fun and fund raisers. The Teddy Bear Picnic in May was a Club highlight with children bringing their teddy bears to a story telling event. The summer months were spent on making craft items for the following year’s “Craft Fest” which was once called the “Annual Bazaar”. Toys for Tots, Operation Christmas Child for children in Bosnia, the Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute, Hacienda Girls’ Ranch, Helen B. Hoffman Library, and the Plantation Historical Museum were part of the Club’s donations. A burrowing owl called “Bobby” was sponsored through the Audubon Society’s adoption program. The Everglades 50th Anniversary was celebrated by members with a busload going to festivities at the Park. Selling orchids was a first at the 1998’s Antique Show with both Deicke Auditorium and the Community Center being used. Homemade casseroles, salads, key lime pie and sandwiches were offered along with a variety of soups with one member making “about a gazillion matzo balls”. The GFWC Heifer Project became a Club project as well along with support of the Girl Scouts, Plantation Elkettes, the Children’s Home Society, and the American Heart Association. Scholarships to Plantation graduating high school students was a major funding project.
--1999 celebrated the Club’s 50th Anniversary year. The Annual Arts and Crafts show began the year in January followed by the three-day February Antique event at both Deicke Auditorium and the Community Center. This was the major fund-raiser for the Club and featured an outstanding array of food choices for the public. The Club helped to support the State GFWC Boys’ Anchor House Ministries project. The Club ladies enjoyed two fun events: the Sea Escape one-day cruise and the Calder Race Track luncheon with one of the races named in the Club’s honor. Canine Companions for Independence, Hacienda Girl’s Ranch, ROCK camp, Christmas Shoebox and a host of other causes were supported by 123 members with scholarships to graduating Plantation seniors a major event. “Personal safety, scams and telemarketing fraud” was a 1999 Club general meeting program. The Club’s 50th anniversary was held on
February 28, 1999, from 1 to 4 PM at Deicke Auditorium with a display of award plaques, scrapbooks and a food table providing tea sandwiches and desserts. Members and their families were invited to attend this anniversary celebration. Ornate and highly decorated scrapbooks were entered each year at the Florida Convention. PWC won awards for these books and most of them are now available in our historical collection. The Club participated in the waterways cleanup, animal abuse prevention causes, the butterfly garden, the July 4th parade and “Shop Till You Drop” sponsored by Burdines from 6 AM to 10 AM for Club members. Burdines provided a continental breakfast, door prizes and a 15 percent discount. Bridge and canasta were ongoing fund and fun events with friends, neighbors and family invited. The October Craft and Plant Fest featured home-baked desserts and food, craft items, orchids and a wide variety of unique handmade treasures. Fingerprinting and photos were provided by the Plantation Police Department as well as baby car seat positioning checks at the event.