POMPTON LAKES WOMAN'S CLUB

Organized April 1942 Incorporated 1958 Meets presently at Christ Episcopal Church, Pompton Lakes

Hoping to unify the women of Pompton Lakes during World War II in working for war related activities as well as for the civic and cultural growth of the community, a group of women placed an advertisement in the local paper inviting all women interested in forming a Woman's Club to a meeting in the Pompton Lakes Public Library. Seventy-five women attended. Enthusiasm was great and officers were elected that evening.

Shortly after the Club was formed, Hoods struck the town and many homes were filled with mud and water. Club members helped clean the homes, collected clothing to be cleaned and provided food for those who needed it.

In 1946 the Literature Department began a yearly project of buying children's books for the Library, leading to the establishment of a Children's room there and to the growth of the Library. The Library is even today one of the Club's main projects, supported by an annual Tag Day plus purchases of books in memoriam and donations by friends in Pompton Lakes. Beautification of the Library grounds has been a priority for many Club members. It still is.

In 1955, aware of historic sites and artifacts that were being lost, a Museum was established in the Library. "A History of the Pompton Area" written by Ethel Vreeland and published by the Club is still being used. Some historical sites have been marked by plaques. The Pompton Lakes Museum, as it is now known, has been moved to the lobby of the Borough Hall where displays are mounted every 6 to 8 weeks in cabinets donated by E. I. DuPont de Nemours. It continues its work of encapsulating all papers, photographs, letters, maps, etc. donated to the Museum for safekeeping. Many photographs and paintings have been framed and are ready to be hung.

On-going community services have included nurse's help in monthly well-baby clinics, rabies clinics, donations of cookies, clothing, afghans and such articles for patients in hospital and nursing homes.

At present, plans for the Annual June Flower Show are being made. This year the Club will sponsor the 10th Annual Pompton Lakes Flower Show. Members will help draw participants, organize and stage the exhibit.

Plantings in our community, especially at the Library and at Federal Square, will start with spring bulbs and annuals.

The Club offers a number of scholarships, especially one for $500.00 to a high school student. It sponsors a deserving student to the Hugh O'Brien Youth Foundation and sends a student to the Girls Career Institute at Rutgers. The Club departments generously foster many other interests including literature, drama, culinary arts, garden and conservation, international affairs, and social sciences.

The Pompton Lakes Woman's Club has a 53 year history of service to the community. These services continue to enrich the lives of residents and Club members as well.