GRAFTON — This year, the Women's Community Club of Grafton celebrates 100 years of community, philanthropy, and higher education.
In the process, the club uncovered some long-lost history about itself.
Club historian Judy Rowley had been eager to present a little history about the Club for her remarks at the Aug. 18 Centennial Gala, but was puzzled that the Grafton Historical Society didn't have any records or old photos.
After hours and days searching every inch of the Grafton Historical Museum and insisting that “something” must exist, she and Historical Society administrator, Maureen Fisher Fletcher, discovered a box that apparently had never been opened.
Inside were the original minutes from 1918 through 1928. Not only that, but the original will from 1938 by Susan Daniels that left money to the club to focus on education and beautification and maintenance projects, was inside, along with other historical gems.
In a news release, Rowley said she was thrilled about the discovery and vows to store the historical documents in a very safe and prominent place in the museum.
The documents reflect the contributions that the women of the WCC have made to civic life in Grafton over the years - through wars, a depression, and also times of prosperity.
As described in the minutes of Feb. 8, 1918, it all started on that date when 75 women gathered in the Baptist Vestry to organize the Ladies Knitting Club, which raised money, knitted clothing, and gave aid and support to American soldiers during the First World War.
The idea for such an effort became the “seed” for the Women's Community Club that exists today.
After the war, and a name change, the club turned its attention to efforts within the community. The scholarship program was launched thanks to Susan Daniels' will. She was also the club's first lifetime member.
The gift was earmarked to promote higher education, maintain the Village Park, and tune the pianos in the Town Hall, Chapel, and Village School. Barbara Fisher Rogers received the first scholarship of $100 in 1966-67.
This year, the Club awarded $20,000 in total to seven students. It has given out 225 scholarships to 127 Grafton students totaling $250,000 in just over 50 years - quite an accomplishment for a town of 600. Awards are based on scholastic achievement, financial need, community involvement, and extra curricular activities/work commitments at school.
More details about the Centennial can be found at facebook.com/Grafton.WCC.