The Brainerd chapter of Zonta, International, was organized at a dinner meeting in the Ransford hotel, Nov. 16, 1954, with 19 charter members enrolled. Zonta is a service organization for executive and professional women.

First club officers included: Mrs. Beatrice Ross, president; Dr. Helen Longfellow, vice president; Miss Lucille Avery, secretary; Miss Dorothy Warlof, treasurer. Serving on the first board of directors were Mrs. Maude Mannis, Mrs. George McPheeters and Miss Mary Tornstrom.

Other charter members were: Esther Neller, Esther Schroeder, Gertrude Magers, Patricia Kranz, Alice Giesler, Evelyn Wayt, Evelyn Anderson, Eleanor Nolan, Edith Erickson, Frances Hedner, Clara Van Essen and Maryann Peterson.

The president of Zonta, International, Dr. Dorothea Radusch of Minneapolis, was present to give the charter to the club organized by Miss Vera Bellinger of Valley City, N. D.

The Zonta club has sponsored the Golden Age club in Brainerd since 1955.

Zonta members worked for the establishment of Crow Wing State Park, provided furnishings for a room in the City hail for a recreational area for the elderly prior to organization of senior citizen groups and each year volunteers for the Salvation Army's bell-ringing program.

Zonta club president, Mrs. Othelia Wanger, has distributed pedestrian safety kits and shown a safety film to over 1,000 people during the past year.

Club presidents since 1954 have included: Mrs. Ross, Mrs. Mannis, Miss Tornstrom, Miss Warlof, Mrs. Laura Hitch, Mrs. Norma Taylor, Miss Diana Bayoff, Miss Ruth Thomas and Mrs. Wanger.