Nisswa Women's Club celebrates 90 years

NISSWA - The Nisswa Women's Club will celebrate its 90th anniversary with a noon luncheon and program on Thursday, August 19, at the Legacy Grill at Cragun's. Former members of the club from all over the country have been invited to attend the event. The program will include skits, live music and dancing depicting the various decades of the club's history. Those attending the event also will receive a DVD and a booklet about the club and its history.

The Nisswa Women's Club, which now has nearly 300 members, started with 14 members in 1920. At that time it was called the Nisswa Busy Bees. Its stated purpose was to help the needy. Annual dues were 25 cents. Now they are $15.

During the Great Depression, members were given small draw-string bags and were encouraged to drop a penny in the bag whenever they could to be used for charitable purposes. In 1935 the name was changed to Nisswa Women's Club. In 1937 the club put on its first flower show.

During World War II club members wrapped bandages and contributed to the Red Cross and USO in other ways. After the war, in 1948, the club sent boxes of clothing to needy families in Europe.

In 1951 the club held an honorary dinner party for Gov. C. Elmer Anderson and his wife, Lillian, a member of the club. In 1952, club members organized Girl Scout and Brownie troups in the Nisswa area, and they continued to help them financially until they were self-sufficient.

During the 1960s the club discontinued rummage sales and an annual food sale became the club's main fundraiser. In 1961 the club began awarding scholarships, which it has done continuously ever since. The first scholarship was for $100. Now, the club awards scholarships of several thousand dollars a year.

During the 1970s, membership in the Nisswa Women's Club was temporarily limited to 100 because at that time the club couldn't find places to hold its lunch meetings that would seat more than that number. Now, of course, the Brainerd lakes area has plenty of venues for larger groups.

In 1984 the club held its first fashion show. The fashion shows have continued annually ever since and are now the club's main fundraiser. The fashion show is always held on the day after Memorial Day, and about 500 people generally attend. The club holds its regular lunch meeting and program on the third Thursday of every month.

The Nisswa Women's Club is open to all women in the Brainerd Lakes area. For membership information please call membership chairwoman Kate Carlson at (218) 746-4416.