Texas Federation of Women's Clubs facts for kids
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| Abbreviation | TFWC |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Texas Federation of Literary Clubs |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Founded at | Waco, Texas |
| Type | Non-governmental organization |
| Purpose | volunteerism |
| Affiliations | General Federation of Women's Clubs |
| Website | https://www.gfwctexas.org/ |
The Texas Federation of Women's Clubs (TFWC) is a non-profit group for women in Texas. It started in 1897. The main goal of the TFWC is to connect women's clubs and their members across Texas. They work on projects related to education, the environment, home and community life, art, and Texas history. Did you know that TFWC members helped create 70% of the public libraries in Texas? That's a lot of books!
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How It Started
The TFWC began with many local women's clubs all over Texas. These clubs often focused on learning and personal growth. Over time, members realized that clubs could do more by working together.
In 1894, a special "Woman's Congress" was held at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. This event helped different women's club members from across Texas meet and share ideas. This meeting helped shape the idea for the TFWC.
In 1895, the Wednesday Club of Fort Worth suggested creating a federation of women's clubs. But it was Mrs. Edward Rotan (Kate Sturm McCall Rotan) from Waco, Texas who made it happen. She sent letters inviting clubs to send representatives.
The TFWC first organized in 1897. It was called the Texas Federation of Literary Clubs. Mrs. Rotan was chosen as the first president. Olga Bernstein Kohlberg was the first vice-president.
Early Clubs and Growth
Twenty-one clubs were part of the TFWC when it first started. These clubs came from cities like Austin, Texas, Dallas, Fort Worth, Texas, Houston, and Waco, Texas.
To join, a new club needed recommendations from two clubs already in the TFWC. Most members were white and from middle or upper-class families. In 1899, the TFWC joined the General Federation of Women's Clubs. They also changed their name to the Texas Federation of Women's Clubs.
By 1901, the TFWC had 132 clubs. They divided the state into five areas to help manage all the groups.
Helping Communities
The TFWC decided to help create public libraries in Texas in 1898. From 1901 to 1903, Anna Pennybacker was president. She helped start a "traveling library and art collection." She also raised $3,500 for scholarships for women at the University of Texas.
Later, the TFWC helped create the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. They worked with the Texas Library Association and George Garrison from the University of Texas at Austin. Together, they helped pass a bill in 1909 to create the Texas State Library.
The TFWC was also very involved in creating "traveling libraries" across Texas. These were collections of books that moved from town to town. The TFWC managed these libraries until 1916, when the Texas State Library took over.
The TFWC has also worked to save historic places. In 1904, they helped raise money to buy the Alamo Mission in San Antonio and the land around it.
Expanding Influence
By 1916, the TFWC had 450 clubs and 16,000 members. They encouraged women to run for local school boards. In 1923, the group started publishing a newspaper called Texas Federation News.
In the 1920s, the TFWC also organized traveling art exhibits. Mrs. H.B. Fall helped set up "cottage art centers" around Texas through the TFWC.
In 1932, the first stone was laid for the Texas Federation of Women's Clubs Headquarters in Austin. By the late 1930s, the TFWC had grown to include 1,200 clubs and about 60,000 members.
In 1948, the Texas Federation News became a magazine called the Texas Clubwoman. This magazine is still published today.
Over time, the number of club members decreased. In 1985, there were 13,000 women and 500 clubs. By 1992, there were 384 clubs.
Notable Members
- Olga Bernstein Kohlberg, first vice president
- Anna Pennybacker, president from 1901 to 1903
- Mary Shapard, nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize
- Cornelia Branch Stone (1840–1925), first vice president of TFWC; president-general of the United Daughters of the Confederacy; president of the Texas Woman's Press Association
- Adella Turner, president from 1904-1906
See also
