Wilfandel Club facts for kids
The Wilfandel Club is a very important African-American women's club in Los Angeles. It is the oldest club of its kind there! The club started in 1945. Its main goals were to help the community, do good deeds, and share knowledge and culture.
The Wilfandel Club has its own special building, called the Wilfandel House. They also help students by offering scholarships. Club members meet every month and often invite interesting guest speakers.
Contents
History of the Wilfandel Club
How the Club Started
The Wilfandel Club was created in 1945. It was started by Black women who were very active in their community. One of these founding members was Della Mae Givens. She was the wife of a famous architect named Paul Williams.
The Wilfandel House Building
The Wilfandel House is located at 3425 West Adams Blvd in Los Angeles. This area is known as Arlington Heights. The building itself is quite old. It was built in 1922. It is believed that a silent film star named Ramon Novarro had it built for his brother.
After the Wilfandel Club members bought the building, it became a very popular place. It was used for many important events. For example, it hosted farewell parties for young African-American men. These young men were leaving to fight in America’s wars. It was also a place for young people heading off to college.
During the 1950s, the Wilfandel Club house was special. It was one of the few public meeting places in Los Angeles where people of all races could gather together. This was a time when many places were still separated by race.
Today, the Wilfandel Club house is still very active. Members use it for their meetings. It is also rented out for weddings and other events. The building has a full kitchen, which is very useful.
Wilfandel Club's Community Impact
Supporting Important Causes
The members of the Wilfandel Club have raised a lot of money over the years. They have given thousands of dollars to many good causes. These include the American Cancer Society and the Exceptional Children’s Foundation. They also support the Foundation for the Junior Blind. The club has also helped the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The NAACP works to ensure equal rights for all people.
Awards and Recognition
Because of all their hard work and contributions, the Wilfandel Club has received special awards. They were given the Community Service Award. This award came from the California State Attorney General. This shows how much their efforts are valued in the community.
Notable Members
Bessie Bruington Burke was a member of the Wilfandel Club. She achieved something very important in 1911. She became the first Black teacher in the Los Angeles City School District. This was a big step forward for education and civil rights.
Today, the Wilfandel Club has more than 60 African-American women as members. They continue their important work in Los Angeles.
