By Tom Waring
The Women’s Club of Huntingdon Valley is still going strong almost 75 years after its founding in 1951.
The club made an early splash by creating the Huntingdon Valley Library in 1953, and today has about 90 members who meet regularly.
The club has guest speakers and entertainers, raises money for charities and has been presenting a scholarship since 1958 to a senior girl at Lower Moreland High School who will be attending a four-year college.
“We want to be with women who want to learn and give back to the community,” said Therese Maher. “You’re meeting delightful people.”
The Women’s Club of Huntingdon Valley is open to women of all ages and faiths who live in Huntingdon Valley and surrounding areas. New members are welcomed with flowers.
Margaret Baker is club president, and the group meets for lunch the second Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. from September to April in the community hall at Gloria Dei Church.
“I appreciate meeting new friends and people you can count on,” Baker said.
The annual spring luncheon is set for May 15 at Huntingdon Valley Country Club, where the club will honor the scholarship winner.
The ladies produce a newsletter and raise money in a variety of ways, including a 50-50, jewelry sales, restaurant dine-ins, a holiday luncheon, a fashion show and a Valentine’s Day luncheon.
Money raised benefits the scholarship, along with Huntingdon Valley Library, Bryn Athyn Fire Company, Huntingdon Valley Fire Company, Bethanna, Drueding Center, Caring for Friends, the USO and Laurel House, which works to end domestic violence.
The women also take part in shared interests.
“I found lots of bridge buddies,” said Sonja Zecher. “It’s a chance to meet people and not be at home all the time.”
“I love the companionship and that we’re able to give an award to a young lady at Lower Moreland High School,” said Helen Berkenstock.
At the Women’s Club of Huntingdon Valley, the tenets are fellowship, wisdom, understanding and service.
Baker and her board explained why they enjoy what they do following the March gathering, which featured a presentation by Herb and Sandy Kaufman on Victorian customs and culture.
The ladies are looking forward to next month’s luncheon, where they will honor the scholarship winner.
“We are all wowed away,” Maher said of past winners’ credentials.
Like many members, Doreen Carey has been with the club since she retired.
“The first thing I did was I joined the women’s club,” she said. “I like the part about supporting charities.”
Another retiree, Elizabeth Hayes, said, “You can do things you’re not able to do before and get to meet people.”
Clementine Dix, a lifelong Huntingdon Valley resident, has been with the club for 20 years. Many of the faces have changed, but not the spirit of the members.
“The people haven’t changed. They’re still great,” she said.
The women’s club survived the pandemic, when the ladies wore masks, brought their own lunch and sanitized everything at meetings.
Baker, as president, gets plenty of help from the other members. The club is in a strong position as it nears 75 years of charity and tight-knit bonds.
“I value the friendships with everybody,” said Lynn-Del Sandstrom. “It’s a wonderful group of ladies from all walks of life. I enjoy the camaraderie we have. It’s just precious.” ••
For more information, go to the group’s Facebook page or email wchv1951@gmail.com.
