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The Zwaanendael Women’s Club celebrated its 100-year anniversary at their clubhouse in Lewes, Feb. 15.
Treasurer Pat Rockett highlighted several of the club’s numerous achievements throughout its extensive history.
“It makes it kind of interesting to see what 100 years can do,” said Rockett.
The Zwaanendael Women’s Club helped to persuade Delaware legislators to pass the Child Labor Law in 1913. From 1936 to 1938 club members were active in the Red Cross providing physical examinations for children starting school. By 1950, the club was donating to the Lewes Fire Department, Child Bureau of Delaware, United Way, student loan funds, local music departments and Cancer Crusade, among others.
In addition to the celebration, the club received recognition from Lewes Mayor Jim Ford and from the state of Delaware. Among their many services, Ford said the club “actively supports fund drives for Beebe Hospital School of Nursing and the Cape Henlopen Food Basket, which benefits our local community.” He presented the club with a certificate of commendation at the celebration and praised the members for their years of community service.
Secretary of State Harriet Windsor presented a tribute from the state “recognizing the Zwaanendael Women’s Club for a century of outstanding community service, including their support of local educational institutions and for numerous social, historical and cultural endeavors.”
“This is a very special occasion on a very special day,” she said.
One of the club’s annual traditions is to sponsor an academic scholarship for a first-year student at Beebe Medical Center School of Nursing.
“Thank you for the support you have given over the years,” said Nina Hazzard of the School of Nursing, who introduced this year’s nursing scholarship winner.
Rehoboth resident Jennifer Pedriani, who received $500 check, has a special interest in cardiovascular nursing.
President Muriel Pfeiffer also recognized the club’s two 50-year members, Gertrude Tharp and Marjorie Parker.
Thirty women originally founded the Zwaanendael Women’s Club in February 1905 in Lewes. Rockett said though membership has fluctuated, 100 years later the club still has 30 members.
In addition to their continuous community service and fundraising, the Zwaanendael Women’s Club has complied, edited and published the Lewes Telephone Directory for 52 years.
Club members continue to meet on a monthly basis at their clubhouse on Savannah Road in Lewes. The Zwaanendael Women’s Club is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, an international organization of community-based volunteer women’s clubs.
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