Delaware State Federation of Women’s Clubs marks 125 years
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs Delaware State Federation of Women’s Clubs held its annual convention and 125th anniversary celebration at the Hyatt Place Dewey Beach May 17-19. Celebrating Our Past, Forging Our Future was this year’s theme.
Welcoming attendees to a full schedule of meetings, workshops, awards and installation of the 2022-24 administration was Linda King, acting president and Sussex County vice president, filling in for President Rita Hollada who was absent due to illness.
Town Manager Bill Zolper and Town Clerk Ashleigh Sanders welcomed the group to Dewey Beach.
Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, Rep. Richard Collins, R-Millsboro, and Rehoboth Beach Mayor Stan Mills attended the 125th celebration Fashion, Music and Achievements Through the Decades and dinner. Members of the executive committee came dressed in period costumes from each of the organization’s 12 decades, from the first convention, held May 5, 1898, to the present day.
Hall-Long read a proclamation from the Delaware Senate honoring GFWC Delaware for the contributions it has made during the past 125 years. Dr. Anne Boylan, professor emerita of history and women and gender studies at the University of Delaware, was the keynote speaker.
GFWC Past President Babs Condon installed the 2022-24 administration May 19. Trish Rodriguez was installed as the new president who will lead GFWC Delaware for the next two years. In her acceptance speech, Rodriguez outlined the projects and goals for her administration. A reception followed the close of convention.
