General Federated Women's Club turns 95

The Jackson Thursday Literary Club is marking the 95th birthday of the General Federated Women's Club of America.

The GFWCA was formed in 1868 as the result of discrimination against women. Jane Cunningham Croly led the way when she was informed women were not welcome at a dinner honoring Charles Dickens.

In the Jackson community The Thursday Literary Club, devoted to self-education and cultural exchange, was admitted to the GFWCA of Missouri in 1909. The club's first president was Mrs. J.W. Trisler.

During the 1920s the club paved the way for safe food handling, city ordinances addressing disposal of refuse and requirements for fencing of livestock and chickens that were previously free to run the streets.

The club was instrumental in the establishment of domestic science in the Jackson High School curriculum, contributed to a mobile library for areas adjacent to Jackson and began a subscription library for Jackson residents. The club contributed $3,000 to furnish a community room and staffed the Jackson library for several years.

Literary ClubThe Jackson Thursday Literary Club was incorporated into the ninth district GFWC of Missouri in 1948. The club's special interests resulted in many community projects. During both world wars the club sponsored activities in support of servicemen in various branches of military service.

For more than 70 years the club has sponsored a Jackson High School sophomore to participate in a pilgrimage to Jefferson City visiting historic sites and having the opportunity to meet with his or her state representative and senator. They also support Missouri Girls Town, a safe and loving haven enabling girls 8 to 21 to grow and learn.

The club's service projects include school supply donations; volunteering at school reading programs; serving as ombudsmen at nursing facilities and assisting in income tax preparation for the elderly and handicapped. They also supply the Women's Safe House and Teen Challenge with donations.

The club's longest running project, Jackson Public Library, continues to be furnished with donations of books and services. Club meetings are held in the community room of the library.