Add a captionWomen's Civic Chamber - History Provided by Barbara Wells
Sixty years ago, a community-minded, house-bound invalid woman, Mrs. Murray, wanted to find a way to give back to her community. She gathered five of her friends: Mildred Keough, Sheila Morgan, Millie Whitson, Nan Dougherty, and Virgie Wood, who met daily to discuss the problems of the community and how they could be of some service. In 1955 a few more dedicated women joined and the Women's Civic Chamber was born.
Their original idea was to aid their husbands in business and to be of some assistance to the Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce. They undertook the Winter Carnival's big parade - they brought in the bands, they hosted band a parade members, and they paid for the bands' hotel stays. The WCC have been involved with every Winter Carnival since 1955 and have been taking food to the ice palace builders for over 55 years.
In 1965, an article in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise dubbed the WCC as the "Citizens-in-Skirts". No task was too distasteful for them to do, such as cleaning up the river, or sprucing up the town after winter. In the beginning, these "Citizens-in-Skirts" sponsored community events to raise funds for supporting such endeavors as homecoming weekends, babysitting classes, pot roast dinners, fish creek food sales. The Women's Civic Chamber was the first organization to bring fresh air children up from New York City. They would rent the bus, drive to NYC, load the bus with inner city children, drive back to Saranac Lake, and arrange to have the children housed by different WCC members. Of course, they took care of the reverse trip as well, returning the children back to their home city.
In 1956 the importance of Civil Defense, the need for volunteers to man a ground observation post in Saranac Lake, and the responsibility of civilians in protecting cities which would be targets for enemy attack were emphasized to members of the Women's Civic Chamber. Ground Observation Corps needed volunteers to fill the 168 hours per week in two hour shifts. The women of the WCC volunteered for plane spotting duty from an observation post atop the Hotel Saranac.
Through all their fundraising and unselfish generosity they have been able to contribute to the Saranac Lake Civic Center, Lifeline, the Saranac Lake Rescue Squad and Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department, Saranac Lake Free Library, the Women's Shelter, the Chamber of Commerce and to the hospital. Also included in some of their community support activities were donations to the Saranac Lake Youth Center, and to provide college scholarship awards - all of this without asking for funds from the merchants or private citizens.
The WCC community support activities continue to this day. They've added the Winter Carnival Coronation, the 8th grade essay contest, funded two Olympic parades for hometown heroes, and the parade for the All-America City. Funding now comes from special events, raffles, sales of the book written by Mildred Keough, "A Past to Remember, A Future to Mold", and a community cookbook, "A Taste of Saranac Lake".
Chartered in 1955, this organization of community spirited members continues to be guided by aims and purposes as stated in their constitution:
1) Community Promotion
2) Civic Improvement
3) Youth Welfare
4) Civil Defense
5) To create an informed interest in good government
6) To aid any program promoting economic stability
7) To extend aid to existing Chamber of Commerce
The Women's Civic Chamber meets every 3rd Monday, at 6:00, at the Best Western Mountain Lake Inn, September through June, and welcomes all to join them. For more information on the WCC, send an email to [email protected].
Adirondack Daily Enterprise, January 17, 1956
Ground Observation Program Is Explained
The importance of Civil Defense and the need for volunteers to man a ground observation post in Saranac Lake were emphasized to members of the Women's Civic Chamber meeting in St. Luke's parish house last evening.
Robert Bogie, Franklin County coordinator who was responsible for arranging the evening's program, briefly explained the two outstanding purposes of the Ground Observation Corps in Saranac Lake. Mr. Bogie stressed its function in peace time as a means of help for scheduled airlines and private aircraft and secondly pointed out the responsibility of civilians in protecting cities which would be targets for enemy attack. He pointed out the importance of early detection of unidentified aircraft in averting possible disasters.
Lt. William Murray, Public Information Officer from the Albany Filter Station, outlined advances made during the last few years resulting in a greater need for ground observation. Lt. Murray pointed out that aircraft do not need stepping stones any more to cross continents. "The military is moving by air," he said, "and we must all be on the alert. The radar net is not infallible and that is why the Ground Observation Corps is needed to, fill the gap."
A film, Mrs. Jones, Meet Your Partner, shown by Air Force Liaison Sgt. Paul Terenzini, was designed, to emphasize the part played by the homemaker.
Capt. Dominic Giambruno, commanding officer of the Albany Filter Station, concluded the program by urging the cooperation of the Women's Civic .Chamber in setting up a Ground Observaion Corps here.
An observation post is under construction on top of the Hotel Saranac and it is hoped that work will be completed by early February.
Volunteers will be needed for two hour shifts each 168 hours a week.
Tentative plans were made for a similar meeting in late February. All organizations and interested people will be invited.
Prior to the special program the Women's Civic Chamber held a business session during which it was announced that Mrs. Agnes Cruickshank and Mrs. Betty Dora had been appointed to the Board of Directors. Miss Ruth O'Connell was named parliamentarian.
Plans are progressing for the Annual Winter Carnival Parade under the direction of the Civic Chamber. To date there have been 21 float entries and four band entries. The Chamber of Commerce, the Junior Chamber and the Women's Civic Chamber will unite to enter a surprise float.
There will be two town parades, one of which will be staged by members of the Teen Canteen.
It was reported that the Mile of Quarters had netted $290.33 for Olympic bobsledders. A food sale made it possible to purchase helmets for each of the Saranac Lake men entered in competition. The Youth Activities Committee reported that they will provide for special bus transportation for young skiers entered in competition at Old Forge and Lake Placid this Winter. The group will also assist the girls of the Teen Canteen in setting up a basketball team. A tag day is being planned for the benefit of the Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps.
The sum of $37.50 was allocated from the budget for ski transportation; $25 will be given to be distributed during the parade. The Canteen has also appropriated $10 from their own funds. It was also decided to donate games to the William Morris Playground.
The next meeting will be held February 20.
