Bartlett Woman's Club has been serving the community since 1936

In 1940, longtime Bartlett Woman's Club historian Stella Krumfuss wrote: "And so you see, all through the ages, as fashions come and go, the women are marching onward, striving to reach the goal, and they will keep pressing onward, their labors will never cease, following in the pioneer women's footsteps, creating better living, harmony and peace."

These words still ring true today for Bartlett's oldest service organization.

The Bartlett Woman's Club was first organized in 1936, calling themselves the Bide-a-Wee Club. The group of nine was interested in the problems of the day. In 1937, with a membership of 15, the club changed its name to the Bartlett Woman's Club and decided to affiliate with the General Federation of Woman's Clubs.

In the 1940s and '50s, the club's interest turned to building a community house. With the membership at 100, a community house was built in Bartlett Park. In 1960, the club organized its first fashion show.

When membership dropped in 1965 and 1967, members considered disbanding. They did not meet from April 1966 through February 1967. In March 1967, 12 women agreed to continue the club, but to sever affiliation with the Federation of Woman's Clubs.

Membership grew to 26 ladies in the 1970s and they began a yearly scholarship. In 1984, they sold the "Game of Bartlett" and a Christmas Bazaar was started, followed the next year by a cookbook.

In 1986, MaryLou Szydowski was the club's first "Woman of the Year." The club celebrated its golden anniversary in 1987 and added a re-entry scholarship.

Throughout the years, several members have been recognized with the Silver Star Award for 25 years of dedicated membership.

Over the years, donations have been made to a variety of community organizations, including Bundles for Britain, Civil Defense, the Red Cross, USO, Girl and Boy Scouts, 4-H Club, Chicago Christian League, Bartlett Park District, Bartlett Learning Center, YMCA and many more.

Today, the Bartlett Woman's Club is a 501(C) 4 organization with a membership of 47 women. Members hold the club's motto and values close, as they volunteer and serve to enhance and enrich the community and fellow members.

The Bartlett Woman's Club is a philanthropic and social organization that is dedicated to serving the needs of the community.

Club members achieve this mission through participating in various programs, such as National Night Out, and supporting organizations such as PADS and the Crisis Center in Elgin with donations of toiletry and personal hygiene items. They also make donations of clothing to Journey to Hope and W.I.N.G.S.

The club meets every first Tuesday of the month, September through May, at the Log Cabin, 102 N. Eastern Ave., Bartlett. Meetings typically start at 7 p.m. with social time and then, if arranged, a special program is presented.

Typically in May, the Bartlett Women's Club ends its current meeting season at the Log Cabin with a potluck dinner.

The club hosts a variety of events for both members and the community. Club members enjoy many social get-togethers, including Saturday morning coffee, a Supper Club and an evening of Bunco every other month.

This year, with regret, the club canceled two of its traditional community events - the 45th annual Easter Bunny Luncheon and the 49th annual Fashion Show Luncheon.

The annual Fashion Show Luncheon helps support the club's scholarship program, which assists local high school seniors with college expenses. The scholarship program also supports the re-entry program for women older than 21 who wish to continue their higher education.

Another community event is the Senior Luncheon, which is scheduled for October. The club provides lunch and entertainment for area seniors.

A fundraiser the club initiated five years ago, which has met with great support and enthusiasm, is the selling of mum plants in early September.

As a club, members and volunteers also support the Special Olympics of Illinois held at Bartlett Hills. Club members assist with driving the golf carts and scoring for the games and helping give out awards to the winners. In the beginning of June, the club holds its yearly Installation Dinner, which includes an evening of social enjoyment as well as the installation of the club's new officers for the year.

After taking a break for the summer months, the club hosts a Mix and Mingle event in August. This is the first social get-together of the year, which kicks off the start of a new season of events. This event is open to anyone who has an interest in joining the club.

In December, the club hosts a Christmas outing, and, at that time, donations for the Toys for Tots program are collected.

There are many facets to the Bartlett Women's Club, however, the one that stands out the most is its commitment to members and the community.

To find out more, visit bartlettwomansclub.org or Facebook bartlettwomansclub.