Lower Valley Women's Club Papers

The Lower Valley Women's Club was first organized in 1925 in Lawrence County, South Dakota, and closely tied to the Community Hub and Community Hall. These organizations were almost synonymous and worked in concert with each other on many projects, depending upon one another for financial and moral support. The Lower Valley Women's Club provided funds for the purchase of edible treats for the annual appearance of Santa Claus. The organization was... the second oldest extension club in Lawrence County. Ten of its original members (Mrs. Burleson, Mrs. Carlson, Mrs. Crago, Mrs. Dandrow, and Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Heiserman, Mrs. Henwood, Mrs. Herber, Mrs. McGuigan, and Mrs. McLaughlin) were still existing members on the 60th Anniversary of the club, in 1985. The club frequently depleted its Treasury and occasionally requested additional donations from its members to supplement the 25 cent dues and 50 cent dues already paid by social members. As time went on, dues were incrementally raised to $3.

The Lower Valley Women's Club also engaged in a variety of fundraising projects to increase the Treasury's purse, including the sale of candy, greeting cards, raffle tickets, food, and a traveling food basket. The club used the funds, in part, to donate to the Lawrence County 4-H Leaders Association and the Spearfish Ambulance Fund and other organizations such as Easter Seals, March of Dimes, and the Red Cross, among others.

Members of the Lower Valley Women's Club also engaged in volunteer activities and community involvement. They corresponded with deployed troops during World War II, mailed a box to Korea, participated in the “Tour of Homes,” Swarm Days Parade, the annual Farm Picnic, and the Home Talent Plays. The club has been a source of support and friendship for all of its members and their families, as well as the community as a whole.