MULLEN WOMAN'S WELFARE CLUB

by Berniece Wadlow

Entry T45 from the History of Hooker County Nebraska
with permission of the Hooker County Historical Society

The Mullen Woman's Welfare Club was
organized Oct. 24, 1919 at the suggestion of
Miss Eunice Burnett with 9 charter members.
The Mullen Woman's Welfare Club of Mul-
len, Neb. joined the Federated Woman's
Clubs of Nebraska in 1929.

Mrs. Claude Pickett, wife of the high school
supt. was elected as the first president of the
club. She held this office for 3 years.

On July 11, 1953 the club constitution was
amended to change the name to the "Mullen
Woman's Club." The feeling of the members
was that the word "welfare" limited or
narrowed the intended purpose of the club.
The purpose of the club was to help with
community projects and activities and to
assist financially when money was available.
We would also offer service and time in
needed situations.

Some of the community projects and
activities which the Woman's Club had a part
in developing were -

1. A reception each fall for the school
teachers to welcome them, especially new
teachers, to the community.

2. Putting water to the Cedar View Ceme-
tery.

3. Assisting with decorations and treats for
the Community Christmas Tree.

4. Sponsored a traveling library until the
County Library could take care of the library
needs.

5. Helped to organize and get the Hooker
County Library started.

6. Planted flowers at the Cedar View
Cemetery.

7. Helped dig out cactus at the cemetery.

8. Sponsored a Mother-Daughter Tea.

9. Sponsored Memorial Day programs at
various times.

10. Assisted with community projects and
drives such as Girl Scouts, Red Cross, Girl's
State, paper and scrap iron drives during
World War II.

11. Contributed to the purchase of new
band uniforms for the school band members.

There are 5 events which we remember, as
outstanding to the community, which the
Woman's Club played a major part in the
sponsorship -

1. "Dr. Walker Day" on April 5, 1956 which
honored Dr. D.A. Walker for his 50 years as
the doctor of our community and sand hills
area. This day was full of activities, parties
and much fun.

The day started with a parade on Main
Street with the Walker family as guests of
honor. A luncheon was served at the Catholic
Church for family and special guests. A
reception was held in the afternoon at the
Methodist Church for everyone. An evening
dinner was served at the Episcopal Church
for the family and special guests.

The highlight of the event was the program
at the high school auditorium in the evening.
It was a "This Is Your Life, Dr. Walker" type
of program with 7 different events of his 50
years portrayed by friends in the community.

2. A program presented by Dr. Robert
Manley "Nebraska in Songs and Pictures"
was very interesting from the standpoint of
education and beauty of nature.

3. An art exhibit was presented by a former
Mullen resident, Elmer Gruenig, who now
lives in Omaha, Nebr. He has had at least one
of his pictures "Day's End" used on a
calendar by a company doing commercial
calendar printing. When you stop at the
Hooker County Library, stop and look at the
picture "The Old Dismal River Bridge"
donated to the library by Elmer.

4. "Boot" Metcalf, an artist from Hyannis,
Nebr., had a one man art exhibit in Mullen.
His art work has a reflection of the western
and cowboy theme.

5. The "Welcome Home" reception and
program for Jacque Jeffords when he re-
turned home from a Prison of War Camp. A
parade, dinner and reception were sponsored
by the entire community. He was presented
the keys to a new car, which was a gift made
possible by his many friends in his home
community.

The Woman's Club was the sponsoring
organization for the Girl Scouts and Brown-
ies for many years. We are happy to report
that they have been active continually since
they were organized in 1954.

The Woman's Club was disbanded in the
fall of 1960 due to lack of interest and
attendance for meetings. In the years be-
tween 1919 and 1960 we are proud to have 7
past presidents still living in Mullen, Ruth
Barnebey, Mabell Cox, Helen Fitzgerald,
Mariola Mallory, Claudia Tompkins, Ber-
niece Wadlow and Helen Walker.