by Aaron W. Hughey

For almost a century, the Murray Woman’s Club has contributed time and money to the community.

The Club actually had its beginnings in 1905 when eight young women formed the “As You Like It Club” to foster continued study and deepening appreciation of cultural values. About a year later, the group decided to expand its membership to permit more of the women in the community to participate in its activities.

In November of 1907, the Murray Woman’s Club was established.

“Today, the Murray Woman’s Club is organized into ten departments,” notes Mary Ann Russell, current president of the organization. “We have approximately 300 women who are involved with these departments.”

“The unifying force of the Club is the Executive Board,” Russell says. “The Executive Board plan four general programs a year as well as several projects with fundraisers to finance them.”

“Working closely with the Executive Board is the Advisory Council, which is composed of past presidents of the Murray Woman’s Club,” Russell continues. “The Advisory Council oversees the house and grounds, including rental of the clubhouse.”

“The numbers grew in the original Club until it became clear that creating separate departments would permit members time to pursue special interests and to enjoy fellowship with other women who shared those interests,” Russell explains.

“Today, the Murray Woman’s Club is composed of ten departments, each headed by different departmental directors.”
The Murray Woman’s Club’s ten departments are as follows:

The Alpha Department. This is the literary department of the Club. The women who belong to this department focus their attention on all areas of education with emphasis on literature, drama, journalism and conservation.

The Creative Arts Department. This department aims to learn or improve skills in arts and crafts. Members focus on their personal development in these areas through both understanding and creative participation. The primary project of this group of women is the annual Fall Bazaar. Members contribute items they have made for sale at the Bazaar.

The Delta Department. This department is concerned with the promotion of good health. This group of women, in addition to contributing to general Woman’s Club projects, maintain a permanent scholarship fund for nursing students who are interested in working with cancer patients.

The Garden Department. This department is responsible for an annual horticulture scholarship and for selecting the coveted “Yard of the Month” award. The women who belong to this group have a natural interest in “all things green.”

The Home Department. This department is concerned with a variety of issues related to the home. The women in this group are concerned with health, education, legal languages, ecology, conservation, family stability, and food preparation and preservation. Incidently, this was one of the Woman’s Club’s first departments.

The Kappa Department. This department is concerned primarily with community development. The women in this group sponsor local organizations that are known for their philanthropic interests. Their primary fundraiser is the “Tour of Homes” project that is held every December.

The Music Department. This department seeks to promote music education and enjoyment. The women in this group often include live performances during their meetings. They provide scholarships for Murray State University students and conduct an annual high school music contest. Their primary fundraiser is the “Spring Style Show”, a 40-year tradition in Murray.

The Sigma Department. This department is active in a wide range of projects, including such diverse areas as education reform, recycling, and park renovation. The women in this group form the largest department in the Murray Woman’s Club and like to combine self-learning with community involvement.

The Theta Department. This department is concerned primarily with the upkeep and refurbishing of the Clubhouse. The Clubhouse was built in 1940 and, in addition to Club meetings, is also used for weddings, receptions, and other special occasion events. The women in this group contribute financially to various civic projects.

The Zeta Department. This department is very active in civic, educational and cultural projects. The women in this group have varied interests; one of their major projects is sponsoring the Mental Health Program. Their motto is “Volunteer Where Needed.”

“Several of these departments have projects which have become Murray traditions,” Russell explains. “At the same time, the ten departments are working quietly together to fulfill goals encouraged by the Kentucky Federation of Woman’s Clubs and the General Federation of Womens’ Clubs.”

“In accomplishing their state and national goals in 2000, Murray Woman’s Club members presented 194 programs, had a total of 24,077 volunteer hours, and raised/donated $62,460,” Russell indicates with obvious pride. “But it should also be noted that many hours of volunteer service and dollars donated also go unreported.”

“The Woman’s Club is an excellent place to meet a variety of women, forming friendships and bonds that have and will last a lifetime,” Russell concludes. “Working closely together, we each bring our own special talents to our projects and together we have the personal satisfaction of a job well done.”