General Federation of Women's Clubs
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is an international women’s organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. Collectively, we are Living the Volunteer Spirit.
Jane Cunningham Croly
Jane Croly formed the General Federation of Women's Clubs in 1890, to support clubs across the nation and further their efforts at providing education, improved working conditions, healthcare, scholarships and other reforms. As Sorosis approached its 21st year, Jane Croly proposed a conference in New York City, which brought together representatives from 61 women's clubs. On the last day of the conference, the women voted to form a larger organization to support clubs throughout the nation and further their efforts. A committee was chosen to draft a constitution. The new constitution was adopted in 1890, and the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) was born. In 1901 the GFWC was granted a charter by the United States Congress. Croly also founded the Women's Press Club of New York, and became its first president.
Texas Federation of Women's Clubs
Texas was federated in 1890. GFWC Texas is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs the world’s largest organization of women in volunteer service. In order to promote and facilitate the exchange of information, the state is divided into districts. Annual reporting by each club through the districts, assist the state officers in keeping up with the activities, programs and work done by the individual clubs.
Charter Clubs
American History Club – Austin
Pathfinders Club – Austin
Magazine Club – Cleburne
XIX Club – Corsicana
Current Events Club – Dallas
Pierian Club – Dallas
Shakespeare Club – Dallas
Standard Club – Dallas
XXI Club – Denison
Ariel Literary Society – Denton
Woman’s Wednesday Club – Fort Worth
Wednesday Club – Galveston
Woman’s Club – Houston
Ladies Ready Club – Houston
Owl Club – McKinney
Shakespeare Club – Sherman
Social Science Club – Terrell
Quid Nune Club – Tyler
Literary Club – Waco
Woman’s Club – Waco
‘93 Club – Fort Worth
Mrs. Edward Rotan of Waco was elected President. The first annual convention was held in Tyler, April 27-29, 1899, membership in GFWC was favored by unanimous vote. Other action during this convention was “to strike out the limiting word ‘literary’ from the name”, thus becoming the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs. TFWC was incorporated in 1914.
TFWC Seal – Lone Star of Laurel wreath
TFWC Flower – Bluebonnet (adopted 1899)
TFWC Color – Blue and White (adopted 1899)
TFWC Tree – Pecan (adopted 1913)
TFWC Bird – Mockingbird