- May 4, 2024
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Sally Chagnon and Kay Johnson cut the cake at the Flagler Woman's Club's 70th birthday party. Photo by Jacque Estes
Many of the women wore the clothes they wore decades ago. Sally Chagnon was a stewardess for Pan Am and still fits into her uniform. Photo by Jacque Estes
The 70th birthday cake for the Flagler Woman's Club. Photo by Jacque Estes
A timeline skit of the Flagler Woman's Club was presented by Rita Hughes, Gerry Chiarello, Joan Harris, and Terry Went. Photo by Jacque Estes
Flagler Beach fire fighters were among the guests invited to the Flagler Woman's Club 70th birthday party on April 13. Photo by Jacque Estes
Catherine Wilson, founder of the Flagler Beach Museum, was one of many who spoke at the 70th birthday party of the Flagler Woman's Club. Photo by Jacque Estes
Former Flagler Beach Mayor and county commissioner, Jim Darby was on hand to celebrate with the ladies of the club. Photo by Jacque Estes
State Rep. Paul Renner was one of many dignitaries who attended the 70th birthday party of the Flagler Woman's Club. Photo by Jacque Estes
The 70th birthday party of the Flagler Woman's Club. Photo by Jacque Estes
Flagler Beach City Commissioner Jane Meeley shows off her poodle skirt at the 70th birthday party for the Flagler Woman's Club. Photo by Jacque Estes
Rosemarie Price, Catherine Wilson, and Flagler Beach City Commissioner Joy McGrew at the 70th birthday party of the Flagler Woman's Club. Photo by Jacque Estes
Since it was a quiet day, the fire fighters were good sports about helping the ladies of the club clean up after the party. Photo by Jacque Estes
In 1946 a group of women sat on the porch of the Flagler Beach Hotel wanting to make a difference in their community. The hotel, which stood on the propety now used for the Farmers Market, is long gone, but the organization that was born that day is alive and thriving.
The Flagler Civic Club, as it was initially called, started with 13 women who, among other things, wanted the beachside elementary school refurbished and reopened. Flagler Beach Elementary was closed during World War II due to disrepair, and the children attended Bunnell Elementary. Today the former school is better known as the Wickline Center.
On Wednesday, April 13, the Flagler Woman's Club celebrated its 70th birthday with one of the biggest birthday parties this town has seen.
Some of the guests included Rep. Paul Renner, a representatiave from Sen. Marco Rubio's office, Flagler Beach Mayor Linda Provencher, past city mayor and county commissioner, Jim Darby, former city commissioner Richard Price, Flagler Beach Police Cpt. Matthew Doughney, Fire Chief Bobby Pace, Catherine Wilson, Jim Sheehan, and Gerald Slovak.
Ann McGee was recognized for her 43-year membership – the club's longest participating member.
Four ladies presented a skit to provide a glimpse into the timeline of the club, including starting the first library, the annual art show and scholarships.
Ruth Young, the director of the Flagler Beach Library, spoke about how the club started the first library on one side of the room where the luncheon was being held.
“The club started the library in 1962,” Young said. “They sent the Boy Scouts door to door to collect books.”
The club gave its first scholarship, $10, so a high school band member could attend a music clinic in Tampa. In 1984, Dorothy Sheehan reorganized the program and a scholarship of $200 was presented to a high school senior. Sheehan's husband, Jim, along with Gerald Slovac, have continued Dorothy's work as major donors to the scholarship programs.The late Mike Freydl was also a major donor. Last year the club presented nine $1,000-scholarships.
