Historical Timeline - 1930s through 1990s
1930’s
In the early 1930’s, a group of women
formed the “Sandwich Club”, which met weekly to sew and chat.
After the club had been meeting for a few years, the women grew interested
in becoming more involved in the community. As a result, the Service League
of Battle Creek was formed on December 3, 1935.
1935 The Service League established free book lending libraries at
Community and Leila
Hospital.
The transcribing of Braille became the league’s first project. League
members provided the Braille printing of books for blind students at Ann J. Kellogg
School. The Braille
program continued to be a focus of the League until the late 1960’s.
1936 The Family
Health Center
was opened to assist mothers and babies by providing them with professional
advice on the care and upbringing of their children. This center was opened
in the back of the Thrift Shop, which the Service League operated to
generate income for their projects. Bundle Teas were inaugurated during
this time, where guests would bring donated clothing to be sold at the
Thrift Shop, which was renamed Bargain Box in 1960.
1937 The first Silver Ball was held. Arthur Murray dance classes were
offered in the late 30’s.
1940’s
During the 1940’s, the League focused
on projects that contributed to the war efforts of that time. Working
closely with the Red Cross, the women of the Service League participated in
First Aid courses, made layettes, and the Officer’s Town House was
opened in 1944 for officer patients treated at Percy Jones General
Hospital. The house
offered the use of a radio, a victrola, books, and magazines.
1947 The Battle Creek Children’s Theatre was founded by the
Junior League in cooperation with the public schools and the Civic Players.
Junior League continued to support this project, which was renamed Junior
Theater, for many years until it was turned over to the Junior Theater
Board and the Battle Creek Public Schools in the late 1960’s. Junior
Theater continues to entertain our community today.
1948 The Service League became the Junior League of Battle Creek and a
member of the Association of Junior Leagues of America on February 3, 1948.
1950’s
1950 The Volunteer Bureau was opened in cooperation with the Community
Chest and the Council of Social Agencies. This project, renamed the
Volunteer Center of Battle
Creek, continues to mobilize volunteers to provide services in different
areas of our community. 1957 Visiting Nurse Service was established in
cooperation with the Calhoun County Health Department. The League
contributed financial support and had members serving on the board.
1960’s
1966 The Kimball family gave the Kimball House
Museum to the Junior
League of Battle Creek on November 11, 1966. This museum was created by
JLBC in order to preserve the unique history of Battle Creek and to provide educational
programs for children. The League was responsible for the restoration and
decorating of the home.
1970’s
In
the 70’s league was involved with many projects with local school
districts. A tour was set up
for 3rd graders to tour the Kimball House. The movie “drugs Like
That” was introduced for Calhoun Intermediate school district, and
the Junior Great Books Program was introduced in Battle Creek Schools. JLBC sponsored The World’s
Longest Breakfast Table.
1980’s
In the 80’s
League gave $40,000 for the rehabilitation of the Michigan Central Railroad
Stations (Now Clara’s).
They helped create the domestic Violence center SAFE Place, the Community Assistance
Award funds program was developed, and Student Expo was initiated.
1990’s
The 90’s
focus of Children’s Health brought many new projects to light
including Kids on the Block, Don’t wait to Vaccinate, 96- Adopt, Safety Town, Kids Fest, Immunization
Registry, and the Toy Lending Library at Willard Library.
Our League
History reflects meeting the needs of the times. Our history reflects the
roots of who we are as an organization. As we embark on a new century it
will be members like you who will move the Junior League Mission forward
and commit to volunteering and improving their community.
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