Our Legacy

For 80 years, the Junior League of Worcester has continued to grow by improving and enriching the quality of life for women and children. Through a shared mission, league members work to make a difference through individual and collaborative efforts. The JLW has committed itself to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the leadership and effective action of trained volunteers. We have worked collaboratively with more than 125 area organizations and have touched the lives of thousands of individuals throughout our history. While times have changed, our members still donate their time, energies and financial means to promote positive change and to secure a bright future for our city. In 2005 the JLW Celebrated its 80th Anniversary. In attendance were representatives from each decade to speak about their experience and service while in the league.

JLW History

1901

The first Junior League was founded by Mary Harriman in New York City. Since 1901, a total of 296 leagues have been established, with a combined membership of nearly 200,000 women in four countries: United States, Canada, England and Mexico. The leagues are affiliated through the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI).

1924

The Junior League of Worcester is established in 1924 with 10 founding members and headed by Elizabeth Moen Alton. One year later, the league becomes the eighty-secondth to join the Association of Junior Leagues of America. Volunteers improve the community through their work with the Worcester Society for District Nursing, Civic League, and the Association for the Blind. The JLW takes over management of Friendly House, one of the first settlement houses in the country which is still in existence.

1930s

The Economy Shop is founded on December 14, 1931, with all proceeds going to the Welfare Fund. Members aid the Red Cross in the distribution of food and clothing to flood victims and create the “Share Your Clothes” campaign for the Community Chest. The league participates in coordinated giving with other agencies, clubs, churches and individuals to maximize community benefit.

1940s

Like many women throughout the country, some members join the WACS, volunteer for ambulance service and work in a clerical capacity in World War II. Members run the Welcome Canteen at Union Station to cheer lonely soldiers far from home, and organize the Civilian Defense Volunteer Office. They also continue to operate the Economy Shop, serve at Friendly House, tend Victory Gardens and juggle families, often without the support of their husbands. A past president from this era remembers attending a Junior League conference and having to present her food ration coupons! The struggles of wartime life often kept members working hard to accomplish ordinary daily tasks. In the late 1940s, the Worcester Girls Club receives financial support for its building fund.

1950s

Members of the JLW concentrate on bringing the arts to children through a radio storyteller, trouping with plays such as “Johnny Appleseed” and “Sleeping Beauty”, and support of public television. Project activities also center on children’s services including the Youth Guidance Center’s survey for runaways and Children’s Friend Society of Inter-County Adoption Program. In 1953, the JLW gave $3000 to the Tornado Relief Fund, which supported cleanup and provided assistance to families after the tornado that devastated parts of Worcester County.

1960s

The JLW feels the effect of the women’s movement. Members who are primarily homemakers look to the League for leadership opportunity, self development, teamwork and realizing shared goals. The shop is the sole fundraiser for the JLW. Members visit the Worcester Public Schools on a regular basis, participate in a remedial reading program and operate a bookmobile. Financial support is given to Worcester Art Museum Teen Age Arts Festival, the YWCA, and the Lincoln Neighborhood Center. A past president states that the JLW “was a coming together of motivated individuals who synchronized their diverse strengths and abilities into a working whole to benefit our community and our own (personal) growth. Trouping brings live theater to school children, with all plays directed, costumed and acted by members. In the late 1960s, more members live in suburban areas, creating geographical diversity.

1970s

JLW Presidents serve a one-year term, a reflection of the demands of a busy life. “Management by Objective” is adapted to the non-profit sector. The JLW sponsors Kaleidoscope ’76 to assist art organizations with self-management and evaluation. The name of the Economy Shop is changed to the Junior League Shop. During this decade, large grants are made to continue a long-standing tradition of contributions to children’s services, including Friendly House for a Head Start Center, the Child Abuse and Neglect Program and Hotline, and the Worcester Crisis Center. Literacy and the arts continue to serve as a focus and volunteers serve Reading is Fundamental, the Worcester Art Museum Youth Gallery and School Volunteers of Worcester.

1980s

A real estate broker is the first JLW President to work outside the home, and as a result, the league must meet the demands of working members. Sponsorship is eliminated, allowing the JLW to welcome more women as members. The current JLW headquarters is purchased in 1980 which also houses the thrift shop. Renovations are undertaken to prepare the building for multi-use and tenants - other non-profit organizations -- are welcomed. By the mid-1980s, the word voluntarism; replaces volunteering. Membership receives training in public speaking and grant writing. In 1982, the Day Care Reader Project is established, bringing readers and books to local facilities. The JLW gives thousands of dollars to community projects each year. In 1987, the first JLW Scholarships are presented.

1990s

The JLW produces A Taste of New England cookbook, selling more than 25,000 copies to date. New projects, include Adopt-an-Angel, (1993) and Project Fresh Start (1997). Many Done-in-a-Days add to the flexibility of volunteer hours. In 1993, the Festival of Trees is initiated as a major fundraiser and in 1999, a collaboration with Assumption College is undertaken to establish the Voices for Children Community Bike Ride. The focus of our activities is narrowed to promote the awareness and prevention of child abuse. New members bring work experience and expertise to the operation and organization of the JLW. The Executive Board is streamlined and membership requirements become more flexible.

2000s

As we enter a new decade, the JLW celebrates its 85th Anniversary. Ten thousand dollars is donated in honor of the fallen Worcester firefighters to MSPCC/Guild of St. Agnes GoodStart House. The grant is used to bring the day-care facility up to safety code. In collaboration with the Worcester Public Schools, the JLW undertakes Coats for Kids, which provides winter clothing to needy children.