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Our Beginning

On December 11, 1930, the embryonic Junior League of Wilkes-Barre made tentative efforts toward a beginning. Thirty-five charter members were called together by Mrs. Frederick Hillman and Mrs. Neil Chrisman as president; they set upon the difficult road of making a place in the community for a new organization. They were accepted as provisional members of A.J.L. (Associates of Junior Leagues) under the names of Junior Aide and soon found that running a Junior League wasn’t as easy as it sounded!

However, with emphasis on such qualities as ability, usefulness, talent and dependability, they gradually persuaded the community to take them seriously.

Ten new members were admitted at the end of the first year. The groundwork for our present volunteer set up was laid on the Welfare Drive, the organization of hospital libraries and volunteer time given to many other community agencies. In 1932 the Junior Aide had its first money raising project, Polo Game.

After two and a half years of hard work and excellent placement system set up by Mrs. Harley Wheaton, the Junior League of Wilkes-Barre was accepted as a bona fine Junior League on February 9, 1934. The big moment arrived during the term of Mrs. Robert Miner who thereby became our first official president. The next two years saw the creation of many committees to carry out our community obligations more efficiently. We ran another profitable Polo Game. In 1935 we adopted our first League project, the salary of a physiotherapist for Crippled Children’s Association for a four year period, and had a Follies to raise some money.

1930s:

December 11th, 1930- 35 charter members took the first steps towards becoming a Junior League under the name Junior Aide.

February 9th, 1934- The Junior League of Wilkes-Barre was officially accepted as a League.

1935- The League adopted the project of paying the salary of a physiotherapist for four years to help children. They ran a Follies to collect funds.

1950s:

1951-1953- The League hosted a follies which raised $12,000 and supported programs such as teacher training and a Health Fund.

1959- The Junior League celebrated 25 years by presenting gifts to 21 community agencies and celebrating our history with a 30 minute program on TV.

1970s:

1972- Members out of the flood zone helped those affected by Agnes. Volunteers from the League served 17 different agencies.

1976- Bicentennial involvements included the Denison House Restoration Project, a historical pamphlet for local schools to use, and a collaboration booklet with the League of Women Voters on Luzerne County.

1990s:

1991- The Provisional class helps to collect money to give a bag of groceries at Mother’s Day to residents of O’Karma Terrace and those who had left the Catherine McCauley House.

1993- To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the League, a fashion show and luncheon was held.

2010s:

2011- As flooding affects part of our region, the Junior League switches their project to helping those in West Pittston by making and serving meals as well as raising money for those affected.

2013- The Junior League kicks off our 80th Anniversary by celebrating at historic Hillside Farms.

2014-2016- The League partners for two years with the McGlynn Learning Center after-school program.

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1940s:

1942- The world was at war and the Junior League was helping many ways- from the Civil Defense Volunteer Office, Rations Boards, Air Enlistment, War Prisoner’s Aid to other community groups.

1944- The Junior League airs their first radio series, “Books Bring Adventure.”

1960s:

1960-1961- The League hosted their first Regional Conference and first booth a the Fine Arts Fiesta.

1963- The League joined forces with the local medical community for the Oral Polio Vaccine Program.

1967-1969- The Leagues of Wilkes- Barre, Scranton and Williamsport joined forces on “Update,” a channel

44 TV program.

1980s:

1982- The Bargain Barrel celebrates 10 years with a contribution of $17,000 to the Community Trust Fund.

1983- The League celebrates it 50th year (Golden Anniversary) with our areas first Decorator Show House. All members helped with the project raising $44,106.33 over 22 days.

2000s:

2000- The League celebrates the second year of the Clothes Closet. This Closet helped supply clothing for women transitioning to the workforce.

2005- The League raises $24,000 at an “Around the World” food festival held at the Courthouse. The funds help distribute backpacks full of supplies to school age children and also with the human services directory which focuses on teen issues and agencies.

2020s:

2020- As the COVID-19 pandemic pauses in-person meetings, the Junior League pivots to Zoom meetings and socially distant collections to benefit our community such as feminine products for local groups.

Members looking for a full history of the League should login to Members Essentials

Highlights of Our Last 90 Years

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