The Lake View Woman’s Club recently celebrated their 90th birthday at the Lake View Library.
The club has a rich history in Lake View. Originally called the Friday Afternoon Book Club, the idea for the club was conceived on the steps of Lake View High School in 1934. The club became an actuality in 1934 and became federated (GFWC) in 1935. Mrs. Paul Chandler was the first president. Charter members were Mrs. I.P. Stackhouse, Mrs. D.L. Townsend, Dr., Miss Emma Sandford, Mrs. C.W. Moody, and Mrs. Wade Temple. The projects sponsored by the club up until 1940 were mainly focused on community beautification and youth welfare.
The Book Club members dreamed of a public library in Lake View in 1938. By 1940, the dream became a reality. The Club worked diligently to raise funds for the construction of a building. Dr. Wade Temple deed the property to the Club in 1940, and a dedication service took place that same year. Eighteen years later, a room was added increasing the book capacity by 100 percent.
In 1960 the Friday Afternoon Book Club celebrated its 26th anniversary at the home of Mrs. A.E. Carmichael, Sr. Mrs. Carmichael also hosted the first Book Club meeting. The South Carolina GFWC president was a special guest.
In December of 1984, a new library was completed in Lake View. The Book Club members endorsed the new facility. The land was donated by Mr. Eugene Carmichael in honor of his mother, Mrs. Sadie M. Carmichael, who was an active club member. The members landscaped the grounds of the new library.
In December of 1987, the club dedicated a Veterans War Memorial. The memorial was to all veterans who gave their life for their country. Club members were responsible for having the memorial placed on the Boulevard. From this dedication service, the Christmas on the Boulevard Festival was born. The Book Club helped organize the first festival and still plays an important role in the festival.
The name of the club was changed to Lake View Woman’s Club in May of 1994. The Lake View Woman’s Club is proud of its heritage. Members, past and present, have worked with unending devotion to the club and the community.
PHOTO GALLERY
PHOTOS BY JOHNNIE DANIELS/THE DILLON COUNTY NEWS, LLC
