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Somerset Woman's Club


Names and faces change as members' responsibilities at home, at church, and at work change. The constant, however, is that all members share common ideals.

Our roots are in the General Federation of Women's Clubs founded in 1890. The Kentucky Federation of Women's Clubs joined the General Federation of Women's Clubs in 1894 and was the fifth state to do so.

The Somerset Woman's Club was organized and federated in 1941 at the First Christain Church by the Somerset Literary Club under the presidency of the late Mr. W.D. Gover. Mrs. John Steele was the first president of the Somerset Woman's Club.

We were first named the Somerset Younger Woman's Club, but after we organized the Somerset Junior Woman's Club in 1945, the name was changed to the Somerset Woman's Club. We also organized the Monticello Woman's Club in 1948.

In the early year members supported Infantile Paralysis now known as the March of Dimes Birth Defect Foundation, public health and safety by getting the old Courthouse restrooms renovated and regularly cleaned, helped with inoculations, the "Vial of Life", Hospice, TB hospitals, American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Associatio, CARE, UNICEF, Operation Smile, Plan U.S.A., veterans and assisted other civic organizations with clothing drives, recylcing, eye glasses collection and family recreation.

In the 1950's we organized a square dancing program for area youth and adults. For the Bicentennial the Club organized a community theatrical event featuring acts made up of civic clubs, singing groups and dance companies. In the 1980's four members served on the city Parks & Recreation board and were instrumental in the development of Rocky Hollow as a municpal park. Members raised funds to restor the grand piano at Somerset High School and replaced the stage curtains in the auditorium. In keeping with our youth recreation program, we produced 11 Lilliput Theatre performances.

These efforts are continually being supported by the Somerset Woman's Club in addition to many others. We also support the Lake Cumberland Children's Advocacy Center, Bethany House, Southwestern High School Raptor Club, God's Food Pantry and many others. We have a named scholarship in honor of Virginia Offutt and Gene Bell Offutt which is given to a Somerset Community College student each year.

Our members actively work on projects unique to our community in each of the six GFWC Departments which include Arts, Conservation, Education, Home Life, Public Affairs and International Affairs.