LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending The F. Willia Davis Woman's Club upon
the occasion of celebrating its 102nd Anniversary on May 21, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organiza-
tions which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural
diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York
State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
The F. Willia Davis Woman's Club, Inc. upon the occasion of celebrating
its 102nd Anniversary at the Surf Club on Saturday, May 21, 2011; and
WHEREAS, What is known today as The F. Willia Davis Woman's Club, Inc.
began as a church club and in 1901, F. Willia Davis, President of the
Little Missionary Circle of Bethesda Baptist Church, New Rochelle, New
York, called a meeting to organize a Mothers' Club; and
WHEREAS, The Mothers' Club's first meeting was held at the home of
Reverend William F. Slater and his wife Nancy, who became the Club's
first President; and
WHEREAS, The presidents and members of the Mothers' Club dedicated
themselves to "uplifting and improving working and living conditions for
all citizens in the community, especially black women and youth" while
instilling among them higher ideals that endured the needs of concerned
citizens; and
WHEREAS, In 1913, the Club was incorporated and its name was changed
to The Colored Women's Club; for the next thirteen years, Mrs. Marie
Young courageously led the Club to becoming a vital force in the New
Rochelle community; through her leadership and dedication great efforts
were made to improve the working and living conditions of all colored
women; all women who supported the goals and objectives of the Club were
welcomed and membership grew; and
WHEREAS, In 1932, the Club expanded its interests and became affil-
iated with The National Association of Colored Woman's Clubs, Inc., The
Empire State Federation of Woman's Clubs, Inc. and the Northeastern
Region, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, In the 1940s, members of the Club decided to purchase a home
for their organization and eventually selected 65 Rochelle Place as the
property for the Club's home; and
WHEREAS, In 1943, a gala affair marked the Opening of the Clubhouse;
more than four hundred well-wishers, including the New Rochelle Mayor
Stanley Church, attended the historic event; and
WHEREAS, After much prayer and hard work, in September, 1958, the day
of heartfelt rejoicing arrived, the Clubhouse had opened its doors to
accommodate young working women and the facility was made available as a
meeting place to organizations and civic groups; many cultural programs
have been presented in the Clubhouse and it has been used for events,
meetings, dance classes, and The Urban League's counseling programs; and
WHEREAS, It was in the 1950s that the Club's name was changed to its
current name, The F. Willia Davis Woman's Club in honor of its founder,
F. Willia Davis; the clubhouse at 65 Rochelle Place remained one of the
most prized possessions of the Club until January 19, 1982, when it was
bought by the City of New Rochelle as part of the City's Urban Renewal
Project; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, The F. Willia Davis Woman's Club, Inc. has
consistently supported and maintained the goals and objectives of its
founders while continuing their legacy, giving of their time to help
others, especially those less fortunate; and

WHEREAS, The F. Willia Davis Woman's Club is continually giving back
to the community it loves so much; members and youth volunteer at senior
citizen centers and at shelters for the homeless; during Thanksgiving
and Christmas members and youth sing songs for the homebound and the
sick; in addition, the Club endowed a room in the Joyce Pavilion Wing at
the Sound Shore Medical Center; and
WHEREAS, In 1988, a two-family house was purchased for the Club;
Members of the League of Youth participated in gate, regional and
national oratorical competitions and programs; The Youth took first
place in the state and regional Oratorical competition; The Youth also
were winners at the National Convention; and
WHEREAS, In 1992, The Voice of F. Willia Davis Woman's Club and the
League of Youth, a quarterly newsletter, was published; in 1994, the
Club presented the New Rochelle High School Choral in a concert in which
the proceeds benefitted the Club's scholarship fund; and
WHEREAS, In October of 1994, the club members paused to honor the
founders at the 85th Anniversary Founders' Day Program; and
WHEREAS, For one hundred years, The F. Willia Davis Woman's Club, Inc.
has continued its founders' mission, sharing a heritage of strength and
a bond of trust, while being mindful to remember the words of its crea-
tors, "Lift As We Climb," "For God and Humanity," knowing "The End
Crowns The Work"; and
WHEREAS, Organizations of singular distinction as The F. Willia Davis
Woman's Club provide a model for enhancing the quality of life in the
community and, as such, merit the grateful praise of the community of
the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those organizations of true purpose and worthy accomplishment which
foster a spirit of community and service and, simultaneously, work dili-
gently to preserve their rich cultural heritage; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend The F. Willia Davis Woman's Club, Inc. upon the occasion of
celebrating its 102nd Anniversary on May 21, 2011; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The F. Willia Davis Woman's Club.