[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 175 (Monday, November 14, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S6665]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            120TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ROYAL OAK WOMEN'S CLUB

 Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 120th 
anniversary of the Royal Oak Women's Club. For over 120 years, the 
Royal Oak Women's Club--ROWC--members have come together for the 
purpose of society and service within the Royal Oak community.
  On the evening of November 8, 1902, 14 local Royal Oak women gathered 
together in the parlor of Mrs. Frances Lathrup Martin, for the purpose 
of creating a study club. It was Mrs. Martin herself that became the 
first president of the newly formed club. At the time of its founding, 
the club's mission included the expansion of opportunities for local 
women, pursuit of issues such as pediatric health and safety, and the 
promotion of general well-being within the Royal Oak community.
  Over the years, as the ROWC expanded its presence in the area by 
joining larger regional organizations such as the General Federation of 
Women's Clubs--GFWC--the Michigan Federation of Women's Clubs--GFWC 
MI--Detroit Federation of Women's Clubs, and the Oakland County 
Federation of Women's Clubs. The club also transformed to become 
increasingly civic-minded, with efforts including local advocacy 
campaigns that resulted in better safety and sanitary equipment within 
Royal Oak's local public schools.
  One-hundred and twenty years later the club has continued to expand 
and evolve, and now boasts a membership of over 120 persons, who 
dedicate their time toward the pursuit of community projects that 
promote good citizenship, civism, and quality education. The ROWC 
continues to hold a place of high esteem and local importance to the 
city, with many community groups and organizations using group's 
clubhouse as a location to hold meetings and events. The clubhouse 
itself holds significance, for both club and community. The structure, 
purchased by the ROWC in the 1920s, was even then one of the oldest 
buildings in the city. Originally a Baptist church constructed in 1839, 
the building has been relocated and restored as necessary for its 
preservation and continued use, but continues to exhibit many original 
features. Upkeep of this structure, which was designated in 1979 as a 
Michigan Registered Historical Site, 1999 a Royal Oak Historic 
District, and is known today as the city's oldest building, remains 
among the club member's highest charges.
  The Royal Oak Women's club continues to make a difference today 
through their philanthropic efforts, as well as by providing the women 
of Royal Oak with a space they may gather, exchange ideas and 
knowledge, and pursue the ``high ideals'' envisioned by the club's 
original members. Their efforts to support the community continue as 
well; the club provides financial support to the neonatal unit at 
Beaumont Hospital, the Royal Oak Library, Haven of Oakland County, the 
Boys and Girls Club for Southeast Michigan, and the South Oakland 
Shelter to name just a few of their initiatives. Members of the ROWC 
also volunteer their time to support the annual Royal Oak Community 
Awards banquet, the community service luncheon, and the annual 
Salvation Army Toy Luncheon, in addition to supporting the all-night 
graduation parties for the three local high schools.
  The Royal Oak Women's Club has been an integral part of the Royal Oak 
community and the overall community of southeast Michigan for more than 
120 years. As a Michigander and a resident of Oakland County, I am 
honored to ask my colleagues in joining me in celebrating this 
significant milestone for the Royal Oak Women's Club, its members, and 
the entire city of Royal Oak. I wish the Royal Oak Women's Club 
continued growth and prosperity in the years ahead.

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