| The Junior League of Tacoma, first
organized as the Junior Charity League, was admitted to membership
in the Association of Junior Leagues of America in 1921. The Tacoma
League was the first Junior League in the State of Washington. According
to the program printed for the 1926 Junior League Follies, the membership
was composed of "girls with the leisure to devote to the interests
of the League." At the time, the purpose of the League was
"to foster interest among its members in the social, economic,
educational and civic conditions of the community and to make efficient
their volunteer service."
1920's
During the first 10 years of its existence, the League progressed
from early sewing and motor corps services to its first major prjoject,
maternity beds in local hospitals. The project raised $4,000 toward
the maternity bed endowment through fashion shows, cake sales and
the first "Follies." Projects undertaken also included
sponsorship of the Tony Sarg Marionettes and a lecture by Will Durant.
1930's
The Junior League Thrift Shop, known as The Second Closet, opened
in 1930 as a permanent source of income for the League. Interest
in the arts characterized the early 30's when the League sponsored
art shows, brought the Seattle Symphony to Tacoma and sponsored
the Tacoma Philharmonic. The League also began its long devotion
to the cause of Children's theater.
1940's
The outstanding project of the 1940's was the Occupational Therapy
Workshop at Tacoma General Hospital. The project was the early beginning
of the Tacoma Crippled Children's School, now a vital part of the
Tacoma School System.
1950's
The League became increasingly aware of its role as a leadership
group in Tacoma. The League continued sponsorship of children's
concerts, produced puppet shows and organized a League choral group.
Important new projects were a Library Assistants Program and the
Family Service Program, for which the League supplied office space,
volunteer help and nearly $15,000 in financial aid.
1960's
The League was instrumental in the creation of Camp Six, a logging
museum at Point Defiance Park, and produced a film called, "The
Age of Steam Logging." In addition, The League spent nearly
$10,000 to aid in renovations of the old City-County Building by
Allied Arts. Also, the League formed and staffed a Children's Art
Workshop.
1970's
The League celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1971. Taking two
years and $18,000, along with Board representation and volunteers,
the Children's Gallery at the new Tacoma Art Museum was formed.
This sixth decade of the League was characterized by a focus on
community projects, internal restructuring and direction to the
League's future. Visit the Past Projects
section of our website for further information concerning our numerous
past projects.
1980's
The League continued to focus on the greater Tacoma community with
a new emphasis on reaching a more diverse population. The League
spent more than $170,000 on projects during the decade as well as
$39,318 in Community Assistance Funds. The Second Closet continued
to be a priority and served as a much needed community service as
well as a funding source for the League. Highlights of the decade
included the 1985 and 1989 productions of the Follies which raised
$103,000 and $82,971 respectively.
1990's
In the 1990's, the League began to focus on the family and awarded
its first scholarship. The League obtained a city grant to have
a mural painted on the side of the Second Closet depicting women
in Tacoma's history. Major fundraisers included a Decorators' Showhouse
and Garden Tour featuring Martha Stewart.
2000 and beyond
The League has now narrowed its focus to literacy. New projects
include Plant a Seed...Read, Read to Succeed, a literacy workshop
featuring Henry Winkler and a Family Lecture Series featuring award
winning authors Eric Kimmel, Avi and Tomie DePaola.
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