History of Grand Terrace Woman's Club

As Grand Terrace celebrates its 30th year of Incorporation as a city, the council member's are honoring the Grand Terrace Woman's Club (GTWC) and the many women who have contributed so much over the years. This was a special presentation for Mayor Maryetta Ferre and Council Woman Lee Ann Garcia because they too belong to the GTWC. "Our current President Nanci Austin is a beautiful energetic Lady; we are proud to have her represent us as she leads us into the next 100 years of community service," said members of her board.

Nanci Austin introduced long time member and immediate Past Co-President Pat Nix, who gave us a brief history of the GTWC. Jokingly she started off by dispelling the rumor that Charter Members were still attending meetings, however, the GTWC is proud to have Elvera Elmlund, 99 years young, and often times walks to meetings near her home. The GTWC is privileged to have many young women as well in their organization, however these young women are unwilling to reveal their age, but we can tell you one young woman Melissa Jimenez recently obtained her A.A. Degree.

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Mrs. Roy Nix shared the following: In the early 1900's; Grand Terrace was an agricultural community- mostly citrus and truck farming. It was in June 1908, one of the Grower's wives decided to invite some neighboring wives to an afternoon of "social enlightenment and tea." It was a delightful afternoon, and the women decided to "do this more often"… in fact, it was September 25, 1908 when next they met. The committee recommended that they form the "Grand Terrace Woman's Club". The committee even presented a "constitution" and set rules for consideration. It was unanimously adopted and therein was born the Grand Terrace Woman's Club, the purpose being for self-improvement, comradely, and to assist in the development, safety and beauty of the Grand Terrace community.

Nix also spoke of a resident of Grand Terrace that was missing in action during the Vietnam Crisis and believed to be held hostage. His family remained in Grand Terrace, his wife worked in the area, and his children attended our schools. The GTWC wanted to keep the hope alive for not just our neighbors but all those missing in action. So a tree was planted in the Kindergarten play-area of Grand Terrace

Some of the Other Great Accomplishments of the GTWC

The present membership of 75 is proud of the numerous accomplishments throughout the years.

- Along with the President of the PTA, GTWC established our community library and school libraries inthemid-1960's

- As long time friends of our city's fire department: they taught fire prevention in our schools, raised money to initiate the blue dots to mark our city fire hydrants, purchased 3 defibrillators and other emergency equipment for our fire trucks and have donated too and supported many of their fundraisers.

- Initiated a computer literacy program in our local elementary schools involving teachers, students, parent volunteers and staff in the late-1980"s

- Headed a campaign to build the Bell Tower that houses the original QT. School bell. It is rung every school day and on special holidays.

- Helped build a swimming pool at our local middle school.

- Support our youth through local swim team, boy and girl scouts, GT pageant, school books, scholarships, high school band equipment, many high school projects, Special Olympics, Child Help and fingerprinting.

- Petitioned and worked for underground utilities

- Purchased a guide dog and supported several others

- Responsible for the 4-way stop signs at DeBerry and Mt. Vernon; a busy school intersection

- Helped remodel and provides for some of the upkeep of our community center

- Purchased Flags for our local schools and retirement center

The Grand Terrace Woman's Club meets the Third Wednesday of the month September through May at the Community Center. Our business meeting begins at 11:00 A.M., lunch is served, followed by an educational or entertaining program. Our purpose is to promote education, industrial, philanthropic, literacy, artistic and scientific culture. We are women of all ages, interests and experience and a member of the largest and oldest non-profit, non-denominational, non-partisan, international service organizations of women in the world.