Women’s club members sit at a table at a banquet during the 1950s. Courtesy photo

For almost a century, the Women’s Club of Altoona has been giving back to the surrounding community by hosting community dinners, art award shows and scholarship opportunities.

With the club marking a milestone anniversary, treasurer LuAnn Hallinan said “we’re hoping for at least 90 more years” of contributing to the area.

Uniting forces

On Sept. 9, 1935, a club started by a group of sorority women officially became known as the Women’s Club of Altoona, as well as a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Club members helped incoming immigrants working on the railroad systems acclimate to American life by bonding with churchgoers and teaching children English, current club President Barbara Kooman said.

Five years later, the organization purchased what is believed to be the Baker Mansion storehouse for $3,500, she said.

It is known as the oldest house in Altoona, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, she said. The organization continues to use it today for monthly meetings.

During the second World War, club members stepped up by providing a space for Red Cross volunteers, buying war bonds and volunteering in Blair County emergency organizations.

“They saw needs in the area, and they took it upon themselves to do those things,” Hallinan said.

Over time, more women joined the club while starting their own groups, such as a gardening committee, a needlework committee and a conservation committee.

Women also found the meetings to be a social outlet, member Mary Jane Hammers said, adding that past participants dressed “to the nines” and used a sterling silver tea set.

The club now uses an electric coffee pot, Hammers said, showing that the club has “transformed” over time to accommodate the busy lives of today’s women.

“As the years have gone on, we have changed,” she said. “We’re still community oriented, we’re still doing our philanthropic work, and we are still proud of the things we have done.”

Helping hands

The organization continues to be involved with helping the local area to this day.

Some of Hallinan’s favorite memories include holding an art awards night for students in Altoona, Bellwood and the surrounding districts.

When seeing the students, Hallinan said they are “excited to explain things to you” surrounding their art project.

She said the organization doesn’t do good deeds for credit but because “there is a need” in the region.

The group’s “signature project” is their annual Thanksgiving dinner hosted at Sister Paula’s Food Pantry, which began in 1986.

Each year, involved parties make 100 pounds of white potatoes, 50 pounds of yams and turkeys for the meal, Hammers said.

“The project has meant everything to me, and I’m so glad to be a part of it,” she said.

As a unit, Hammers said they are “stronger together” when working on a project, stating that teamwork “makes a huge difference.”

Noteworthy ninety

On Oct. 26, the club will come together at the Sanctuary at ArtsAltoona to celebrate almost a century’s worth of work.

Kooman said singers will be at the event, along with a performance involving period costume pieces highlighting the club’s evolution over time.

With wine and charcuterie, she said that she encourages anyone who “wants a day out” to show up and enjoy the club’s accomplishments.

As for Hallinan, she wants attendees to know there is an organization that helps women promote women.

With 70 club members ranging from their 20s to their 100s, Hallinan said they have a “wide range of membership” with different kinds of impactful committees.

“We have something for everyone,” she said.

For the club’s future, Kooman said she hopes they continue to “attract members that want to serve.”

She also believes the organization is a “wonderful outlet to be a volunteer, be an impact on your community and to meet some lifelong friends.”

Hammers said the club gives local women a place to talk to other women while giving back to the region.

“There aren’t many clubs in Altoona that have lasted as long,” she said, adding that “we are proud of that.”

If you go

What: Noteworthy at Ninety: 90 Years of Service in Style

When: 3 p.m. Oct. 26

Where: The Sanctuary at ArtsAltoona

Price: $25; call 814-944-6341