There has been a lot of talk about history preservation in Pagosa Springs lately. "Just because it's old," some say, "doesn't mean that it has value." Being a newcomer to town, I was surprised to discover what a rich history the Women's Civic Club has, and the value it provides for this community. Continued...
Peggy Case, Official Cashier. |
In 1896, Frank Spickard, an attorney in town, made his private collection of library books available to a young ladies' literary club. That gathering of women was thirsty for knowledge and wanted to share it with others. Like Siamese Twins, the story of the library and the Club began as one. In February 22, 1907, Spickard's collection was merged with a donation of 48 books from a weathy man's estate from New York. The lady volunteers began running a public library from the basement of the Methodist Church. In February 1910, the Civic Club was offically formed and took over the actual operation of the Library with 202 books in their collection. The Women continued to serve the public in this capacity until 1960.
At that time, Club members help to pay for a new Town Hall on Highway 160 and Lewis Street. The library used only one room in the Hall. Finally in 1966, Archuleta County took over with minimal financial support and hired a full time librarian. The Women's Civic Club continued to give major support to the library.
The Friends of the Library began in 1983, to help raise money for a permanent facility. In 1985, the Upper San Juan Library District was formed, allowing the library a stable 1.5 mill levy funding base. The Civic Club and Friends raised over $700,000 so that the Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library could open its doors, debt-free, on February 7, 1989. Continued...
Sandra Behr standing in front of the cash wreaths. |
In 1992, the National Commission on Libraries and Information Sciences recognized the Club for 100 years of community support. The Civic Club continues to support the public library, along with other civic projects.
Many of the 30 or so women in the Club have been members for over 20 years. The dues are $15 a year. The club meets every 3rd Thursday of the month at the United Methodist Church from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Refreshments are served while listening to a monthly speaker. Jennifer Hendrick, Chairman of the Bazaar said, "We'd love to have new members, all are welcome to join, just show up." The organization has plenty of talented women, artists, crafters, and bakers, who donate their time, money, and works of art to sell to the public.
The 32nd Annual Civic Club Bazaar will be on Saturday, November 4, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Community Center. This year there will be 60 to 65 booths, the most ever, and vendors will be selling jewelry, photos, quilts, you name it! The Christmas Bazaar is the Civic Club's major fundraiser for the year.
The Civic Club Cafe is known for their Beef Brisket on Bun, along with other food and drinks. Proceeds from the Cafe help support the library, as does monies from the raffle. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the library, starting October 9, from Margaret Wilson at 264-4246, any other Civic Club member, or the day of the Bazaar up until about 4:00 pm, just before the drawing. Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. Raffle prizes this year include, four wreaths, made from (50) one dollar bills, jewelry, one of Ginny Bartlett's much sought after paintings, gift baskets, and many others items. Continued...
Ginny Bartlett with her painting at last year's Bazaar. Won by a lucky ticket holder. |
For 32 years the community has looked forward to attending the Bazaar and has made it their official Holiday Shopping Time to help support the library. The women of the Civic Club look forward to seeing everyone again this year!
From left to right, Chairmen: Margaret Wilson, Raffle, Liz Snell, Bake Sale, Barb Draper, Vendors, and Jennifer Hendrick, Bazaar.
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