History of the Roswell Woman's Club

The Roswell Woman's Club was organized in the spring of 1948 by a group of about 30 women.  Mrs. Granger Haskell was elected as the Club's first President.   Among the five other officers assisting her was Mrs. George Polatty, who is still active in the club today.

By the time September had arrived, the Club was going strong and proud of its 138 charter members.  Meetings were held every second Tuesday of the month, usually at the Health Center.  They had interesting programs on topics such as education, gardening, and facts on Georgia.

In December 1949, Mrs. Hansell, President, opened her home, the charming ante-bellum Mimosa Hall, to a musical benefit for the Club.  The event featured sacred music and Christmas carols presented by Mr. Howard C. Smith Jr. and the Carolers of Atlanta.

The RWC hosted benefit bridge parties and fashion shows to raise money.  They donated the massive eleven-foot fireplace of fieldstone and members made draperies and furnished some of the kitchen appliances for the Community Building by the Water Tower.

The Club was inactive from 1960 to 1965.  By spring of 1965, a small group of ladies, including some members of the former RWC, met to organize another club.   During the first few years of operation, the growth in the area was too limited to warrant federating the club.  In addition, since the members varied in age and enjoyed the differences of opinion and exchange of ideas, it was decided to remain a single unit rather than participate in state or national organizations.  As a result, the efforts of the Club have focused exclusively on the betterment of the Roswell community.

Due mainly to the efforts of RWC members, cultural interests have been promoted for Roswell throughout the years, signified by the founding of the Roswell Fine Arts Alliance and the Roswell Historical Society. Prior to the formation of the Roswell Fine Arts Alliance, the RWC sponsored art shows and receptions to honor local artists, which were held in the new Roswell Bank building.  The Roswell Fine Arts Alliance assumed this function when they obtained a location of their own in 1971.

Thanks to the perseverance and dedication of women like Dorothy Spier, Ruby Ezzard, and Emily Dolvin, arrangements were made for prominent speakers to come to Roswell to discuss historic preservation.  These authorities included Dr. William Murtaugh, keeper of the National Registry of Historic Places, Ms. Mary Jewett and Mr. William Mitchell of the Georgia Historical Commission Atlanta, and Mr. James T. Anderson of Marietta.

The organization of a historical society began. With Emily Dolvin acting as Chairperson, the Roswell Historical Society was officially established on October 28, 1971.  This now strong and active organization helps to preserve the history and historical treasures of Roswell.

The RWC has always encouraged its members to take active interests in local and national politics.  There are committees within the Club through which its members may express themselves and influence political events.

On November 21, 1973, the RWC was incorporated, thereby protecting its members of legal complications and financial liabilities.

Knowing some of the past history, you may now judge the future of the RWC.  The Club continues to stand for high ideals.  New, creative ideas flow from its members, helping to make Roswell a better place for all.  As they did yesterday, RWC members continue to enrich their own lives today and tomorrow.