Link to GFWC & GFWC-WI Community Service Programs 

Princeton Public Library

The Women’s Club organized the first Princeton Public Library on March 11, 1933, with 110 books borrowed from the Wisconsin Free Library Commission and a few books donated by club members and other citizens.

 Mrs. Olive Doyle, a member of the Women's Club, was the first librarian of the local library and served for many years, generously donating her services. Initially, the library was located in the upper rooms of the Nickodem building, which is now located at 545 Water Street. However, later, it was moved to more spacious quarters in the upper story of the Dr. A.F. Giese building, which is now located at 427 Water Street. The rooms were redecorated, and people interested in the library made shelves and donated drapes, chairs, and tables.

Due to the increased costs of utilities because of the more prominent place, the city started contributing towards the library in 1935. In 1947, a Tag Day was held, which managed to raise $128.00 for the library. In March 1948, the library was moved to the downtown Stern building, which was donated to the city by Mrs. Adeline Stern in 1965 to memorialize her late husband, Hugo, and herself. This location served for many years until 1985, when funds were raised to build a newer, more extensive, modern library.

The Women's Club still includes the library in its annual budget for a cash donation.

Senior Health Scholarship

In 1950, we offered an educational scholarship of $25 to a senior girl furthering her education, preferably in nursing. Presently, we give a $500 scholarship to a senior pursuing a career in the health field.

 Princeton Chamber of Commerce

Women’s Club of Princeton is a member of the Princeton Chamber of Commerce and hosts the food booth at Princeton Flea Market.

 Domestic Abuse Services

The Women's Club of Princeton helps support the Christine Ann Center in Oshkosh, WI, by holding a supply drive in October ,

Helen Farnsworth Mears Art Contest

The Helen Farnsworth Mears Art Contest is implemented at the club, district, and state levels. This annual art contest for 7th and 8th-grade students - public, private, and home-schooled - is unique to GFWC-WI.  It was begun in 1927 to honor the memory of sculptor Helen Farnsworth Mears, born in Wisconsin, to encourage artistic talent and recognize student artists' achievements.

 Local art contests are held in February/March.  Winners' submissions are then taken to the Spring District Conventions for judging. Winning artwork from the District judging (1st, 2nd, 3rd place) proceed to the third level of judging at the GFWC-WI State Convention. The winners whose artwork placed first, second, or third in the state final are exhibited at the Oshkosh Public Museum for the summer exhibit and will be packed and sent to the winners’ homes by the museum’s curator. Some of the winners have also had their work shown in the offices of their state senators/representatives.

 For more information about this contest, click HERE 

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

GEORGE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL FOREST GFWC-WI

"Trees for Tomorrow"

 In 1932, the government agreed to set aside 270 acres in the Argonne National Forest, now a part of the Nicolet, as a reforestation project. The U.S. Forest Service provided the site, seedlings, and protection on the condition that GFWC-WI (then known as WFWC) finance the planting and continue the maintenance of the forest. The money would be raised through the clubs. A sign was erected, and the George Washington Memorial Forest was dedicated to the Wisconsin Federation of Women’s Clubs (now known as GFWC-Wisconsin).