Our History
President Virginia Jemison
Our story begins in 1932...
... when a group of local women started a social club in Thomasville. Known as the "Junior Club," the group consisted of affluent "young ladies and matrons" from Thomas County. Recognizing the economic hardships brought on by the Great Depression, the members used their social position to host fundraisers that provided much needed medical aid and nutrition to children in their community.
1932-1946 : The Early Years
Originally, meetings were held at members' own homes or the American Legion Building while events were held at the Rosemary Inn. By the end of the first year, the club boasted 21 members.
The early years of the club were marked by ambition. Members held frequent bridge parties and book sales to raise funds for charity work. Grander fundraising events included a movie and fashion show, a ball, a horse show, a motorcycle race, and a beauty pageant.
Members used their hard earned funds to run well-baby clinics, provide food for undernourished children, educate new mothers in child care, and assist in other issues affecting the community.
During World War II, the focus of the Club shifted to supporting the war effort. Members participated in USO events and entertained wounded troops at Finney General Hospital.
News Clipping from the Thomasville TImes, 1932.
Program Cover of the Follies of 1954.
1937-1988 : The Follies
Starting in 1937, the Junior Club took on a new type of fundraiser that became a local tradition for decades to come. The Follies were a home-grown theatrical event combining music, dancing, acting, and modeling into a night of fun.
In 1947, the Club formalized their efforts, changing their name to the Junior Service League and hiring the Carghill Company to lead the organization of the Follies. Under their new model, the League hired a professional director and auditioned local talent to provide the musical accompaniment, actors, dancers, and set designers needed to put on the show. Local news reports hailed the shows as great successes and commended the Junior Club's work in pulling it off.
For decades, the Follies remained a popular event, both for the Club and the local volunteers who participated in the show. Funds raised through the Follies supported local child welfare projects.
1989-2015: A Flutter of Activity
After decades of success with the Follies, the Junior Service League turned to more traditional fund raising methods and community service. The League held charity parties and carnivals that not only entertained local children, but also provided funds for child welfare. Major projects included swim lessons for local children, children's play equipment for the library, Project Rosebud, our eyeglass program, and scholarships for high school graduates.
In 20.. the League was offered an opportunity -- the Thomasville Rose Queen Pageant was in need of a new hosting organization. The League took up the challenge, shifting the focus to scholarship and empowerment for the young women who participate. The Pageant has since become its own organization with many leaders being former members of the League.
2021 Miss Thomasville Winner Caliyah Sinkfield.
Members of the Thomasville Junior Service League at the Red Nose Run, 2022.
Today
Today the Thomasville Junior Service League continues its over 90 year legacy of caring for the children of Thomas County. As a 501c3, members contribute to child welfare throughout our community with help from community partners like the Thomas County Public Library, Thomasville History Center, Hands On Thomas County, Thomasville Center for the Arts, and the YMCA.
Pictures and history courtesy of the Thomasville History Center.