BRIEF HISTORY OF THE WOMEN FOR GREATER PHILADELPHIA
The organization began March 7, 1972 under the leadership of Mrs. Joseph (Marion) Carson. The first meeting was held at the First Pennsylvania Bank with the intent of bringing women together to participate in the Bicentennial of 1976. Present at the first meeting: Mrs. John Wintersteen, Mrs. James Crawford, Mrs. Pierre DuPont, Mrs. Harold Roberts and Councilwoman Beatrice Chernock. From that first meeting the first event was held at Memorial Hall on May 3, 1972. Future meetings brought representatives from Delaware and New Jersey.
The organization was named Women for the Bicentennial. It was incorporated on December 7, 1973. Rose Sill, an officer, signed the document. The women chose as their motto: "Think '76," and it became the logo on stationery, jewelry and all printed communications.
Through the generosity of Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, a contact by Marion Carson, and the good offices of Roseanna D'Alessandro, Corporate Secretary of Penn Mutual, the company donated office space in its handsome building at 530 Walnut Street. The current WGP office at 510 Walnut Street was also generously provided by the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company.
In April, 1974, some of the members of the organization attended a meeting in Harrisburg where Lt. Governor Ernest P. Kline outlined plans for the Bicentennial. The theme of the Pennsylvania celebration was focused on children, "So Your Children Can Tell Their Children." The organization was recognized by the Pennsylvania State Commission, and received State funds to support its Bicentennial projects.
First Board members: Marion Carson, Alma Jacobs, Rose Sill, Ruth Harper, Dorothy Hons, Colleen Alexander, Carolyn Ancker, Martha Gable, Dr. Muriel Berman, Ruth McC. Walzer, Mrs. Vrrginia Addis, Jean Bari, Judge Genevieve Blatt, Olga Gordon, Councilwoman Beatrice Chernock, Dr. Rose Basile Green, Kathryn Murphy, Charlotte Fawcett, Janice Kahn, Esther Kahn, Sister M. Dennis Lynch, Arleathia Overton, Sylvia Kauders, Emma Stauch, Helen Bagdzinski, Dr. Ethel Allen, Ann Kavanaugh, Gay Pendleton,. Nancy Jones, Valerie Casey, June Schreibman, Dorothy Sitley and Mrs. Lawrence M. C. Smith.
In February, 1976 Alma Jacobs was elected President, Marion Carson became Board Chairman. Alma Jacobs outlined the high priority projects for the organization: maintaining and operating Laurel Hill Mansion researching early American fabrics offering Candlelight Concerts and forums on current topics; selling jewelry with logo. These projects have been pursued successfully since 1976.
Laurel Hill Mansion became the legal responsibility of Women for the Bicentennial on September 7, 1976, under an agreement with the Fairmount Park Commission. The document was signed by Alma Jacobs, President.
The first Holiday tours were hosted at Laurel Hill Mansion December of 1976. Members of the organization dressed in period costumes to welcome visitors. Spiced tea and gingerbread cookies were served as has been the tradition since.
In 1977, when the Bicentennial became history, Women for the Bicentennial changed its name to Women for Greater Philadelphia (WGP). The logo was changed from "Think '76" to "Beyond '76," a reminder of the past, and a challenge for the future.
