Powder River Examiner -

Thursday, October 4, 1990

Coalwood Ladies Aid celebrates 75 years

Coalwood Ladies Aid recently celebrated its 75th year of continuous service to the Coalwood, Olive and Volborg Community.

Members and families and friends gathered for a picnic on a beautiful day under the trees at Lew Janssen’s Ranch. It was a festive celebration shared by young and old. While the children had sack races and searched for coins in sawdust, other shared memories of earlier days in the Aid. As members looked through the scrapbook with its pictures and newspaper clippings, they reminisced about the community hall, plays, dances, quilts made, and even the baseball team.

On the first page of the scrapbook is a picture of fourteen women, the original members, dressed in 1914 fashion, with children and handwork on their laps. In those days, the ladies gathered once a month traveling by buggy, wagon or horseback. The women knitted socks, sweaters and made pajamas for soldiers in the hospitals in WWI. Over the years hundreds of dollars have been raised and donated to needy causes. Whether it be an embroidered tablecloth in the 20s, a crocheted afghan in the 30s or a cooler full of homemade goodies in the 80s.

Throughout the years, the non-denominational organization has tried to meet the needs of the community both physically and spiritually with manual labor and donation. Most of all, the Aid has had general consideration, warmth, and caring for people.

In the 1920’s the community, which was composed mainly of Aid families, built a large hall that was the focal point for many activities drawing people for many miles around. In the 30s, dances were held every two weeks during the summer months. Music was furnished by local talents. Ice cream socials were given quite often to make money for youth organizations.

The Aid meeting is still an important event each month. “We have continued to have noon meals during winter months, where the men can gather to visit and play penny ante,” said Aid Secretary Jeannie Stanley. “These days 4 wheel drive, and occasionally snowmobiles get us home even if a snowstorm arises. That wasn’t the case in earlier years. One winter a blizzard snowbound members for nearly two days.”

The 1990 Aid members are busy with the annual Red Cross Bloodmobile Drive. The group makes sure that each resident at Powder River Manor receives a poinsettia at Christmas, and it is tradition to give wedding and baby showers. “The highlight of each meeting is the good visit,” Stanley added. “A time to catch up on other activities, to share each other’s joys and sometimes sorrows.”

Julia Bird, an original member of Aid will soon celebrate her 102nd birthday. Hallie Janssen, although not an original member, has been active in the club for 70 years.