2019 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 83
BY SENATOR PEACOCK AND REPRESENTATI VE CARMODY
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To commend the Women's Department Club of Shreveport upon its one hundredth
anniversary and to note the occasion of "A Century of Women" celebration on
Saturday, May 18, 2019.
WHEREAS, established in 1919, when there were limited educational opportunities
for females, the Women's Department Club began as an offshoot of the Shreveport Women's
Club; and
WHEREAS, since its inception, the Women's Department Club has proved to be a
setting for creative activity where women may explore new learning experiences, cultivate
mental and spiritual growth, and flourish in their environment; and
WHEREAS, the club evolved into five broad groups or departments with each
focused on a particular interest, such as literature, art, education, gardening, and music; and
WHEREAS, one of its co-founders, Katherine Jackson French, had earned a
Doctorate in English Literature from Columbia University and had completed post-doctoral
studies at Yale University; and her chosen career was that of a teacher of literature at
Centenary College of Louisiana during the 1920s; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. French became an articulate educator for the first established
department, which was literature; she lectured for seventeen years in the Shreve Memorial
Library in the area now known as the Children's Room; and
WHEREAS, as interest and membership grew, the need for a building of their own
became of paramount importance; and
WHEREAS, the Georgian-style clubhouse was designed by architect Clarence F.
King, built at 802 Margaret Place, and opened in 1925; and its beauty and historic
significance has garnered placement on the National Register of Historic Places; and
WHEREAS, since that time, the clubhouse has feted countless classes and lectures
on a wide variety of subjects and has retained a colorful oral history passed from one
generation to another; and
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WHEREAS, within its doors, the beautifully appointed furnishings provide the
perfect setting for weddings, receptions, and photography sessions; and
WHEREAS, the auditorium has been the showcase for concerts, recitals, plays, and
film premieres, and has hosted notable personalities such as First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt,
news commentator Edward R. Murrow, poet Robert Frost, film actress Katherine Hepburn,
and classical pianist Van Cliburn; and
WHEREAS, a schedule of exciting events is offered throughout the year that includes
book reviews, fashion shows, socials, and educational programs concerning art, architecture,
music, ethnic cuisine, and gourmet cooking techniques; and
WHEREAS, the club has a lengthy history of active community participation such
as hosting bazaars, dances, and teas as fundraisers, and during World War II, raising over
one million dollars in United States war bonds, and purchasing two airplanes for the United
States Army Air Corps located at Barksdale Field; and
WHEREAS, presently, the Woman's Department Club contributes to the community
by supporting local arts and artists, Creswell Elementary School, the Food Bank of
Northwest Louisiana, and the pediatric center at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport; and
WHEREAS, on May 18, 2019, the Woman's Department Club shall commemorate
its first one hundred years with a spectacular event, "A Century of Women" and the
attendees are requested to dress in vintage-era cocktail fashions from the past century; and
WHEREAS, the gala evening shall feature vocal performances by soprano Dr. Gail
J. Odom, Professor Emeritus from Centenary College of Louisiana; vocalist Seva May; and
the Shreveport-Bossier Choral Ensemble; and
WHEREAS, keynote speakers will reveal the elegant history of the club, its founders,
and distinguished members; and
WHEREAS, the heritage and traditions of the Women's Department Club instill in
its members a commitment to personal growth through education and community
involvement; and
WHEREAS, furthered by intellectual development and social stimulation, the
Women's Department Club begins a second century as a fountainhead of progressive thought
and positive action that is focused on the strength of women.
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THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
commend the Women's Department Club of Shreveport upon its one hundredth anniversary
and note the occasion of "A Century of Women" celebration on Saturday, May 18, 2019.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
congratulate the Women's Department Club on its lasting legacy of enrichment and service.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Brenda Bailey Traylor, President and Sandra Harrold, Centennial Committee Chairman of
the Women's Department Club of Shreveport.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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