History | AJWC

65+ Years of Growing our Community

In 1965, when the Vietnam War was escalating and the Voting Rights Act was passed. A group of ladies banded together to do something to make a difference. The Aiken Junior Woman’s Club was born. The club has been active for 65 years, and its purpose is to give back to the community while also building community among the members.

1965

The start of something new.

Junior Woman’s Club Monthly Meetings
Club members regularly gathered for monthly meetings to plan community projects, strengthen friendships, and support civic initiatives throughout Aiken. This newspaper clipping highlights one such meeting hosted by honorary president Mrs. Duke, reflecting the club’s active role in community service and leadership.

1966-1967

Building into the future.

The first of many being welcomed in as a new class of members, expanding its commitment to service, leadership, and community engagement. The installation of new members marked an important milestone in the club’s continued growth and dedication to improving the Aiken community.

1968

Community outreach from the begining.

The Club successfully organized a community-wide rummage sale to benefit the pediatric floor of the Aiken County Hospital. Comprising 17 dedicated members—primarily young wives and mothers—the club worked extensively to gather, sort, and mark clothing items for an outdoor sale.

1970

Forging friendship and community.

The Aiken Junior Woman’s Club kicked off the new decade with highly successful fundraising initiatives that directly impacted local healthcare. In October 1970, the club organized a major community fashion show featuring styles from local businesses like The Boutique and Coleman’s Shoes to raise charity funds.Through these community efforts, the club purchased and presented a Croupette—a specialized humidity tent used to treat infants and young children with severe respiratory illnesses like croup—to the pediatric ward at the Aiken County Hospital, significantly advancing the facility's specialized pediatric care capabilities.

1985

Continuing the Tradition of Philanthropic Fashion

The Aiken Junior Woman’s Club sustained its vibrant fundraising momentum into the mid-1980s, hosting annual fashion shows that blended community style with civic duty. These events showcased contemporary 1980s trends—characterized by patterned midi-skirts, structured necklines, and classic wide-brimmed hats—while gathering local residents to raise critical funds for the club's ongoing charitable projects and community service initiatives in the Aiken area.

1989

Global Awareness and Annual Auctions

The Aiken Junior Woman’s Club closed out the 1980s by expanding its focus to encompass both local community fundraising and global advocacy. In September 1989, the club demonstrated a poignant commitment to international human rights by dedicating a ceremonial wreath to hostages held throughout the world, placing it at the Vietnam War Memorial in downtown Aiken.

Alongside these advocacy efforts, the club continued its strong tradition of local fundraising by hosting its annual charity auction, featuring donated furniture, antiques, and home goods to support local civic projects.

1990

State-Level Recognition and Excellence

Entering the 1990s, the Aiken Junior Woman’s Club received high honor and validation for their extensive community service, fundraising efforts, and civic leadership. Representatives from the club attended the state convention, where they were awarded multiple silver bowls and accolades in recognition of their outstanding club achievements and impactful contributions to the South Carolina community.