Club Celebrates Women’s History
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
The impact that women have produced in city history was recalled last week during a celebratory event held at the Opelousas Women’s Club.
Several club members including Yvonne Normand and Mary Miller during an annual Women’s History Month event, detailed their contributions to St. Landry Parish education, while club president Sarah Branton outlined the contributions that the Club has made during the past century.
Branton noted that the club was especially active during World War II when club members directed a nylon drive, which helped provide material for parachutes.
In 1944 Branton told club members that the club sponsored a war bonds effort that Branton said provided enough money to build an allied bomber that was named. “MIss Opelousas.”
The Opelousas club also started the the Miss Opelousas contest in 1946 in addition to providing a location for the first city library.
In 1949 the Opelousas Library opened, Branton said, and the facility eventually located at the Women’s clubhouse located on West Bellevue Street.
Opelousas Women’s Club literature details that several club members attended the National Women’s Club conventions during the 1940’s.
As the 20th century moved forward, Branton pointed to the Club sponsored Bayou Ramble, as well as collecting donations for feminine hygiene products that were distributed to the schools..
“I think that it’s obvious that the women who have worked in this club have created a lasting effect in the community. We are still making women’s history here in this area. We do it day after day with our young people,” said Branton.
The club, which is situated on city property, was formed in 1915, according to Branton.
In 2020 Branton said during an interview, that she made an effort to revitalize the club membership which since then has more than tripled.
