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History and Mission 

Jack & Jill of America Incorporated

The history of the Chapter is unique in that the charter members of the Dallas Chapter had already existed ten years as The Child Study Club before it became an affiliate of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., in 1953.

 

Mrs. Blanche Davis conceived and initiated the idea of The Child Study Club. Twelve members met and organized “The Child Study Club” with Mrs. Davis as the charter president. Originally the club consisted of mothers of preschool children who aimed through study to learn more about their children and the role parents play in the development of the whole child. Often fathers and mothers attended meetings together to hear expert consultants when the discussion was vital to both of them. Fathers,mothers and children joined together for Family Christmas parties, Family Easter Egg hunts and picnics.

 

​Various age groups began to have diverse interests and the children were grouped by age. The club’s membership grew and the name changed to “The Crib to College Club.”In 1952, one of the members, Mrs. Nadine Stanfield, informed the members of similarity of aims, ideals and activities of the club with those of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. The Crib to College Club applied for membership and received its’ charter October, 1953. Dr.Albert B. Turner, National President installed eighteen charter members into the Dallas Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. with Mrs. Winfred Rhodes as charter president.The horizon of the former Crib to College Club widened and the Dallas Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. stepped into that widened horizon to join hands with mothers throughout the United States in supporting the aims and objectives of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

 

​It all began in Philadelphia in 1938, with a loving mother and a simple idea. Marion Stubbs Thomas approached a group of mothers with a vision for a new kind of club - one focused not on the mothers themselves, but on stimulating social and cultural relationships among their children - and instilling the values and leadership skills that would serve them well into adulthood. In 1947, Jack and Jill of America was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware as a non-profit organization.

 

Today, Jack and Jill of America is a nationwide organization with over 225 chapters in seven geographic regions encompassing 35 states and the District of Columbia. Membership has grown to over 10,000 mothers and associates, and more than 30,000 family members.

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Charter Members

Helen Beckett

Wynona Combs

Blanche Davis

Ella Lois Hudson

Ollie Lee Mason

Hazel Partee ​

Winifred Rhodes

Anita Smith

Mildred Thomas

Mary Sue Bush

Wilene Dade

Sandye Gee

Nadine Long

​Gussie Montgomery

D’artis Purity

Dorothy Rhone ​

Nadine Stanfield​

Willie Faye Wilson

Former Chapter Presidents

Blanche Davis

Ollie Lee Mason

Winifred Rhodes

Sandye Gee

Nadine Stanfield

Anita Smith

Helen Beckett

Hazel Partee

Mildred Thomas

Pearl Kidd

Ruth Robinson

Peggy Jones

Daisy Davis

Rose Schultz

Barbara Steele

Barbara James

Eddie Johnson

Jessie Page

Bobbie Lang

Mary Daniels
Gloria White
Lela Wicks
Cheryl Malone
Geraldine Callahan
Gloria King
James Murphy Spigner
Loraine Lee
Eunice Adams
Margo Posey
Lori Parker
Cynthia Arterbery
Lynda Longstreet-Hall
Glenda Delgado

Connie WIlson

Tammi Abney

Audra Chavis

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