Oriental Woman's Club

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The Oriental Woman's Club
1007 Gilgo Drive
Oriental, NC 28571
(252) 249-2816

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History and Information

Eight Local women met in the home of Mrs. L.F. McCabe in 1914 and organized the "Ladies' Embroidery Club". By 1916, there were twenty members and the name had been changed to the "Women's Improvement League". In 1917 the name was changed to the "Woman's Club" and The Woman's Club of Oriental, North Carolina became a member of the North Carolina Federation of Women's Clubs. Meetings were held in the homes of members. In March 1919, Mr. W.J. Smith, Sr. gave the Club the use of a room on the second floor of the W.J.Smith & Sons Dry Goods Store where the Club met for almost six years. Through the joint efforts of the Oriental Woman's Club and the Mount Vernon Lodge No. 359 A.F & A.M. of Oriental plans began for a club building in 1923. The entire citizenry of Oriental contributed toward this project buying cement blocks for the construction at ten cents a block. The Woman's Club held their activities there until 1979. At that time, this Broad Street Building was sold. The Woman's Club and the Masonic Order divided the profits and the Woman's Club began the major project of constructing their clubhouse on Gilgo Drive on land donated by the Dolphin Company. The Oriental Woman's Clubhouse is the only building in the area with facilities, furnishings and off street parking which can accommodate up to 150 people for meetings and special events. From its beginning, the Club's aim has been to be an asset to the community and to work for its betterment in every way. Priorities have always been youth and education, health and welfare, community improvement, and beautification.

The Woman's Club accomplishes these goals through the annual projects managed by the various divisions. For the Arts there is an annual show from which the winners go on to division and state competition. The Conservation Department is involved with energy awareness, resource conservation, solid waste management and other special projects such as Adopt-a-Highway, the North Carolina Zoo, Kids and Kindness, and Wildlife Protection. The Education Department contributes to ASPIRE, ESO, HOBY and Senior Education Corps. The Club provides the opportunity for local students to apply for the GFWC-NC awards and provides assistance for further education through the awarding of the Cathers Arts Scholarship and the Inez S. Hargrove Scholarship. Volunteers participate in Meals for the Homebound, HOPE Clinic, Boys and Girls Homes, March of Dimes, and the Cancer Society Relay for Life through the Home Life Division. The International Affairs Department organized and brought to Oriental the participants in the Special Olympics and other youth exchange programs. Operation Smile and CARE are other projects. Public Affairs supports Veterans' Affairs, crime prevention, safety on the highways and Independence National Historic Park. Women of Oriental Crafts, Handwork, and Needlework Group (WOOCHANG) meets regularly for quilting and other craft activities.

The care of Oriental Cemetery is the longest on-going community service project of the Woman's Club of Oriental. It began as a special project and in 1923 became a standing committee of the Club. Covering costs was a problem so in 1935, a plan was devised whereby cemetery lot owners paid the Club for the upkeep of their lots.

Garden Club

Garden Club is an autonomous unit within the OWC with minimal dues. Members learn about the environment, landscaping, floral arranging, and horticulture through presentations and field trips. They are responsible for the maintenance of the Club grounds and assist with plants and flower arrangements at the local rest home.The Garden Club is also responsible for the "Yard of the Month Award". This award is given to a home each month that exemplifies landscaping that enhances the architecture of the home and reflects the setting of the property.

Another autonomous organization within the OWC is the Ladies of the Neuse. This group of ladies interested in the goals of the OWC meet in the evening and participate in the activities of the OWC. They also support the Caswell Center, and organize the Spring Sting and the December Candlelight tour.

The Bridge Group and the Dance Club are also special interest groups formed within the OWC for the edification and enjoyment of the members.

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