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THE GIRL FRIENDS Waldorf-Astoria May 25, 1973 [[image - black and white photograph of a group of young African-American women]] [[image - black and white photograph of a social gathering, with women wearing floor-length gowns]] 1927 1972 GIRL FRIENDS -- HISTORY It was a humble beginning, but the Rock of Gibraltar could not have had a more firm foundation than that of "Girl Friends." In the summer of 1927, four girls desiring to resume friendships, interrupted by school, decided to form a club. In September, these four, Lillie Mae Reddick, Elnorist Younge, and Eunice Shreeves, met at the home of the latter to map plans for their project. Thelma Whittaker was present for a short while. The name GIRL FRIENDS was chosen by Lillie Mae after a popular tune of the day. The Marshal Neil Rose, was selected as the Club Flower and the colors apple and emerald green were decided upon. The following New Yorkers were then invited to the first formal meeting. Dottie Spraggins Roeke, Helen Branchcombe Hayes, Connye Evans Cotterrell, Rae Olley Dudley, Anna Small Murphy, and Ruth Hodges Byrd. It was here that Eunice's stew and Henri's biscuits were served. The group met twice a month with its sponsor, Mrs. Bessye J. Bearden attending. They engaged in social activities and were frequently called on by civic and charitable groups to contribute time and money. In 1928, Dorothy Tabourne Townes, asked if some friends in Philadelphia could call their club "Girl Friends"? They were friends from Penn Relays, Philly visits and meetings at the Atlantic City seashore. In 1929, representatives of Philadelphia and New York met in New York to discuss the request of friends in Baltimore, who wanted to call their club "GIRL FRIENDS" and become a link in the chain. Baltimore was admitted and it was established that there should be an annual meeting of the groups to maintain these friendships. Thus was born the Annual Conclave. In the meantime, other groups were admitted. The first conclave was held in New York and included New York as hostess, Philadelphia, Baltimore and New Jersey attending. Dottie Townes, whom we can easily call "Miss Girl Friend", was responsible for the Philadelphia chapter and expansion. She also instituted the CHATTERBOX, Friendship Week and the Installation Ceremony along with her chapter. Our "firsts"... In 1953, Anna Murphy realized that the business could not be handled at an Annual Conclave and proposed the first Executive Meeting. In Girl Friends you'll find a binding tie of loyalty, a great depth of sincerity and a deep and abiding sisterly affection. There are 29 chapters and we heartily and sincerely announce the birth of our new children--Nashville, Durham and our new baby--St. Louis. With love and affection--We welcome you St. Louis to Girl Friendom. THE GIRL FRIENDS Who Are They? The Girl Friends is a National Organization which consists of 29 chapters numbering over 600 members; whose common bond is friendship and whose purpose is a deep and active concern for each other and for humanity. 50
