Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/104855
Mary Court 208 ~ St. ~ since 1898 ST. MARY COURT 208 OF WADENA, MINNESOTA CELEBRATES 115 YEARS St. Mary Court 208 was organized January 14, 1898. The first meeting was held at St. Felix School Hall with 22 members. The first officers were: Chief Ranger Mary Keating, Vice Chief Ranger Mary Loechler, Financial Secretary Josephine Noll, Recording Secretary Mary O'Leary, and Treasurer Bertha Satory. The minutes of the meetings over the past 115 years show the philanthropic activities of St. Mary Court 208: a donation of two lamps and $29.40 for dishes in 1902; in 1904 quarterly dues of $.25 and a 'penny march' was initiated. In 1947 an October Homecoming Alumni Dinner and in December the Football Banquet! A 1948 Golden Jubilee Mass and Banquet, brimming with lovely flowers and golden decorations, was also held. Above: Golden Jubilee 1948 A junior court was organized on December 17, 1958 with Virginia Roemer as first Junior Director and Janet Huber as Chief Junior Director; they added to the court's activities with holiday parties and gifts. Members initially attended First Sunday in May Mass as a group and in the 1940s initiated the addition of a Mother-Daughter Breakfast after Mass. For years a crib scene was on display in one of the downtown 12 commercial windows, such as in Kathryn McGraw's Dress shop in 1951 and Passe's Electric in 1952. They have always been active in their parish and community. Since 2007 Court 208 has raised $20,316.24 through Hearts and Hands events and the Society has matched $4,226.00; that's a total of $24,542.24 into the local community of Wabasha!! St. Mary Court 208 has had many memorable Hearts and Hands events; like creating fun aprons or quilts for sale! In 2011 they co-sponsored 'Too Hot To Handle' benefit (selling hot pads and carrying cases) raised $3,969.60 and NCSF matched $500! WOW! They have donated funds for repairs in the convent, St. Elizabeth Hospital ER, St. Felix School tunnel National Catholic Forester