"You can't build a reputation on
what you intend to do." Liz Smith

The North Baltimore Business Women's Club observed its 50th anniversary in 1998. Originally the club was organized as the North Baltimore Business and Professional Women, and was affiliated with the Ohio Federation, the National Federation and International Federation. In 1970 the name was changed to "Business Women's Club", then in 1990 was changed to it's present name. Although the name of the organization has changed over the years the goals have remained the same—"to help make the community a better place in which to live, learn, work and play."

The first meeting of the North Baltimore Professional and Business Women's Club was held at Red's Restaurant, 121 1/2 North Main Street, on February 26, 1948, but it was not officially chartered until June 4 of that year. The charter dinner was held in the school cafeteria on South Second Street. Mrs. Muriel Halderman served as president pro-tem and Elva Lyon served as secretary. Members of the nominating committee included Mrs. Nellie Roberts, Miss Florence Hamlin and Mrs. Florence Weith. Mrs. Erma Bair of the Findlay club was chairman of the sponsoring committee. The local organization was the 100th Business and Professional Women's Club in Ohio and had 100 members.

Civic Activities

Through the years the members have continued to sponsor many civic, school and athletic programs in the community. Our most recent endeavor was to purchase a fountain for the village pond. It was dedicated on July 28, 2001 to past and present members of the North Baltimore Professional & Business Women's Club. The club has also supported the City Park through the purchase of bleachers, playground equipment, fencing, trees, and generous contributions toward construction of a shelterhouse. Other civic projects include the purchase of community street signs, co-sponsoring the Home Christmas Decorating Contest and publication of the town directory. The 1998 directory was the 11th one sponsored by the club with the first one in 1951. Contribution was also made to bring the Internet to North Baltimore.

Education First

In 1973 the club sponsored the first Academic Awards dinner for honor students in the local school and continues to contribute to the event. Since 1984 they have provided a scholarship for a senior girl to pursue her education. At first, the award was for $ 500, but it later raised to $1,000. In 1997 the club awarded two $ 1,000 scholarships and a $ 200 book award. The club also provided funds to purchase books for the library and donated $ 500 toward the purchase of stage curtains at the high school. In addition, they sponsor "Muffins for Moms" at the Powell Elementary School each spring.

Sports Contribution

Over the years the club has contributed toward the purchase of baseball uniforms and assisted with funds for cheerleader activities. They have also donated funds to various athletic organizations affiliated with the school as well as Little League Baseball and other community sports programs.

Fund Raisers

Many fund-raising projects have been held by the organization to support their various activities. The most recent fund-raiser by the club is the sale of wooden replicas of some of the historic buildings in the community. Also the club sold a Historic Community Afghan and a School Afghan. In addition, they have held rummage sales and an annual Christmas Drawing as well as having a booth at the Good Ole Summertime Festival. In the past, the club has participated in the Memorial Day Luncheons to raise funds.

Other Activities

Members also enter a float in the annual Halloween Parade and decorate a room at the Wood County Old Home Christmas event at the Wood County Historical Museum at Bowling Green and a room in the North Baltimore Area Historical Center.

Women in Politics

The club has the distinction of having one of its members elected as the first women to hold political office in North Baltimore. Muriel Halderman, a teacher, was the first female elected to the North Baltimore Village Council, in 1973. Mrs. Halderman also founded the Future Teachers of America Chapter here.

The club has other members who have served in various political offices as Village Clerk-Treasurer, and Board of Education. Other members who have held political office include Leona Benard who was elected to Village Council in 1985. The local Chamber of Commerce named her outstanding Citizen of the Year in 1994. Another club member, June Blake, received that honor in 1992.

Another member, Bonnie Knaggs was elected to a four-year term on the North Baltimore Board of Education in 1979. She also received the "Spirit of Wood County Award" in 1998 for "Outstanding Public Service in Education for Civic Responsibility". This award is presented by the Wood County Commissioners.

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