1949-1950

• Contributed to the Pit & Balcony Building Fund – a campaign to raise fund for a new building after a fire took out the previous Barn 5 years prior.
• Permanent equipment was donated to the Saginaw Art Museum to enhance its long-term capabilities
• The League opened a Handicraft fair on October 15, 1949, featured goods made by individuals with physical disabilities, providing them with opportunities to gain employment and build self-confidence through their craftsmanship.
• Children’s programming remained strong with the presentation of Goober is My Name by the Wallace Puppeteers at the Michigan Theatre.
• In partnership with county schools, the Radio Committee launched Speedy Spellers, a 26-week educational radio program aired on WSAM.  The Radio Committee also created and produced two original live Christmas broadcasts, continuing the League’s tradition of educational and festive programming.
• This year also brought internal changes, including a shift in the fiscal year from June 1 to April 1 and a new name for the League’s newsletter: League Tailspin, marking a fresh chapter in internal communications.

1950-1951

• Sponsored the opening of the Center Art Theatre, with proceeds benefiting the United Health and Welfare Fund, and additional contributions were given to the American Red Cross.
• Hosted a Bundle Tea at the home of Mrs. Robert Montague, Sr. (Edwina Burrows) to support the Handicraft Fair and Thrift Shop, encouraging donations and community involvement
• The Children’s Theatre brought Nester the Talking Horse to all Saginaw public schools, reaching thousands of students and a Children’s Theatre workshop was established at the Saginaw Art Museum, creating space for hands-on learning and performance.
• The Radio Committee expanded outreach with the return of Speedy Spellers on WSAM, awarding scholarships to Hartley Nature Camp for contest winners.  Additional broadcasts included Wise for Their Size on WSGW, 2 original Christmas plays on WSAM, and a 13-week run of Books Bring Adventure on WKNX.

1951-1952

• While no exhibit was sponsored at the Saginaw Art Museum this year, the League provided important funding for essential equipment.
• The annual Handicraft Fair Bazaar, held at the Garber showrooms, successfully raised funds supporting programs for individuals with disabilities.  Contributions were also made to the American Red Cross.
• Children’s programming remained active through The Children’s Theatre, with Nester the Talking Horse performed for 3,000 students across six county schools.
• The Radio Committee continued broadcasting the education radio series Wise for Their Size on WSGW.
• This year also saw the start of new traditions: the inaugural Junior League Annual Ball took place over Thanksgiving weekend, and the Junior League Garden Club II was founded in June 1951, further broadening the League’s community involvement.

1952–1953

• The League voted to close the Handicraft Fair Shop, marking the end of a longstanding initiative. Funds previously raised through the shop were redirected to support programs for individuals with disabilities, including donations to the Saginaw Crippled Children’s Camp and Handley School.
• The Radio Committee launched Teens and Times, a live weekly program addressing topics relevant to local youth, expanding the League’s educational outreach.
• The League made a significant donation to help establish the Eventide Home, offering vital resources for the aging population.
• Presented a Mexican art exhibit at the Saginaw Museum, which attracted more than 2,800 schoolchildren, enriching cultural experiences for students across the community.
• Civic engagement expended with the formation of the State Legislative Committee of the Michigan League, with several League members regularly attending meetings.
• This year also included donations to the Community Chest and the American Red Cross, a redecoration of the Thrift Shop, and hosting of the League’s 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Ball.

1953-1954

• This year marked the 20th anniversary of the Saginaw Junior League.  A celebratory dinner was held at the Bancroft Hotel on February 13, 1954, honoring two decades of community service.  A commemorative brochure highlighting the League’s accomplishments was distributed to members, fellow Junior Leagues, and various local agencies and partners.
• The League presented two educational exhibits – Young America and Medieval Europe – featuring artifacts on loan from the Henry Ford Museum, the Chicago Historical Society, and local Saginaw residents. These exhibits showcased historical relics from earlier eras and were curated specifically to engage and educate elementary school children about life in different periods of history.
• The Radio Committee continued its commitment to your development through the ongoing radio series Teens and Times, broadcast weekly on WSGW.
• The League sustained its support for the Eventide Home by providing additional equipment and furnishings.
• Efforts to improve services for children included:
  • Enhancements at the Saginaw Crippled Children’s Camp and
  • The purchase of furnishings and equipment for a new addition at Handley School.
  • Co-sponsored a six-week Babysitter Training Course, with the Greater Saginaw Safety Council and the YMCA, designed to teach youth aged 12 and older essential skills in child safety and responsible caregiving.
• The Puppet Troupe also brought its production of The Strangers to parochial school students, continuing its commitment to creative educational programing.
• Hosted the 3rd annual Thanksgiving Ball, further solidifying the event as a cherished and growing community tradition.

1954-1955

• The Radio Committe produced 28 5- minute Red Cross Radio programs which aired across 3 local stations.  Each program featured scripts written by League members, highlighting the organization’s commitment to public service and showcasing its growing strength in media-based community outreach.
• The Children’s Theatre performed Jonny Appleseed for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students.
• The Television Committee produced a three-part educational series, Signs of Strength, aired on WKNX-TV, marking a new chapter in the League’s media outreach. The series focused on facilities available in Saginaw for addressing mental health and family challenges, helping raise public awareness of local resources and support services.
• Financial support included donations to the United Chest – Red Cross, the YMCA Building Fund, and the purchase of equipment for the Saginaw Crippled Children’s Camp – funded through the remaining proceeds from the closure of the Handicraft Fair.
• The year concluded with the 4th Annual Junior League Thanksgiving Ball, which continued to grow as both a cherished community tradition and a successful fundraiser.

1955-1956

• One of the year’s standout initiatives was the Ashwald Carousel, a large-scale fundraising event featuring a dance recital with 300 local dance students.  The Junior League managed all aspects of the production, demonstrating exceptional leadership and coordination.  Proceeds supported maintenance of the Children’s Home Summer Camp, helping to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for local children during the summer months.
• Contributed to the establishment of a Cleft Palate and Cleft Lip Clinic, expanding access to vital specialized care for children and families in the region. In support of this effort, League members volunteered at the associated rehabilitation center, serving as receptionists and providing transportation to ensure children could attend their appointments.
• The League continued its commitment to child wellness through its support of the Play Therapy program at Saginaw General Hospital.  Each week, League members volunteered their time to engage directly with young patients, offering hands-on activities that were thoughtfully designed to be safe, simple, age-appropriate, and creatively fulfilling. The projects aimed to provide comfort, distraction, and a sense of accomplishment during each child’s hospital stay.  Children were encouraged to take their completed crafts home as a positive and personal reminder of their experience.  Program materials were funded through a joint effort between the hospital and the Junior League.
• The Children’s Theatre toured local schools with its puppet production of Willie and His Wind Engine, continuing the tradition of bringing creative storytelling and enrichment directly to young audiences.
• The Television Committee expanded its programming with four live broadcasts of Creative Homemaker, a series that shared inventive and practical ideas for transforming everyday living spaces into personalized, comfortable homes – turning any house into a castle.
• Hosted the 5th Annual Junior League Thanksgiving Ball, reinforcing the event as a cherished community tradition.

1956-1957

• In partnership with the Saginaw Youth Council, the League’s Legislative Committee organized a Teenage Public Affairs Forum, designed to promote civic awareness and active involvement among local teenagers.
• Building on the success of the Play Therapy program at Saginaw General Hospital, the League expanded the initiative to the Pediatrics Department at St. Mary’s Hospital in collaboration with the Children’s Free Ward Association.  The League assumed full responsibility for supervising the program during its first year, which included funding all materials, training volunteers, and supporting the committee chair.  Through these efforts, the League continued to provide comfort and creative engagement to young patients in a hospital setting.
• The League’s media outreach continued with 5 live television broadcasts of Outlook on WKNX-TV, delivering educational and community-focused content to the community.
• The Children’s Theatre brought The Stranger to young audiences through trouping performances,
• The Arts Committee organized an Oriental Art exhibit at the Saginaw Art Museum, enhancing cultural appreciation within the community.  The League also hosted a Mother’s Day Tea, complimented by a unique picture frame exhibit.
• The Provisional Class hosted the 2nd annual Foster Mothers’ Tea, honoring those providing loving homes, essential support and stability to children in need.

1957-1958

• Street Fair Fundraiser, held at the Saginaw Art Museum, was designed not only to generate funds in support of the Museum but also to spark community interest and encourage greater public engagement with its offerings.
• A notable three-year financial commitment was made to the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Saginaw to support the purchase of essential equipment and helping fund physiotherapist salaries – enhancing and advancing care for children with physical disabilities.
• The Children’s Theatre continued to be a cornerstone of outreach, with the trouping production of Nester the Alligator offering both fun and educational value to young audiences across the region.
• The Television Committee maintained its local broadcast series, Outlook, a 10-part program dedicated to exploring community issues and challenges.

1958-1959

• Donated home care equipment for cancer patients to the American Cancer Society, offering meaningful support to individuals and families.
• Continued to enrich local cultural and education experiences through the sponsoring of a Children’s Book Fair, African Exhibit, and Indian Exhibit at the Saginaw Art Museum.  Additionally, the League financed a kitchen remodel, and other necessary facility upgrades to enhance the Museum’s offerings and operations.
• The Television Committee maintained its local broadcast series, Outlook, a 10-part educational program dedicated to exploring the Bible.
•  The Children’s Theatre delighted young audiences with the trouping production of The Magic Sneeze, continuing the tradition of bringing live storytelling to the community.
• Celebrated our 25th anniversary with a special Dinner Dance held at the Bancroft Hotel on February 13, 1959.