1959-1960

• A key educational initiative, Lamplighters Series, brought a 12-part Saturday lecture series on art and science to children in grades 3rd-8th in collaboration Saginaw Art Museum, sparking curiosity and creativity in young minds.
  • As part of the Lamplighters Series, 155 students traveled to the Robert T. Longway Planetarium in Flint for an immersive science lecture.
• The Children’s Theatre continued its legacy of storytelling and education with the trouping production of Gilly is My Name delighting young audiences throughout local schools.
• In partnership with the Civic Symphony, the Television Committee produced A Profile of Beethoven, a 5-part television series exploring the life and music of the iconic composer.
• The Saginaw Art Museum flourished as a vibrant cultural hub, hosting a special Circus Exhibit and reception that attracted over 12,500 attendees.  Additional exhibits such as Christmastime at the Logging Camp, Lincoln, and Early Victorian brought history and heritage to life for visitors of all ages.
• Within the League, member involvement grew, with the formation of the Junior League Glee Club and the first-ever coffee party to welcome new and returning Provisionals.
• Continuing their support for foster families, the Provisionals hosted the 5th Foster Mothers’ Tea, celebrating those who provide love and care to children in foster placements.

1960-1961

• Reflecting its expanding scope, the Executive Committee added the role of Corresponding Secretary to better support the League’s evolving organizational needs.
• The Arts Committee launched Art Goes to School, a program designed to bring visual arts directly into local classrooms to enrich students’ cultural experiences.
• The Children’s Theatre delighted young audiences with the touring production of Willie Williams Goes to Mars, continuing its tradition of creative educational outreach.
• The Television Committee supported the Youth Concert Series, featuring three concerts by the Saginaw Civic Symphony for students in fourth grade and above.  The League also pledged up to $1,000 annually for three years to help fund the series.
• The League voted to contribute up to $5,000 annually for three years to support the salary of a professional museum assistant at the Saginaw Art Museum.  This role was created to support League volunteers in developing a robust, long-term community arts program that would appeal to both children and adults.
• Museum programming remained a community highlight, with 19,000 visitors touring the Saginaw Art Museum to view engaging exhibits such as the Victorian Setting, Eskimo Exhibit, and Dinosaur Exhibit.
• Hosted the 10th Annual Thanksgiving Ball at the Bancroft Hotel, continuing a beloved tradition of fellowship and community celebration.

1961-1962

• Big Brothers honored the League with its annual award for outstanding service to youth, honoring the League’s contribution of over 4,500 volunteer hours dedicated to supporting children across the Saginaw area.
• The Lamplighter Series completed its second year, engaging 300 students with hands-on arts and science lectures bringing complex subjects to life.
• Through Art Goes to School, over 2,600 fourth-grade students experienced traveling exhibits on The History of Art and American Colonial Art.
• At the Saginaw Art Museum, the League introduced What Is a Painting, an educational series designed to deepen public appreciation of art.  Additionally, the Museum welcomed nearly 19,000 visitors throughout the year with engaging exhibits such as Life in Japan, The Saginaw Valley and You, Shelter: Past and Present, and the Tri-City Children’s Art Show.
• The Television Committee attended the Delta Television Workshop, gaining hands-on experience in directing, producing, and broadcasting – strengthening the League’s focus on member development and training.
• The Puppet Committee toured a League-directed production of Rumpelstiltskin to all local elementary schools, reaching 12,900 students in Saginaw and Saginaw Township.
• At the Saginaw County Juvenile and St. Vincent’s Home, the League introduced a Crafts Program offering creative activities to 250 children in residence.
• Thrift Shop proceeds funded many of these community programs, including:
  • Young People’s Concert Association
  • Lamplighter Arts and Science Series
  • Picture Rental Gallery at the Saginaw Art Musuem
  • Traveling art exhibits
  • Puppet productions
  • Hospital play therapy
  • Crafts programs at juvenile homes
  • A mobile library cart for hospital patients

1962-1963

• The second Street Fair at the Saginaw Museum was a major success, drawing strong public support.
• The League proudly concluded its sponsorship of the Saginaw Symphony Young People’s Concerts with a completely sold-out season, then transitioned the beloved program to the Saginaw Symphony Association to ensure its continued success.
• The Lamplighter Series reached record attendance, with 2,400 children attending Saturday lectures in the arts and sciences.
• The Puppet Committee toured the engaging production of The Three Boxes, continuing the League’s tradition of bringing live storytelling to children across the region.
• The Public Affairs Committee launched the Home and Family Living Program, a six-week course designed for underprivileged homemakers.  Topics included food preparation, budgeting, health, child and adolescent development, and recreation, all presented by qualified speakers to empower participants in building practical life skills and confidence.
• This year marked the first time Provisionals were assigned to staff the Thrift Shop as their initial League placement – an important step in hands-on member engagement and training. The Thrift Shop continued to serve as a vital community resource, generating significant funds for the Community Trust Account, which supported a range of local service initiatives.

1963-1964

• A key initiative was the formation of the Friendship Club, a program designed to provide social experiences and community reintegration for women recovering from mental illness, an early and compassionate response to mental health needs in the region.
• The League also reaffirmed its support for the Saginaw Symphony Young People’s Concert Association (SSYPCA), contributing to another successful season with over 1,400 tickets sold.
• Celebrated our 30th anniversary with a festive dinner dance at the Bancroft Hotel on February 14, 1964.
• In partnership with Delta College, the Television Committee produced and presented four educational broadcasts, extending the League’s reach through local media and higher education.
• The League selected the Saginaw Valley Rehabilitation Center as a new focus for volunteer service, deepening its support for individuals with disabilities and committing to a three-year partnership that combined both volunteerism and financial resources.
• The Thrift Shop remained a cornerstone of League fundraising efforts, generating vital support for community programs and reinforcing the League’s mission of service through self-sustained funding.

1964-1965

• The Children’s Theatre delighted students with a performance of Jack and the Beanstalk to all 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students in the city schools, continuing the League’s tradition of bringing live theatre to young audiences.
• A special Thrift Shop Drive was held to publicize the shop’s new location, resulting in increased community support and record-breaking proceeds for the year—helping to fund the League’s growing programs and initiatives.
• A visit from the Regional Director of the Association of Junior Leagues of America led to important updates in League governance, including a change in the Provisional age limit – lowered from 36 to 34 – to better align with evolving membership trends and engagement strategies.
• The Follies Board was established in preparation for a major production planned for Fall 1965, ensuring the return of this signature fundraising and entertainment tradition.
• The Public Affairs Committee hosted an Appreciation Luncheon honoring the many agencies and community partners who supported League initiatives, strengthening relationships and mutual recognition.
• Hosted the 14th Annual Thanksgiving Ball.

1965-1966

• Follies production, On the Other Hand, was a grand success raising significant funds to support ongoing and future initiatives.
• The Saginaw Symphony Young People’s Concert Association completed another strong season.  For the first time, recordings of the concerts were made and shared with area schools, expanding access to arts education beyond the concert hall.
• In its 3rd year, the Friendship Club, a program supporting women recovering from mental illness, established an evening club.
• Thrift Shop Impact: The Thrift Shop continued to serve as a vital resource for the community and a key fundraising engine, contributing generously to the Community Trust Fund.
• Five new community projects were approved in the spring, broadening volunteer placement opportunities for the League’s expanding membership.
• The League directed funding to several high-impact areas, including:
  • Juvenile Study services
  • Saginaw Art Museum programming
  • Remodeling efforts at the First Ward Community Center
  • Partial salary support for a business director at the Saginaw Civic Symphony Association
  • A contribution to the Saginaw Children’s Zoo Building Fund
• The 15th Annual Thanksgiving Ball was held at the Bancroft hotel, continuing a cherished tradition.

1966-1967

• The League helped launch a variety of enriching programs at the First Ward Community Center, including a Nursery School, Sports Program, Children’s Theatre, Choir, and Ceramics Class, offering creative and educational opportunities for local youth.
• The League proudly hosted a State Public Affairs Conference, with one of its own members serving as the State Public Affairs Chairman, reinforcing the League’s voice in statewide civic engagement.
• The League introduced The Informer, a professionally printed newsletter, which released four high-quality issues in its inaugural year, enhancing internal communication and visibility.
• The Thrift Shop moved to a new location in June, accompanied by the formation of a Thrift Board to oversee operations. Its success contributed a significant gift to the Community Trust Fund, reinforcing the shop’s role as both a service and fundraising asset.
• The Community Research Committee presented five new projects, all of which were accepted – committing the League to a three-year funding plan and opening exciting new volunteer placements for members.

1967-1968

• The Junior League’s first year of collaboration with Planned Parenthood was a success, culminating in the launch of a hospital-based family planning program in January – an important step in expanding access to reproductive health education.
• In our first year of collaboration with Youth Protective Services, volunteers served individual families as social visitors, offering personalized support and in turn strengthening outcomes for vulnerable children and their families.  Additionally, volunteers contributed to the day-to-day functions of the of Youth Protective Services agency.
• Honored with a team visit from the Regional Director and the AJLA Public Relations & Television Consultant, recognizing its growing impact and commitment to excellence.
• Voted to establish a Volunteer Bureau, a forward-thinking initiative designed to coordinate and strengthen volunteer efforts across the community.
• Provided support to the Saginaw Symphony Board, reinforcing its commitment to the arts and cultural enrichment.

1968-1969

• Officially opened the Volunteer Bureau in September 1969 at 1232 N. Michigan with Dorothy Rappa appointed as Executive Director – a major step in strengthening regional volunteer coordination.
• Saginaw Art Museum continued the Lamplighters Series with “wonderful things” that fill our world and answers to some of the questions that fill our children’s minds.
• Our collaboration with Youth Protection Services and Special Education at Handley School offered valuable volunteer placements.
• First Ward Community Center programming continued with Nursery School, Children’s Theatre, Cooking, Sewing and Art Classes, plus private piano instruction.
• The Informer began doing all layout in-house and added Placement Opportunities for members.
• The Television Committee launched a new program, Marquee—a half-hour series airing Mondays at 10 p.m. from September through June, spotlighting leaders and chairs of current cultural and civic initiatives.
• A Headquarters Committee was established to assess space needs for League operations.
• Membership dues were increased for Actives and Sustainers to align with AJLA changes.