HISTORY OF THE CHARMETTES, INC.
Founded in 1951 by Gwendolyn Baker Rodgers and Frankie Drayton Thomas, The Charmettes Inc. unites women in the name of community strength.
History
In June 1951, Gwendolyn Baker Rodgers and Frankie Drayton Thomas were prompted to call together women with similar ideas, principles and backgrounds to embark upon a diversified front. These empowering philanthropists envisioned a towering organization that would one day become the Mecca of Finer Womanhood representing unified black women of distinction. Thus, the Charmettes, Inc. was born in Riviera Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida.
Gwendolyn and Frankie called together selective friends of long standing that thought it proper and fitting to organize a network of community strength. The persons responding to the inquiry were: Geneva Browne Boynton, Miriam Saunders, Yvonne Butler Reynolds, Edith Strozier Coleman and Doris Stephens Williams. After this initial meeting we agreed to contact other friends with common bonds; Ann Jones, Vivian Scott and Lula Thomas.
Yvonne Reynolds is credited with naming the group. When she suggested Charmettes as a name for the organization, each member accepted it with admiration and appreciation. The initial officers were: Ann Jones, President; Frankie Thomas, Vice President; Miriam Saunders, Secretary; Gwendolyn Rodgers, Treasurer; and Lula Thomas, Chaplain. Soon after inception, Ann Jones moved to Ft. Lauderdale. Frankie Thomas assumed the position of President, Gwendolyn accepted the vice president, and Yvonne accepted the treasurer’s position.
Prior to our first annual dance in 1952, we had recruited: Elizabeth Scott Mays, Ernestine Phillips Davis and Willie Mae Watson Jones. During this dance, ladies from Dade County showed an interest in our group. The idea to expand was tossed around among the established members for three years. The final decision was to allow others into Charmettes and become a corporation. Thus, on December 23, 1954, The Charmettes, Inc. was incorporated locally. In May of 1955, the Dade County Chapter of The Charmettes, Inc. was installed, moving Charmettes to a new era of growth and mobilization. On November 2, 1957, we further expanded and installed the Broward County Chapter.
During this important time period in channeling Charmettes, Inc., we realized the need for a governing body and the Executive Board was implemented with Eunice Walden Thompson as the first Tri-County President. The first General Meeting was held in Miami under the presidency of Althmeana Sample, President of the Dade County Chapter.
During the following three years, The Charmettes, Inc., was in a quiescent period; however, we continued to grow. We began to look at life in a defined vein, although we realized our needs and a desire to continue our social image. In an effort to fulfill a civic need, in 1959, we purchased a life membership in the NAACP and a plaque of recognition was sent to us in 1962 after receiving payment in full.
In 1962, we further bonded when Dade County Chapter published and sent out our first annual CHARMETTES NEWSLETTER.
Because of the untimely demise of our beloved President, John F. Kennedy, in the fall of 1963, we along with millions other Americans were affected by his death. We felt the need to contribute in some way to help keep his memory alive; therefore, we contributed five-hundred dollars ($500) to the JFK Memorial Library at Harvard University. The charter was amended on a statewide level on September 10, 1965; and was further amended on February 8, 1984 after receiving our 501(c)(3) status.
In addition to these noteworthy events, Charmettes everywhere on the local level have contributed to or spearheaded many charitable causes and worthwhile events.
In 1981, The Charmettes, Inc. adopted as their national project Cancer Research and Education. Toward this end, we adopted the Howard University Cancer Research Center. As of 2009, we have contributed over $400,000. In November 2007, The Charmettes, Inc./Gwendolyn B. Rodgers Chemotheraphy Infusion Suite was named in honor of our founder and our organization.
Charmettes are continuing to serve our communities on a local and national level.
CHARMETTE HISTORY REVISION
Geneva B. Boynton
Antonia L. Spence
July 27, 2009
