Thursday, June 27, 2013

Cruisin' through the 20's



         As we take a ride in our time traveling machine, you will notice glitzy dresses, a jazzy tune, and the first set of Chrysler cars driving down the road. Yes, we have arrived in the 1920’s. October of 1925 to be exact.  This is when the Junior League of San Antonio took over our “home”- the Bright Shawl. The Bright Shawl was named by our former league members after Joseph Hergerheimer's popular 1920’s book, The Bright Shawl. The Bright Shawl was originally located in Kampmann home on Nacogdoches Street. After a fundraiser with the Magic Theater, the league raised $30,000 to open the current location on Augusta Street. The little house, now home to over 1,200 members, contains masonry from a quarry that once existed in Brackenridge Park (before it was Brackenridge park, of course). Closer to the 1940’s, former league members could be seen busy rushing around waitressing. It is hard to believe they would be serving me as I sit in the 2013 Bright Shawl Tea Room. Look at this fun artifact our communication council chair, Tiffany Nelson found. It is a letter from the president dating back to the 1920's:














Hearts full of charity is a way you could describe the JLSA Reading Camp Volunteers. Serving children around San Antonio, volunteers strive to keep learning fun and motivating.  

















When I asked how the Reading Camp program benefits children, Reading Camp, co-chair Emily Countryman, tells me “Reading Camp bridges the summer learning gap. Many students lose up to a half or full school year worth of reading skills over summer because of lack of exposure and books at home. We worked on a variety of skills for two weeks and sent each child home with 6 books for summer reading!” 












This sounds like a fun way to spend the summer doesn’t it? Katey Drexler, reading camp volunteer explains her favorite part was the “relationships you form with the kids!” I can only image the positive influence these volunteers made in these children’s lives.  


Friday, June 21, 2013

Pass the torch.... TO ME!



Let’s give a HUGE round of applause to Kelly Anderson, our 2012-2013 JLSA Blogger. She passed the torch on to me, Amanda Shippey on June 1st. I have not burned myself yet, but this is my first blog entry. On June 1st  the sky did not display an enchanting show of fireworks. People were not prancing around in their black and gold hats blowing noisemakers. However, if you ask any JLSA member they will tell you their excitement and goals for the upcoming year, much like a New Years resolution. “I want the League to be set up for success, so I want to make sure I am proactive this year and ready to hit the ground running come spring.” Says our thrilled president elect, Kristen Henry. I have found that many members goals are similar to mine, shedding light on the past 90 years of JLSA. When I asked Dana Cleveland how she will celebrate the 90th celebration of San Antonio Junior League, she said, “Engaging our members in our heritage and continuing to serve our community.” Through out the new year, I hope to show you how JLSA has changed over the past 90 years. You will notice the blog entries will take you for a ride in a time traveling machine. You will see the Bright Shawl opening in the 20’s, ladies fashion shows in the 30’s, to the opening of Holiday Ole in the 90’s.  I hope you enjoy your summer and start of a new JLSA year!  A few of our members enjoyed their first week at the Witte Museums Annual Burgers, Bottles, and Beer celebration.  





Pictured are ten members, some meeting for the first time.



Isn’t great how a wonderful organization allows you link up with an exceptional group of women? Speaking of summer, have you heard about the Elaine Turner Event? 














Shopping, eating, and hanging out with your friends sounds like an amazing way to spend your summer. So get out and support The Junior League of San Antonio! RVSP to joy.mcgaugh@gmail.com if you plan on attending.