New Preston Women's Club
The former Gray Squirrel Inn in New Preston was left to the New Preston Women's Club as their community center in 1932 by Sydney Smith in his will. Today the community center host boy and girl scout meetings and club sponsored lectures. When Doris Waldron joined the New Preston Women's Club 42 years ago, minutes were still being handwritten.
A Brief History of the Club and the House In 1915 the women of New Preston started what they had discussed for a long time, a woman's club. In November 1915 they had the first meeting. A constitution was drawn up and dues were 25 cents for the year. Meetings were in the members homes with programs on a variety of subjects, and refreshments were always served.
The women dreamed of a place they could call their own meeting house. In 1932, Sydney Smith bequeathed the Gray Squirrel Inn (known for its chicken dinners) to the women's club. Mr. Smith's wife Alberta Corning Smith, who was born in the house, was very active in the Women's Club. It was requested by the Smith Family, it be called a "Community House". In 1933 the first meeting was held in the Community House.
The Purpose of our organization is to provide volunteer services and contributions to the community. Our time and talent has provided scholarships to local high school students, donated to charitable organizations, food banks, and the Susan B. Anthony Project in Torrington, CT. Our club also donates goods to fill packages sent overseas to our military personnel, and volunteer at the Visiting Nurse Association Thrift Shop in New Preston, CT.
Membership Our membership includes women of all ages and backgrounds. Members are residents of the towns of Kent, Marbledale, Warren, Washington, Woodbury and New Preston. We welcome women from other surrounding towns to join us.
Meetings are the third Thursday of the month, six times a year; March, April, May, September, October and November. Our meetings are short and precise. Refreshments after the program is provided by our members.
Programs usually last one-half to three quarters of hour, and are educational, interesting, informative and entertaining. Past programs have included wine tasting, handwriting analysis, flower and horticultural presentations, and health and wellness issues. The September and May meetings include a potluck supper and an annual dinner. We invite you to join the New Preston Women's Club where your time and talent will benefit our communities, and you will meet other women who are making a difference.
Rent the Community House, Our lovely 100+ year old house has a large room that can be rented for wedding receptions, birthdays, anniversaries, christenings, retirement parties and other social events.
Businesses can rent the community room on the main floor for business meetings and conferences. On the second floor of the Community House, office space is available for monthly or yearly rentals.
For further information call: Jane Moore 860-868-7022 Rebecca Moore 860-921-1123
