Our History
On July 12, 1957, seventeen civic-minded women met to discuss the goal of forming an organization to effect positive change in the Lafayette community. Led by President Margaret Ramsey Copeland and three revered advisors, these Charter Members established the Service League of Lafayette and became officially incorporated on September 30, 1957. The first year saw a membership of 48.
By 1958, Service League members, clad in signature pale yellow dresses, began pursuing their goal by coupling hands-on voluntarism with creative fundraising. This two-fold formula became a hallmark of the organization.
The Service League grew rapidly in the 1960s. Members volunteered their time and talents in support of visually impaired children, Charity Hospital, the Mental Health Unit, and the Lafayette Sanitarium. Members also worked in the areas of culture and the arts, supporting the Music for Youth program, the Lafayette Parish Library, the Lafayette Museum, a Puppet Theatre, the Art Center, and Dite-Moi, a conversational French language television program.
After its inception, the Service League pursued admittance to the national Association of Junior Leagues. Despite the cumbersome application process, the Service League of Lafayette received the official invitation, via Western Union telegram, to join the Association of Junior Leagues in 1974. The Junior League of Lafayette, Inc. was officially born.
Charter Members |
Honorary Members |
|
Mrs. Bella Nickerson-Abramson | Mrs. Barbara Hartwell | Mrs. W. W. Hawkins |
Mrs. Emalie Comegys, Jr. | Mrs. Irene Hetherwick | Mrs. Donald Labbe |
Mrs. Margaret Ramsey-Copeland | Mrs. Susie Hughes | Mrs. Bennett Voorhies |
Mrs. Azalie Crain | Mrs. Janelle Morgan | |
Mrs. Geraldine Fontenot | Mrs. Woodthrow Meeker | |
Mrs. Malise Foster | Mrs. Lucille Copeland | |
Mrs. Jean Frazell | Mrs. Mary Ann Sadler | |
Mrs. Martha Green | Mrs. Martha Smith | |
Mrs. Frances Wallace |