TAKE A LOOK AT THESE HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR LEAGUE'S HISTORY

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The 1940s

We start the celebration of our history by highlighting the 1940s. Did you know that prior to becoming an independent league in 1948, we were a unit supporting the N.Y. Junior League? Some of our earliest projects included sewing for the Red Cross, sponsoring a mobile library cart at Lawrence Hospital, and running regular social events for seniors. We have been passionate about helping children from the start, with members in the 1940s volunteering at a well-baby clinic.

The 1950s

As we continue our journey recognizing the vibrant history of the Junior League of Bronxville, we find ourselves in 1953.  We had a robust resume of service projects at this point, including a music therapy program for children with cerebral palsy called Musical Participation.  League members sang to the children and taught them to play musical instruments.  These same women brought 1,040 children by bus from Westchester orphanages to the Eastchester High School to watch a performance of Hansel and Gretel by the Children’s Theater Group.

In honor of fashion week, new officers and members of the League hosted a luncheon at the Bronxville Field Club to support local businesses. League members modeled dresses from two local shops, Chez Marie and the Tweed Shop.

1960s

In March 1963, the Junior League of Bronxville celebrated its 15th anniversary, boasting 300 Active and Sustainer members. These women codified their membership through community service, volunteering in civic, social, and welfare agencies. League members utilized profits from their self-run thrift store, The Penny Wise Shop in Mount Vernon, to provide free classes, such as French language, Art Appreciation, and Creative Writing, to children who otherwise could not afford the opportunity.

1970s

In the late 1970s, the Junior League of Bronxville began a partnership with the Yonkers Court Assistance Program for Abused Spouses. The program involved 50 volunteers who assisted victims of abuse in more than 850 individual cases. Marilynn Hill served as the first chairwoman of the League program and fostered its growth and community outreach. Patty Dohrenwend served as the second chair before it was turned over to Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Yonkers.

The JLB drafted a position statement on domestic violence which was adopted by the NY State Junior Leagues and led to the creation of the Domestic Violence Task Force. Soon thereafter, the statement was also adopted by the larger AJLI. A few years after the program’s inception, the JLB received the Yonkers Soroptimist Club’s Women-Helping-Women Award. We are proud to have these women still in our Sustainer ranks and thank Marilynn, Patty, and Susan for their recollections and contributions to this piece.

1980s

1990s

In the 1990s, the Jansen Memorial Hospice and the Junior League of Bronxville recognized a need for a community bereavement program in Westchester County with special consideration for children, and together they founded the Bereavement Center of Westchester. The Tree House, a special program for children who are grieving the loss of a parent or sibling, was established in 1995. The Tree House was one of the first grief centers created solely for children and their families in the United States.

In 1992, the JLB presented a free public lecture series spearheaded by Past President Nancy Beers-Nix. “Women in the 90’s: New Directions and Responsibilities” focused on relevant topics for women who were taking on greater leadership roles in their personal and professional lives.

The first annual Sustainer Awards for community service were presented by President Nancy Beers-Nix at a November 1991 dinner dance fundraiser at the Estherwood Mansion in Dobbs Ferry. At the awards, Mary Holland, Lucille Pickwick, and Yvonne Sanford were honored.  Mary was recognized for service to the arts and education; Lucille for government and public affairs; and Yvonne for service to the family, health, and the environment.

2000s

In 2006, the Junior League of Bronxville partnered with Ciao Restaurant and Villarina’s Market to provide dinner for 100 guests of the Project Family Dinner Program of Community Service Associates in Mount Vernon. The Italian meals were prepared in Christ Church Bronxville’s kitchen by chef Brian Bender and Junior League members, and League members organized the service stations at Community Service Associates. These cooking events continue to this day!

2010s

In 2014, the Junior League of Bronxville continued to focus on its campaign of “Stamping Out Hunger” by launching its Mobile Food Pantry (MFP) partnership with Feeding Westchester. At the MFP, members of the JLB distributed fresh and nutritious food, including produce, meat, and dairy products to communities in Yonkers and Mount Vernon. On November 20, 2014, members distributed 225 turkeys at the Beulah Seventh Day Adventist Church MFP.

2020s

This decade is starting off strong! In 2020 the JLB created “Feeding the Frontlines” where the League raised over $55,000 to purchase meals from restaurants struggling during the pandemic lockdown to feed first responders and essential workers. This was an amazing example of how nimble the JLB was in reacting to a crisis in our community. And we are writing history now as well, with the 2022 launches of the JLB Joyful Closet at the Edward Williams School in Mount Vernon, in partnership with Bundles of Joy, and the Book Nook program.