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It is known today as the Harbor Beach Woman's Club, but it began as "The Ladies Historical Society of Sand Beach."

Though the name has changed the aim of the club is the same: to bring out the highest of all good.

Incorporated in 1887, the first directors were: Mrs. C. S. Nims, Mrs. L. Rhinehart, Mrs. M.D. Wagner,

Mrs. J.W. Selden and Mrs. E.F. Bacon. Mrs. Nims served as the first president.

In the early years, much time was spent pursuing the study of history and literature. A distinctive library was gathered.

An example of the fine studies is found in the group's yearbook for 1910-1911. The programs that year consisted of: a study of the culture, art and literature of Sweden, Ireland, Lapland, Norway, Holland and Spain.

In 1928, the Harbor Beach Woman's Club found a permanent home for its meetings and library. The village of Harbor Beach named a room in the community house the Harbor Beach Woman's Club Room. The first meeting was held there May 1, 1928.

Though several wars have interrupted family life for members of the Harbor Beach Woman's Club, their club meetings continued with only a change in the emphasis to provide assistance as they could to war efforts and to those who needed help here at home.

During the club's Golden Jubilee celebration in September 1935, the program was a visit back in time to the time of their founding, 1885. The women dressed in period costumes, from formal attire to bathing wear. There was a comparison of wedding party outfits, then and "now."

At the meeting, Mrs. R.C. Allen was presented with a gift in recognition of her fifty years of membership.

One hundred and eighty-three women attended this occasion, including local and former members. Two women, Evelyn and Marjorie and Mrs. J.A. Campbell traveled the furthest. They came from Toronto for the celebration.

Through the years the Harbor Beach Woman's Club has contributed much to preservation of the community's history. They published a history of the community in 1976 and an updated version in 1996.

They've also contributed to the education of the community. Each year since 1982 they've given a $500 minimum scholarship to a selected Harbor Beach High School graduating senior.

Other women, who began as girl scouts in Harbor Beach have also benefited from the Harbor Beach Woman's Club. Since 1928 they've sponsored the local Girl Scouts regional activities.

Many organizations in Huron County including the Huron County Nature Center, the Murphy Museum have received assistance from these women.

Oh, they do like to have fun as well. For 20 years, they would hold a Taste Bee, a luncheon with a particular theme. Some examples include: "Welcome Spring," 1988, "Salad Tasting Luncheon," 1978,"East Smart," 1989.

Now to the present: The Harbor Beach Club held its "Spring Fling" luncheon and games meeting in May and received many compliments. Those winning door prizes included: Marge Wruble, Beatrice Booms, Wilma Braun, Eleanor Platte, Shirley McMann, Lexie Lermont, Carol Brown, Banche Laeder, Barbara McGowan, Jean Hanselman, Audrey Messing, Eleanor Tageson, Theresa Cutler, Pat Insana, Fran Mausolf, Helen Maurer, Lorraine Kanaga, Mary Lou Kramer, Jennifer Capling and Anne Finzel.

Next year's luncheon will be Tuesday, May 6.