Impact

North Carolina Sorosis History
www.wilmingtonantiqueshow.com
North Carolina Sorosis is the oldest Federated Woman’s Club in North Carolina. Founded in 1895, the club has played a significant role in the betterment of the Wilmington community and our state since its founding. The name “Sorosis”, which is derived from a Greek word meaning a cluster of flowers was taken from a club in New York City which was the first of its kind in this country to be formed by and for women. NC Junior Sorosis is also a womens’ volunteer organization, founded in 1938 by NC Sorosis members who recognized that their daughters wanted to volunteer also. In 1980 the NC Sorosis Night Department was born and became the sister club of NC Sorosis. The Night Department was formed to allow graduating members of NC Junior Sorosis who worked during the day the opportunity to remain an active clubwoman. It began small, with just 12 original members, four of whom are still active in the group.
Among many good works in the early years the NC Sorosis collected and maintained a private lending library for a number of years. In 1908 they donated their collection of over 1,700 volumes to the City of Wilmington for what became the county’s first public library. They also lobbied for the establishment of Greenfield Lake Park, helped establish the first local history museum, helped found the YWCA, the local Traveler’s Aid agency and were early supporters of the Azalea Festival. During WWI, they operated “milk stations” for infants at the old James Walker Hospital. In WWII, they sold war bonds, raised funds to build a Liberty ship and supported the local USO. They later founded a nursery school for needy Lake Forest children that continued into the 1960’s. Throughout the years the club has worked to promote the arts and education in our community.
Proceeds from the annual Wilmington Antique Show & Sale, which is presented by the NC Sorosis Night Department provides scholarships and assistance to many local organizations and families. The 2020 Antique Show will be the show’s Golden Anniversary 50th year. Some of the organizations that benefit include UNCW and Cape Fear Community College scholarships, Nourish NC-School Backpack Programs, Communities in Schools, Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Boys and Girls Home, Hospitality House, Lower Cape Fear Hospice, Salvation Army, WARM, Cape Fear Literacy Council, New Hanover County Schools, the Brigade Boys & Girls Club and Airlie Gardens. In addition to monetary support, Sorosis members donate hundreds of hours of volunteer service each year.