From the parlor room at the Horse Head Inn to the community room at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, the Concourse Club of Palmerton proudly celebrates its 95th year.

On January 21, 1915, the very first meeting was held and the Concourse Club was formed. It became a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, the largest organization of volunteer women in the world. It started with 14 members and in six months the membership doubled. The dues were $1. Meetings were held every two weeks on a Thursday evening.Becoming a member was by invitation only. The husband's occupation was the criteria before his wife would even be considered to be asked to join the club.Meetings had programs such as "Is Store-bought Food Better than Homemade Food?" and "The Influence of Indian Pottery on Modern Philosophy" and always ended up with the ladies sitting around card tables playing Bridge and 500.But soon the war became a priority and the women turned to Red Cross projects, holding benefits for war relief and Liberty Loan drives.In 1920 the war was over and the Club started to focus on helping its community. The women volunteered to help with a Palmerton Census count.Many special interest groups were organized such as, a Bible class, (which later inaugurated the World Day of Prayer in Palmerton,) a child's study class and the Choral Club.The Club was big on celebrating members' birthdays and each year the Club would end their year with a spring luncheon in May.In the late 20s the group started to recognize a Palmerton graduating senior with the highest marks (Guiding Stars), started programs in the interest of homemakers, and a study class.By the time the Club celebrated its 26th year in 1941, the membership had grown to 141. The war was raging and every member of the Club participated in many projects aiding the war effort and helping to relieve suffering. The members raised funds for the various agencies through many bake sales. They hand -knitted 62 mittens and 26 beanies to be given to the needy and stamped 800 letters to be sent to the United States servicemen.A few years later the Club started a project that was the annual benefit for the Palmerton Memorial Park.In the 1950s and 60s, the club continued to raise funds for various organizations, put on plays and had fashions shows. They sponsored the "over 60 Club" until it was running smoothly. Substantial contributions were made to the Palmerton Hospital, Memorial Park, and the Palmerton Library, crippled children and to the Red Cross.Three new programs were installed in the late 60s. They were: vision screening for preschool children; taking charge of the merchandise booth at the Palmerton Hospital Festival; and the Memorial Day picnic, which the profits were contributed to Memorial Park.In the 70s the Club experienced a resurgence of energy and dedication. The Holiday House Tours, the fashion show and the picnics in Memorial Park were very productive and the Club was able to contribute to community activities: Meals on Wheels; Palmerton Memorial Park; Palmerton Library; Community Chest; the Red Cross and more.The Concourse Club continued to be an important presence in the community throughout the 80s.Women's health, the environment and education became priorities for the club. Popular events were the publication of a cookbook, a very successful fashion show during the 75th anniversary of Palmerton, and they resumed the Holiday House Tours, which had a thirteen-year absence.Also the "Bean Bags" sale became very popular. The members made and sold bags of beans, which could be made into a delicious soup, a fundraiser that still is popular today.During this time the Club started the renovation and restoration of the Bandstand in the Palmerton Borough Park.The park has been the recipient of many wonderful projects completed by the Club such as the Lights in the Park undertaking with the most recent Benches in the Park project.Over the years the Club also took some time out to "travel and cruise." Those members who wanted, were able to visit places like Inner Harbor, Plymouth and Boston, Christmas in Williamsburg, Lancaster's Sight and Sound Show, Winterthur Museum, day trips to New York, cruises to the Caribbean and Bermuda, and many more interesting sights.Each year the club organizes the Art Show, which takes place during the Palmerton Community Festival. This year's event will be Sept. 10-12.Today the Concourse Club has approximately 140 members and still remains a strong positive force in the Palmerton Community."We always welcome new members and we never turn anyone away. We are a service club, which means we do a lot for our community. We also gather socially with food and fun one evening a month for eight months out of the year," said Joan Turko, the chair for the membership drive and has been a member of the Concourse Club for 39 years."I love the comradery of the women and the satisfaction we feel when our special projects are completed. I think the Concourse Club is great for the community," added Turko.As the 96th year begins, the Club is looking forward to upholding the traditions and values that have been passed down over the years in serving their community.The Club's 2010-11 President Susan Choy and her vice President Joanne Kercsmar are looking forward to this coming year with new ideas for the Club."I am excited about serving as Vice President and I am looking forward to watching our membership grow," said Kercsmar."I feel honored to be the President and I am looking forward to working with everyone in the Club," said Choy.Once again this year will be dedicated to serving the community. A sampling of its events is the traditional Art Show, in conjunction with the Palmerton Community Festival (Sept. 10-12,) Sunday Evening Concerts in the Park, the sale of bean soup mix, acknowledging young high school senior women (Guiding Stars,) dedication to the Domestic Violence Shelter in Carbon County and the very popular Spring Basket Spectacular, usually held in April. The next one will be on April 9, 2011.If anyone would like to become a member or get more information about the Club, contact Joan Turko, 610-826-2716. The Club meets the first Thursday of the month, October through May, (unless a holiday confilct) at 7 p.m. (unless it's a special occasion,) in the community room at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 502 Lafayette Ave., Palmerton. The next meeting will be Thursday, Oct. 7.The Palmerton Concourse Club has been serving the community since 1915 and will continue to support the Palmerton area in its fine tradition.