Exhibit Marks 75th Anniversary Of Woman's Building
An exhibit commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Tyler Woman's Building will continue through March on the second floor of the Tyler Public Library.
Johnny Abbey, Tyler Woman's Building Inc. president, and Pat Pilgrim, Tyler Woman's Building Inc. board member, designed the exhibit to mark the celebration of the building's continued use.
"We are continuing to recognize the Woman's Building as Tyler's most outstanding community center. This building has been identified as the first great civic project undertaken by the women of Tyler," Mrs. Abbey said.
Both Mrs. Abbey and Mrs. Pilgrim are past presidents of Tyler Woman's Forum, the organization that owned, maintained, and operated the building until 1996 when ownership was transferred to Tyler Woman's Building Inc., a non-profit organization.
"In October 2007, the Tyler Woman's Building marked the 75th anniversary of continued use since its dedication in October 1928, and the Tyler Woman's Forum selected their 2007-2008 club year to mark the occasion with various celebrations," Mrs. Pilgrim said.
Currently various facets of the building's history are illustrated through the display. A model of the building marks the beginning of the display, and various pieces of silver from the extensive collection of the building are displayed as well as Limoges and Royal Doulton pieces, all donated to the building from the estates of Forum members over the years.
In addition to proclamations from Tyler mayors Joey Seeber and Kevin Elitife, a photograph of Judge S.A. Lindsey, donor of the land on which the building was erected, and Mrs. Alec Woldert, president of the Woman's Building Construction Committee, are displayed.
During World War II, the building played an important part in supporting the war efforts by rolling bandages, collecting metals, promoting canning and growing victory gardens, and selling war bonds.
On display is a photograph of a wedding dress which was purchased by the ladies of the Forum and sent to England along with pearls and nylon stockings which could be rented for $1 by war brides who were hoping for a lovely dress to wear at their weddings.
"Presidents' scrapbooks from the early years as well as from recent days show the changes in clothes and hairstyles," Mrs. Pilgrim said.
Photographs of the lovely gardens surrounding the building are included and recognized as a highlight of the annual Azalea Trails. Note cards designed by Dr. Dana Adams, local artist, are available for purchase.
The Tyler Public Library is located at 201 College Ave. and is open from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and from 1-5 p.m. Sunday.
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