Mokena Woman's Club Celebrates 60 Years

MOKENA, IL — The Mokena Woman's Club recently finished celebrating its 60th year, culminating with a virtual tea party of its members on Monday. The club was founded in 1961 with 21 charter members, and received its affiliation charter from the General Federation of Women's Clubs on March 9, 1960.

Throughout its 60 years, the club has supported various causes and organizations, and has awarded over $180,000 in scholarships since 1962, the club said. It continues to offer a scholarship to graduating seniors with a Mokena mailing address every year.

The club even organized and operated the first kindergarten in Mokena, which was open from 1960-1967. It closed in 1967 due to the opening of kindergarten in public schools, the club said.

"The emphasis has always been on children and education," club historian Joann Jeffers told Patch. Jeffers is a 48-year member of the club.

One of the biggest events for the club is its annual Holi-Daze Arts and Crafts show, which has been held since 1974. The event was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic and is currently on hold for 2021.

Jeffers said an average of 3,000 people attend each year, and it is the single-largest event for the club.

The club is also known for writing and publishing, "The History of Mokena," in 1963. The club said it remains a respected document of the history of the town.

The club currently has 38 members, and membership is open to any woman and is not limited to just Mokena residents.