Green Cove Springs in Clay County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Village Improvement Association Woman's Club
Photographed By Mike Stroud, March 10, 2013
1. The Village Improvement Association Woman's Club Marker
Inscription.
The Village Improvement Association Woman's Club. . On February 20, 1883, the Village Improvement Association (V.I.A.) of Green Cove Springs was organized. Meetings were held in members’ homes. Money was raised to beautify the town, most of which was used for boardwalks, and 70 feet of clay pavement was laid. In 1888, the V.I.A. formed a children’s auxiliary known as the Star Branch, and ran the first public library until December 1961, when the Clay County Public Library was formed. A kindergarten was maintained from 1900 to 1904 in the public school building, with the V.I.A. assuming most of the expenses. In 1889 the V.I.A. was incorporated. In 1895, a member of the Borden Milk Company family, Mrs. Penelope Borden Hamilton gave the V.I.A. its first permanent home and the lot where the present building stands. That same year, the V.I.A. became a charter member of the Florida Federation of Woman s Clubs and acquired membership in the General Federation in 1898. The present building, designed by Architect Mellen C. Greeley (1880-1981) of Jacksonville, was built in 1915 at a cost of $4,589.49 and formally dedicated on February 18, 1915. The V.I.A. continues as an important unit of the community, devoted to social, educational, and beautification projects. ,
A Florida Heritage Site.
On February 20, 1883, the Village Improvement Association (V.I.A.) of Green Cove Springs was organized. Meetings were held in members’ homes. Money was raised to beautify the town, most of which was used for boardwalks, and 70 feet of clay pavement was laid. In 1888, the V.I.A. formed a children’s auxiliary known as the Star Branch, and ran the first public library until December 1961, when the Clay County Public Library was formed. A kindergarten was maintained from 1900 to 1904 in the public school building, with the V.I.A. assuming most of the expenses. In 1889 the V.I.A. was incorporated. In 1895, a member of the Borden Milk Company family, Mrs. Penelope Borden Hamilton gave the V.I.A. its first permanent home and the lot where the present building stands. That same year, the V.I.A. became a charter member of the Florida Federation of Woman s Clubs and acquired membership in the General Federation in 1898. The present building, designed by Architect Mellen C. Greeley (1880-1981) of Jacksonville, was built in 1915 at a cost of $4,589.49 and formally dedicated on February 18, 1915. The V.I.A. continues as an important unit of the community, devoted to social, educational, and beautification projects.
A Florida Heritage Site
Erected 2004 by The Village
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Improvement Association and Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F-496.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Women. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1888.
Location. 29° 59.626′ N, 81° 40.841′ W. Marker is in Green Cove Springs, Florida, in Clay County. Marker is on Palmetto Avenue near Palmer Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 17 Palmetto Avenue, Green Cove Springs FL 32043, United States of America. Touch for directions.
2. The Village Improvement Association Woman's Club and Marker
Photographed By Mike Stroud, March 10, 2013
3. The Village Improvement Association Woman's Club Marker looking south along Palmetto Avenue
Photographed By Mike Stroud, March 10, 2013
4. The Village Improvement Association Woman's Club Marker, looking north on Palmetto Avenue
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 6, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 678 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 6, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.