History

Never Underestimate The Power Of Ten Women!

In 1893, ten soft-spoken women of Orlando met at the home of Mrs. Robert Howe to organize a study club. Mrs. W. R. Anno, Miss Maud Anno, Miss Blanche Anno, Mrs. Annie Coleman, Miss Emily Dickenson, Mrs. H. W. Greetham, Mrs. Robert Howe, Miss Julia Pomeroy, Miss Lillian Shine, and Mrs. D. S. Shine became Charter Members. They adopted the name Sorosis from Latin meaning “sisterhood”. They joined the Florida Federation in 1912 and the General Federation in 1915.

They established a circulating library and set about to improve education, culture, and the quality of life in this rather primitive Central Florida town.

The Knox Building on East Pine Street was their first clubhouse. The Liberty Street Clubhouse, which stood as a monument to Mrs. Alton B. Whitman (president for eleven years) was completed in 1922. Their collection of books were given to the new public library in 1923 as Sorosis turned to other good works. Mention must be made here of one who held the office of Treasurer of Sorosis for more than 25 years - Mrs. John M. Cheney.

Departmental work began in literature, music, drama, and civics. In 1927, four scholarships were given (one is still designated as the “Maud B. Whitman Scholarship”) and the Emeritus classification began.

After World War II (during which time Sorosis provided their clubhouse for U.S.O. gatherings) the real thrust of community leadership spawned by the original “soft-spoken” ladies was felt when Sorosis was instrumental in the passage of a legislative bill that determined the use of Loch Haven Park as a cultural center in perpetuity.

In 1952, Sorosis won the National Federation Community Improvement contest by purchasing the first Bookmobile for countywide service, by presenting a medical school scholarship to a black medical student, and by their involvement in a Shopper’s Nursery, a project of Junior Sorosis.

Junior Sorosis, sponsored by Sorosis of Orlando, Inc., was organized in 1947. Our talented Juniors have received the Junior National Community Improvement award of $10,000 on two occasions. Approximately ten years later, the high school age girls were organized. Their official name was Juniorettes and later changed to Mademoiselles. Today, however, we no longer sponsor the Juniors or Mademoiselles.

In 1972, Sorosis opened the current clubhouse on East Livingston Street. The Prayer Breakfast began, the Campaign Against Violence on TV was initiated, the Madrigal Dinner was beautifully staged and the Needlework Ingathering continues to be hosted annually. Sorosis has continued to be involved in improving the quality of life in the community through awarding educational and vocational scholarships, conservation programs, home life activities, international and public affairs, and the fine arts.

In 1983, the Endowment and Bequest Fund of Sorosis was incorporated. This branch of Sorosis carries a 501(c)(3) rating, enabling further scholarship and philanthropic contributions. This fund was dissolved in 1996 and $35,000 was donated to fund a Family Day Room at the new Ronald McDonald House.

Three Florida Federation presidents have come from Sorosis. Mrs. A. T. MacKay, served as President of GFWC Southeastern Conference and as GFWC International Hostess. Sorosis sent the first woman to the State Legislature in Florida and the first woman Florida State Senator. A Sorosis member served as a member of Orlando City Council. There have been many, many others who have brought great honor to Sorosis.

This splendid inheritance had its beginning at that little meeting one day in 1893 by ten “soft-spoken” women.

Never underestimate the power of ten women!