Branchburg Woman’s Club

A fun way to help the community since 1960.

A Sampling of Past Projects

These special cotton coverlets were commissioned by the Branchburg Woman's Club and created by We Love Country.  Each one measured about 50 x 70 inches, and was fringed on all sides.  The design captured the history and spirit of Branchburg, New Jersey with the depiction of ten of Branchburg's charming landmark buildings. Proudly jacquard woven in the U.S.A., these coverlets proved to be very popular with the public.  A handsome gift for family members and friends both near and far, it was an instant keepsake.  Proceeds from coverlet sales benefited BWC's Philanthropic Fund for the club’s charitable donations and student awards. 

Photo by Tim Ihde.

The Branchburg Landmark Coverlets

A convenience ramp to Branchburg’s Stony Brook School, commissioned and donated by the Branchburg Woman's Club (BWC), was dedicated on June 18, 2003 to the memory of Tom and Gary Wilson.  The new ramp was designed to improve access into the school from the playground and back parking lot areas.  A plaque in memory of the two brothers, who attended the school and passed away in 2001, was placed at the site.  The BWC’s donation of five-hundred dollars plus the Shell Oil Company’s community improvement grant of fifty dollars paid for the construction of the ramp and the commemorative plaque.  Photo by Tim Ihde.

Accessibility Ramp for Stony Brook School

Under its Community Improvement Program, the Branchburg Woman's Club donated a special lamp and red cedar lamppost, which was installed June 2003 at the driveway entrance of Branchburg Township’s Little Red Schoolhouse, a.k.a. the South Branch School.  The club hopes that the addition of the lamp will enhance traffic safety by making it easier to see the schoolhouse’s driveway on South Branch Road at night.

 

Mr. Wayne Daniels, a member of the Branchburg Historic Preservation Commission, researched and recommended the 1800’s style light, which was selected to be in keeping with the historic period and location of the schoolhouse.  Trenching for the electricity was provided by the Township’s Department of Public Works.  The club’s total cost for this project was just over $750.

A Driveway Lamp for the Schoolhouse

Pictured with the school’s new lamp and lamppost, (front row from left) Barbara Melitski, former club president; Patricia Derienzo, recent C.I.P. Chairman and former club president; and Rosemary Cataldi (sitting), former club president.  Back row:  Bill Haduch and Wayne Daniels from the Historic Preservation Commission.  Photo by Tim Ihde.

This 15” x 14.5” x 3” cotton tote bag was commissioned by the Branchburg Woman's Club.  The design features the township’s Little Red Schoolhouse, as sketched by Leokadia Stanik. 

 

Officially known as South Branch School, this authentic one-room schoolhouse was built in the mid-1800’s and was the last one in use in Somerset County, New Jersey.  Today it is used by a variety of township groups for their meetings with special permission by the township.  Proceeds from tote bag sales benefited BWC's Charitable Donations and Student Awards Fund.

The Branchburg Schoolhouse Tote Bag

Memorial Tree Dedication at Little Red Schoolhouse

On May 10, 2008 the Branchburg Woman’s Club dedicated a pink dogwood tree and help to plant it on the Little Red Schoolhouse’s lawn in fond memory of club members Naomi Mallory and Mary Florence Cadden.  This ceremony followed the schoolhouse belfry’s dedication after 4 pm.  Officially known as the South Branch School, Branchburg's Little Red Schoolhouse is located at 2120 South Branch Road, near Studdiford Drive.

Naomi Mallory, who passed away July 20, 2006, was a founding member of the Branchburg Woman’s Club, club president for the 1965 - 1966 club year, and a very active club member for over 46 years.  She will be remembered for her intelligence, her wit, and her love of reading.

Mary Florence, who passed away January 21. 2008, joined the club in 1973 and was an enthusiastic club member.  She will be remembered for her genteel, southern charm and cheerful disposition as well as her wonderful gardening talent.  She also was a member and a former president of the Community Garden Club of Hunterdon County.  A winner of many awards in flower shows, she was elected Emeritus-Master Flower Show Judge in 2006 for her 25 years of service to the National Garden Clubs.

Both Naomi and Mary Florence volunteered many hours to the club and had many dear friends.  Their presence in the club and in the community is greatly missed.  The flowering pink dogwood tree will serve as living memorial to these two great ladies.