History
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS
The College Folk Club was organized on October 29, 1908 by twenty women under the leadership of Leanora Kerr, wife of William Jasper Kerr, President of Oregon Agricultural College (OAC). The interest groups were formed in 1912 and included Mothers' and Homemakers', Literary, Dramatic, Music, Art and Recreation. The original purpose of Folk Club was to promote friendship among women connected with the college. In a short time, however, Folk Club became involved in service, donating items to OAC and giving its first scholarship of $50 in 1931. The next year the scholarship was named for Leanora Hamilton Kerr.
In 1945 the Newcomers were organized with their own officers and bylaws. Elizabeth Rainey and Corrine McKenzie were the first co-chairs. By 1949 there was a need to raise additional funds, and the Thrift Shop was started by then College Folk Club President, Betty Slegel, in the basements of Dot Butts MacGregor and Martha Mumford. The Thrift Shop began giving scholarships in 1958.
After moving six times in 21 years, the Thrift Shop purchased a permanent home at 144 NW 2nd Street. The Retirees' Coffee was held for the first time in 1970 an the name of the club was changed from College Folk Club to the Oregon State University Folk Club in 1972.