The Glen Hill Unit 287 women’s auxiliary in Cedar Springs received an award last Tuesday, August 10, for 50 years of continuous membership. According to Unit Chaplain Mary Goller-Kilts, that is a feat that has never been accomplished before.
A plaque for 50 years of continuous membership was presented to the Glen Hill Unit 287 (women’s auxiliary) at the 5th District meeting held at the Carl Johnson Post #2 at North Park. Pictured is 5th District President Victoria VanWyk (left) and Unit 287 Chaplain Mary Goller-Kilts.
Kilts recently undertook a history of the unit, and found it was chartered in September 21, 1925 with 23 members. Dues were $1.00 each. An entry in the treasurer’s book dated September 12, 1925 showed they had already held a bake sale and reaped $23.04, a good amount for that time. Kilts found records through 1926, but no other official records again until 1949, when minutes began again. There were, however, some mementoes from the intervening years, including a list of presidents from 1925 through 1946. Ida Reamer was the first president.
In 1951 they paid for a plaque to be put in Morley Park honoring veterans. In 1954 they applied to the state to hold lottery and bingo. No president was elected in 1959 but Thelma Gould volunteered for the position. “They were thinking about closing the unit at the time,” explained Kilts.
In 1960 they won first prize at district for Quota. “This was the beginning of our making continuous goals,” explained Kilts. In 1987, Unit 287 hosted the Fifth District Memorial Banquet at North Park, with 600 attending, and has done it each year since.
Over the years the unit has helped fund many causes and benefits, including purchase of the Glen Hill Legion Post.
Dinners are open to the public. “We serve the best Swiss steak in town, and we have on the menu four different dinners twice a month, which are well attended,” said Kilts. They also hold funeral luncheons for members and the community as a community service.
Several of their members have been Fifth District presidents, and held other positions as well.
The unit is proud of what they have accomplished over the years. “We just made our goal of 50 continuous years. It was through hard work and devoted members to keep this unit going strong for 85 years, with their belief in serving our veterans and country, with God’s help,” said Kilts.
