Officers - Front row, left to right: Rachel Underwood, Federation President; Kathryn Robertson, 1st VP Housekeeping; Rose Guibeau, Co-2nd Vice President, Hospitality; Faye Curl, Corresponding Secretary; Maryann Bentley, Recording Secretary. Back row, left to right: Kay Butchko, Parliamentarian; Caroline Garner, Treasurer; Betty Shinn, Immediate Past President; Marilyn Griffith, Co-2nd Vice President, Hospitality. (Photo contributed by organization)

Nacogdoches Federation of Women's Clubs (Photo contributed by organization)

Nacogdoches Federation of Women's Clubs named Non Profit of the Year 2024

By Shari Williams, Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce

The Old University Building is a local, state and National treasure.  It is the only building still standing from the universities chartered by the Republic of Texas.  In fact, it was the last; chartered in 1845.  The building trustees are the women who belong to the 19 clubs which constitute the Federation of Women’s Clubs.

According to Rachel Underwood, the current Federation president, “Since 1953, the Nacogdoches Federation of Women’s Clubs has had the privilege and responsibility of maintaining this historical building, making it available for family and community events, and creating a museum that focuses on 19^th century education, a Civil War hospital, history of the building and Republic of Texas.”

The Nacogdoches Federation of Women’s Clubs is charged with the maintenance and upkeep of the building, providing volunteers to serve as docents for tours, conducting school visits for all ages, and greeting visitors from the US and international destinations.

They also ensure the historical bell in the cupola is rung every March 2 on Texas Independence Day by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.  The bell is pulled for each number of years since the formation of the Republic.

Funds for upkeep are raised through the Federation’s efforts to provide venue rental and hold fundraisers.  Private donations and grants also play a role in the maintenance of the historic building.

“The biggest challenge,” says Ms. Underwood, “is maintaining a building of this age.  It is a 150+ year old jewel of the Republic of Texas.”

The Federation invites the community to support the future of this historical building by using it! Weddings, showers, family reunions, Christmas parties, and the like can all be held at the beautiful old building with the iconic red doors.

For the future, the Federation has this wish: That all will come to know and love the Old University Building, and the story it has to tell, as much as they do.

For the outstanding leadership and contributions to the community, the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce is proud to name the Nacogdoches Federation of Women’s Clubs as the Non-Profit of the Year. The organization will be honored at the chamber’s 102nd Annual Meeting & Membership Banquet on Sept. 24 at The Fredonia Hotel & Convention Center. Tickets and sponsorships are available. Contact the Nacogdoches County Chamber at 936-560-5533 for more information.

The Non-Profit of the Year Award is sponsored by Charles Pool Real Estate.

Shari Williams is Vice President/Member Engagement of the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce.