The Wilmington chapter of Jack and Jill was conceptualized in the spring of 1973 by the mothers of Girl Scout Troop 210 from Wilmington and a mother’s club known as “The Group” from Newark. Both groups unknowingly contacted the Regional Director of Jack and Jill for membership. The Director suggested that the two groups merge, which they did in late October of the same year.
The Group
The Wilmington chapter of Jack and Jill was conceptualized in the spring of 1973 by the mothers of Girl Scout Troop 210 from Wilmington and a mother’s club known as “The Group” from Newark.
Approximately thirty-five women joined and formed the provisional organization named the “Les Mere Interresse” (The Interested Mothers). This provisional group functioned for two years under the sponsorship of the South Jersey Chapter and other mothers were encouraged to join.
This interest group grew at an impressive rate with mothers and fathers collectively working together to ensure its success. On January 19, 1975 National President, Dr. Pearl W. Boschulte, at a heartfelt ceremony at the Pike Creek Country Club, formally installed the provisional group into Jack and Jill. The new Jack and Jill chapter was named “The Wilmington Chapter”, and the occasion was celebrated by founding members: Rosie Mickey, LaWanda Newton, *Thelma Noisette, Juanita Pritchett, Mattie Stallings, Evelyn Sills, Marguerite Hart, Kathryn Hazeur, Gloria Hinson, Yvonne Jensen, *Telanna Johnson, Kay Leigh, Lucy McLamb, Ruby McMillan, Deidra Mercer. The first chartering members contributed to the success of the chapter also: Brenda Amos, Sonja Brown, Pat Clark, Dorothy Cuff, Claudia Dorman, Millicent Ferrell, Margaree Fitchett, Yvonne Fleming, Florence Gaines, Dorothy Gardiner, Yvonne Harper, Margaret Henry, Gloria Hinson, Carole Martin, Patricia Moody, Florese Moore, Lucille Morris, Vera Murray, LaWanda Newton, Gloria Noel, Thelma Noisette, Charity Patton, Etta Rose, Suzanne Rouselle, Peggy Spaulding, LaVern Waters and Vivian Williams.
The Chapter’s membership increased and members got involved in local, regional and national activities of Jack and Jill. In 1975, for the first time as an official chapter, delegates were sent to the Regional Teen Conference and the chapter made its first contribution of $100.00 to the National Foundation. Due to the progressive growth of the chapter not only in Wilmington but also in its surrounding communities, the chapter, in its 1980-81 activity year, changed its name to the “New Castle County, DE Chapter” to embrace our commitment to provide more services to our youth and the community at large.
In May 2012, the Chapter initiated six new members and welcomed two legacy members plus one transfer member. We also said goodbye to two graduating mothers, including one who had been a member of the Chapter for 25 years. She smoothly transitioned into the Associates Group.
Today, New Castle County (DE) Chapter is 54 members and 93 children strong. In addition to excellent programming, the Chapter has been active in community service within the New Castle Community. Memorable community service projects over recent years have included: Shoes to Share, which provides shoes for Haitian residents; Junior Diabetes Research Foundation;
Strength In Numbers
[As of 2013] The New Castle County (DE) Chapter is 54 members and 93 children strong.
Christiana School District Homeless Student Program, which provides clothing; and Food Bank of Delaware. The children’s efforts and energy were rewarded when they were recipients of the Governor’s Award for Community Service in 2011.
In 2012, the Chapter achieved a major milestone when it expanded its base by formalizing the Associates Group for the New Castle County area. X number women were inducted in 2012 and have since participated in the Chapter’s various service projects. In July 2012, a great number of Chapter members and Associate members attended the 40th National Convention held in Philadelphia, PA, at which we celebrated the 75th anniversary of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Members were assigned to various Convention committees including registration, vendors, business center and credentials. Several Chapter members, Associates and fathers assisted in running the Convention’s Business Center assuring that copies were made for each plenary session, internet service was provided and all other such needs were met.