GFWC-OK WAURIKA SOROSIS CLUB
The Waurika Sorosis Club was organized in 1911 and affiliated with GFWC in 1919. The club was organized to establish a Public Library. GFWC Oklahoma clubs across the state were instrumental in opening 77 libraries across the state and at public universities.
In 1925, a building for the Waurika Public Library was purchased for $2,452.08 and 4,000 volumes were available. At that time the club had 30 active members and established a Junior Sorosis Club at Waurika High School which was active until the 1970’s. An Oklahoma GFWC book, published in 1932, reported that Waurika had four separate federated clubs.
As of September, 2024, GFWC-OK Waurika Sorosis Club has 34 active and 5 inactive members and continues to support the Waurika Public Library and a variety of local volunteer efforts in all GFWC focus areas including Beautiful Day which hosts a birthday celebration for every Waurika Elementary student; established Sorosis Park at D Avenue and Main Street in Downtown Waurika and recently added a butterfly garden at the park in honor of a long-time club member. The Sorosis Club works with Color Oklahoma to plant more than 15 acres of wildflowers each winter that beautify all entrances to Waurika and encourage pollinators throughout the county, hosts cultural events including Cocoa and Carols each November and works with our local hospital to sponsor a health fair and screening event each February. The group also hosts all Waurika High School seniors each spring for a Senior Tea.
Waurika, the seat of Jefferson County since 1912, is on the 98th Meridian, immediately northwest of the intersection of US Hwy 81 and US Hwy 70. Waurika is the only county seat on the 98th Meridian in Oklahoma. Prior to the town’s founding, the 98th Meridian separated the Chickasaw Nation from the Comanche, Kiowa, and Apache Reservation. Waurika was established when the reservation was opened for settlement on August 6, 1901. Waurika was incorporated in May 1903.
In the late 19th century, the Chisholm Trail ran through Jefferson County, paralleling US Hwy 81 to the east. By the late 1800’s cattle drives were replaced by railroad cars. The railroad was a major economic driver transporting cattle, hay and cotton to market. The first train stopped in Waurika in January 1902 and was designated as a flag station. The old Rock Island Passenger Station was discontinued for this purpose in the 1950’s. In 1987 the City of Waurika began a rehabilitation project to restore the Rock Island Depot. The building now houses the Waurika Public Library, a small train museum and a meeting space. The Waurika Depot is proudly listed on the United States Parks Service Register of Historic Places, as is the First Presbyterian Church which was built in the early 1900’s and now serves as an event center for the community.
Waurika Public Schools (WPS) first graduating class was 1911. WPS colors are cardinal red, white and sky blue. The mascot is the eagle.
Waurika Sorosis Club has two state officers: President-elect, Monica Bartling and Secretary, Lisa Adkins. We also have two district officers. The club meets monthly September through May with most meetings at 1 p.m. on the third Friday of the month. For more information contact, Club President, Ginger Fitzgerald, (580) 512-9783 or email her at fitzgeraldoil2@yahoo.com.