Washington Women's History Consortium

Women's Clubs and Organizations

Doris Clark, President, 1980-1982

Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs

The 45th President of the Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs, Doris Milner Clark, was born in Centralia, Washington. Early in her life her parents moved to Yakima, where her father worked for the Yakima County Roads Department. In 1935 she married A. Delt Clark, a rancher. After the death of her husband in 1971, she became a copartner, with her son F. Delt Clark, a rancher. Doris worked as bookkeeper for the ranch for over 20 years. Her other son, Dale, is Superintendent of the Washtucna School District.

A member of the Parker Heights Presbyterian Church in Wapato for many years, Doris has been a choir member, President of the Churchwomen's Association and served as Deacon and as an Elder.

Always active in community affairs, Doris served first as a volunteer and eventually as First Vice-President and Memorial Chairman for the American Cancer Society in Wapato.

Doris began her Federation activities in the Junior Membership. As she progressed to General Membership, she was twice President of the Donald District Woman's Club. Doris served as editor of the district newspaper, "Flurries," and as a member of the Washington Clubwoman staff. She became President of the Yakima Valley District. Prior to being elected WSFWC President in 1980, Doris served as Secretary, Treasurer, First Director, Second Vicepresident, and First Vice-president.

At the May 1980 convention at the Hanford House

In Richland, Doris announced the theme of her administialion, Unity in Diversity, Building with Communication, Education and Dedication."

The Holiday Inn in Yakima was the site chosen foi the WSFWC Fall Board meeting September 26 and 27. 1980. A money-making project to sell WSFWC note cards was approved.

"A Rainbow of Years" was the theme of the 85th annual convention April 30, May 1-3, 1981. at the Holiday Inn in Bellingham. A tape recorder to help the Recording Secretary was donated to WSFWC by Past President Irnia Grace Henderson.

A motion concerning an emergency resolution regarding the use of mind-altering drugs and alcohol as passed. A recommendation that WSFWC discontinue the Governor's Mansion Refurbishing Project also passed. A committee was appointed to search out places to lore or display our historical items and records.

Following the official opening, rituals and cerernonies of the convention, business matters included the passing of the motion that the convention body accept the recommendation of the Finance Committee to take the S3.500 on loan in the colleges for educational loans and put it back in the Educational Scholarship Fund so that the interest can be used for scholarships.

State resolutions were passed concerning Corriprehensive Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training courses in high school and rescinding capital punishment.

The Holiday Inn in Yakima was the site of the September 11, 198 1, Board Meeting. It was recommended that the Federation records be stored at the University of Washington.

"Gathering the Harvest" was the theme tot the 86th annual convention April 29 and 30, May I and 2, 1982, at the Thunderbird Motor Inn in Yakima.

The Executive Board Meeting business covered WSFWC Resolutions relating to topics concerned with making U.S. history a required high school course. abolishing the Federal Department of Education, Opposing Strikes Against our State and Federal Government, Breast Cancer Examinations, Adequate Criminal Facilities and Controlling Non-Prescription Drugs.

GFWC Resolutions were concerned with Abused Persons, Citizenship, Congressional Term Limitations, Decontrol of Natural Gas, and Inheritance Taxes.

Bylaw revisions were also voted upon.

Dorothy Coleman reported on the placing of permanent records of WSFWC at the University of Washington.

A motion was passed to contribute $100 to the GFWC Archives Fund. Zelma Groce, WSFWC Parliamentarian, spoke on flag etiquette.

Phyllis Roberts, GFWC Second Vice-president was the GFWC guest during convention. She installed the 1982-84 General and Junior officers.

Doris continued her Federation activities on both the Western States Region and GFWC levels. She served on the GFWC Board as a member of the Credential Cornmittee, the Constitutional and Bylaws Committee. and as an International Hostesses. She also served as Advisor to President Nancy Jones during the 1994-96 administration.