Washington Women's History Consortium

Women's Clubs and Organizations

Bonnie Walden, President, 1992-1994

Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs

Mrs. Paul Walden (Bonnie J. Mathieu), the fiftyfirst President of WSFWC, was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin to Miles and Edna Mathieu. Bonnie attended a one room school in Wisconsin until her family moved to Washington State in 1950. Bonnie earned degrees from Clark College (A.A.), Western Washington University (B.A. in Education) and University of Portland (M.A. in Education).

Bonnie met her husband Paul in college and they were married June 10, 1961. They had two sons - Grant, an accountant for Boise Cascade Corporation, and Matt, a Baptist pastor. Paul was a school principal.

Bonnie was an elementary school teacher who stopped teaching to raise her sons. After both boys were in college, she returned to work full-time as a public information coordinator for Educational Service District 112.

Bonnie joined GFWC as a Junior in 1963. She was a member of Alki Junior Woman's Club. After moving to Battle Ground, she served as President of Silver Star Juniors and helped organize and served as charter President of GFWC Battle Ground. She served as both Columbia District Junior Director and Columbia District President.

Community-wise, Bonnie served in many capacities. She was a member of the YWCA Board of Directors, active in PTA, served on Battle Ground City Park Board and in 1984 was named Battle Ground's Citizen of (he Year. The same year she was named a "Distinguished Volunteer" by Washington State Governor John Spellman, Columbia District Clubwoman of the Year, and Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs Outstanding Club Woman of the Year.

She was elected to every office of Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs and was elected President at the 96th convention in Leavenworth. The theme for her administration was "Key into the Future with Concern. Courage and Commitment." In her installation address, she asked members to "plan rather than react: nurture, not criticize: and have faith in each other."

A book of helps, "The Keys to Federation" was made available to clubwomen.

The fall board meeting was at the Holiday Inn in Yakima September 25-27, 1992. With Western State Region Meeting planned for Spokane in 1993 and GFWC International Convention in Seattle in 1995, it was decided that a uniform to make WSFWC members easily recognizable was needed. At this meeting a "uniform" of a green jacket, navy blue skirt and white blouse was adopted.

It was reported that the GFWC dues raise passed at the international convention bringing them to $4 per capita

Nancy Burdick, the last Jr. Director of WSFWC, presented a check to WSFWC for the general fund in the amount of $2,442.20.

Bonnie had challenged the Past WSFWC State Presidents to offer a state project. They recommended an award program for youth volunteers which was accepted.

The 97th annual convention was at the Cottontree Inn, Mount Vernon, April 22-25, 1993. The theme was "Building a Key Chain of Success" and 144 delegates registered.

Margaret Schiffner was selected as Club"onnan of the Year. "Fun Night" was enjoyed when comedy skits were presented by each district.

Carol Roberts, Public Affairs Chairman. recognized 15 women veterans who were members of WSFWC.

Charlotte Vail presented the "HELP Program," an emergency Phlasher Project. The Phlasher is a replacement switch for a front light which signals emergency crews when help is needed or 911 is called.

The Western States Region Meeting was hosted by WSFWC in Spokane October 7-9, 1992. In an effort to work smarter, not harder, the WSFWC Board Meeting immediately followed the region meeting.

$4,852.37 was given to WSFWC from the former junior endowment fund to be used for scholarships.

The 98th annual convention was at the Inn at the Quay in Vancouver, April 21-24, 1995. The theme was "The KEY to Unlock the World of Federation - Knowledge, Enthusiasm, You."

A Conservation Workshop took place at the CASEE Site in Battle Ground prior to the opening of convention under the leadership of Jennifer Wood.

A new endowment fund "A WSFWC Golden Years Endowment" for $2,500 was established.

With the death of former State President, Kathy Estep, a scholarship fund was started by her friends and family and the first scholarship awarded.

A highlight of the convention was the presentation of the period play, "The Sitting," complete with costumes.

A complete revision of the WSFWC Resolutions was completed under the leadership of Joann Wheeler, and Cheryl Holman was named Outstanding Clubwoman of the Year.

The GFWC guest for the convention was Shelby Hamlett, GFWC Recording Secretary, who installed Nancy Jones and the 1994-96 officers.

Bonnie was appointed GFWC Membership Committee Chairman for the 1994-96 administration. She was asked to continue to serve in that capacity for the 1996-98 administration.