The Legacy of the Opti-Mrs. Club of Byron
The Optimist Club of Byron was founded in 1950 by a group of dedicated men committed to the organization’s threefold foundation: fellowship, community service, and leadership. The club remains a pillar in the community, proudly celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. However, when it started, membership was exclusive to men. Recognizing the need for a women’s auxiliary group, the wives of the Byron Optimists gathered on October 8, 1953, with the Presidents from the London and Lambeth Opti-Mrs. Clubs to establish a club in Byron. They met at the Cobblestone Inn (now the Hermitage Club) before relocating to the Seven Dwarfs Restaurant on Wharncliffe. Fundraising became a significant focus for the women, with Bridge tournaments emerging as one of their most successful efforts and later adding Euchre tournaments. They volunteered countless hours to organize other community events to raise money. In their first decade, they ran Teen Town Dances and movie nights, using the proceeds to furnish the Youth Centre on Norman Avenue with equipment, drapes, and decorations. The Opti-Mrs. Club of Byron donated to numerous charitable organizations over their years together, including the Red Cross, Cancer Society, and Canadian Mental Health Association among others. The women also established an annual bursary fund for a female student from Saunders Secondary School who demonstrated a strong commitment to the Byron community. These community-minded women spent countless hours planning and chaperoning events, operating concessions, making popcorn, and cleaning up afterward. They operated the food booth at the Byron Sports Complex for years, often working from 7 am to 11 pm. Their dedication extended to the Komoka Nursing Home in 1969, where they provided companionship and support to residents for many years. They also played a vital role in supporting Byron girls’ baseball and launching other Opti-Mrs. Clubs in nearby communities. While dedication to service remained at the heart of the club, the friendships formed within this group of Byron women became equally meaningful. They not only worked together for the
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Opti-Mrs. 1992.
Opti-Mrs. 1998.
Marg Ferrier, Lillian Coates, Betty Verheul and Helen Roberts.
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