A Brief History of TFWC Capitol District

The Texas Federation of Women's Clubs came into existence in 1897. During the organizational meeting, which was held in the Central Texas City of Waco on May 13-14, it was decided that the state would be divided into eight districts identified by number.

Sixty-three years later, during the administration of Mrs. Ben Boyd, the decision was made to equally divide the state according to areas, and the number of clubs in the area, to enable more women to participate in district activities. The State Redistricting Committee decided on fourteen districts, to be identified by name instead of number.

On April 12, 1960, eighty-four Central Texas women, from Districts #2, #3, #4, and #5, met at the Texas Power and Light Center in Waco to organize one of six new TFWC districts to be formed. It is significant that this meeting was also held in Waco where TFWC was organized. Seventy clubs, representing eighteen Central Texas counties, chose by ballot, from the five names submitted, CAPITOL as the name of this new district.

Mrs. O. T. Collins, of Waco, was elected the first Capitol District president. Her administration theme was "Lighted Highway". She stated in her opening address, "In cooperation there is unity, in unity there is strength, in strength there is purpose. The first mile of our 'Lighted Highway' has been launched and we invite each of you to travel along with us as we dedicate ourselves to new challenges."