Women in the 1890s-1930s battled social stigmas, pegging them as physically and mentally inferior to their male counterparts. Unable to vote until 1920, most women could not hold certain jobs, or participate in sports; the majority of women were molded from birth into the role of housewife. As a result, many women found their education and skills neglected and underutilized by society. For women seeking to unearth their buried talents, clubs provided them with an avenue to address social and political issues near to their hearts. The same was true for the women of Cokato.
More than ten women’s organizations graced Cokato’s community, a few, such as the Royal Neighbors of America and the Order of the Eastern Star, are sister organizations of local men’s chapters. Although not always credited for their contributions, the women of Cokato played an integral role in the development of the village.
More than ten women’s organizations graced Cokato’s community, a few, such as the Royal Neighbors of America and the Order of the Eastern Star, are sister organizations of local men’s chapters. Although not always credited for their contributions, the women of Cokato played an integral role in the development of the village.
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Royal Neighbors of America1898 - ?
Founded in Iowa in 1888, the Royal Neighbors of America (RNA) became one of the first fraternal benefit societies to provide women with insurance options. A sister organization, RNA was comprised of the relatives of wives of members of the Modern Woodmen of America.[1]
Cokato’s chapter of the RNA first appeared in the Cokato Enterprise in October 20, 1898. Named the Methven Camp No. 1141, Cokato’s RNA club met once a month. The society’s first Oracle was Elizabeth (Lizzie) S. Robinson and the first Recorder Mrs. Anna Hela. |
Federated Women's Club1922 - 2006
Ida Sparks Clarke founded the Cokato chapter in 1922 as a way for women to gather and discuss how to improve the city of Cokato for its residents. For their first project, the organization established a library with over 50 books.
Over the years, the club also had a hand in implementing street signs, house numbers, purifying water and milk, spring kindergarden, hot lunches, flouride in water, and mosquito control. The club also supported numerous programs and organizations like the Red Cross and Girl Scouts. |
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Women's Christian Temperance Union1935 - 1990s
Since its founding in 1878, the Women Christian Temperance Union (W.C.T.U.) has championed many political and social issues. They include: women's sufferage, racial equality, child labor laws, and public health standards. First and foremost, their mission is to achieve total abstinence from smoking, drugs, and alcohol.
Cokato's W.C.T.U. chapter organized in 1935. By 1936, over 40 women registered to become members, along with a small selection of men, who obtained an honorary status. The local chapter raised money for temperance education. They also protested advertisements for beer and cigarettes, and worked to provide more counseling for alcoholics. |
Garden Club1941 - 2001
Twelve women members started the Cokato Garden Club on December 5, 1941. Until it broke away in 1965, the club was a member of the Minnesota Horticultural Society (an organization originally for men, but was later dominated by women). Throughout the club's existance in Cokato, only women joined.
The members held flower shows, tea parties, contests, and events. They helped create Victory and community gardens, and donated plants and time to beautify the City's parks and landscaping. Over the years, the Garden club supported the Cokato and Wright County Food Shelves, the Cokato Museum, library, Salvation Army, and other organizations. |
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Other Women's Organizations
A few of the many women's organizations that impacted Cokato.
American Legion Auxiliary
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Republican Women's Club
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[1] Royal Neighbors of America, Royal Neighbors of America 100 Years of Helping Hands, (Royal Neighbors of America, 1995) 4.
