Mignon “Misty” Boddeker joined the Franklin Park Women’s Club in 1963 when she was in her mid 30s. Now in her “carefree 80s,” Boddeker received a 50-year pin and a congratulation letter from the president of the General Foundation of Women’s Clubs in December.
The Franklin Park Women’s Club has been involved in numerous community and charitable endeavors over its 117 years, including creating the Franklin Park Library, persuading authorities to install the first stop light in the village, funding an infant welfare clinic and folding bandages during both world wars.
Boddeker spoke to the Franklin Park Herald-Journal about changes in Franklin Park, changes in the women’s club and some of the club’s efforts over her half century of involvement.
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Q. How did you find out about the Franklin Park Women’s Club?
A. A neighbor across the street. I had a lot of things to do at home but it sounded rather interesting … something new in my life besides being a housewife and guiding a 3-year-old.
Q. What was Franklin Park like in the early 1960s?
A. There were more mothers on the street and on our block. Households were far more intact, with parents at home during the day. Children were to be found playing with each other and becoming friends.
Q. What was your favorite activity or effort by the Franklin Park Women’s Club over your 50 years?
A. I was, at one time, chairman of developing evening programs. Inducing speakers to come to the club meetings and inform us of what’s new in serving the military at Christmas or Thanksgiving. Going to O’Hare Airport with cookies for returning soldiers. We got notes of thanks from families and wives since they were a group that was not always welcome (during Vietnam era).
Q. How many members are currently in the Franklin Park Women’s Club?
A. About 30.
Q. There used to be more members?
A. There are fewer younger women. The workers of yesteryear are now seniors who are looking for active idea people who are willing to serve.
Q. Why do you think there are fewer younger women involved?
A. Many women are wives first and mothers second (before club membership). They park their kids in daycare and go off to work.
Q. Did you expect to be with the club for 50 years when you started in 1963?
Q. I don’t think I can say that. I just took what was going on meeting by meeting and project by project.