SACO — The Women’s Educational and Industrial Union of Saco was incorporated in 1911, nine years before women were allowed to vote. A century has passed, times have changed, and the group is still running strong and helping the community.

Earlier this year, the group was recognized by Secretary of State Charles Summer and presented with a plaque.

“We hope to go another 100 years,” said member Beverly Loring, who joined the Union 31 years ago.

The Saco group dates back even further, to 1882, when it began as the Diaz Union started by Sarah Hamilton, daughter of Gov. John Fairfield. Hamilton is honored today with a portrait that hangs in City Hall.

The Womens Educational and Industrial Union was founded in Boston in 1877. Hamilton met Abby Morton Diaz, a womens’ rights advocate and one of the founders of the Boston group, on a streetcar in Boston, according to club documents. Diaz later traveled to Saco and played a role in the Women’s Educational and Industrial Union in Saco.

The mission of the group is “to increase fellowship among women, in order to promote the best practical methods for securing the educational, industrial and social advancement of the community, and children’s services in Saco, Biddeford and Old Orchard Beach.”

The club first met in private homes, and later at Saco City Hall. In June 1911, the Union bought a building at 42 Beach St., making the union the first women’s club in Maine to own and operate its own clubhouse. In 1979, the group sold the house and began meeting at the Dyer Library. The group meets the first and third Friday of each month from October to May, except in December, when it meets only on the first Friday.

Meetings include a program such as a guest speaker or musician, and programs are planned out a year in advance.

“Some are educational, some are fun,” said Herberta Harriman, who’s been a member for 15 years.

Those interested in becoming a member must first attend a meeting with a current member. The group currently has 74 members. Annual dues are $15 and free for those who have been members for more than 30 years.

“We want everyone to be able to attend,” said Loring.

Tea is served at the closing at every meeting. And although the ladies don’t wear hats and gloves like their foremothers did, tea is served with a silver tea service.

“We use fine china, no plastic or Styrofoam,” said Harriman.

In 1889, the Union established the first kindergarten in Saco, which was taken over by the city five years later. It also fought for sidewalks so students could walk home from school out of the way of horses and buggies; introduced home economics and industrial arts to Saco schools; and provided equipment for the city’s first playground, according to club documents.

In the early days, the Union had very little money, according to its records. At first, the men in the area were not too happy about the women’s club, as they believed members’ home duties would be neglected, but they did assist them with bazaars and other fundraisers. Later, they realized the women were becoming an important part of the city, and decided to support the group financially, according to club documents.

Today, the organization presents two annual scholarships: One for an Old Orchard Beach High School graduate and one for a Thornton Academy graduate, and contributes to a number of community organizations.

When talking with members, it’s clear that there is a strong connection between them, as they fondly recall favorite presenters at meetings as well as charities such as local food banks to which they’ve contributed.

“They’re caring and do so much for the community,” said Loring, “It’s a nice sisterhood.”

The friendship and sisterhood that Loring speaks of extends beyond meetings. Members help each other out when needed, and check up on others when they are ill.

“We kind of keep track of each other,” said current President JoAnn Dearborn, who’s been a member for five years. She said a friend had been hounding her to join, and after a while she decided to give the group a try and found she really enjoyed it.

Harrington said the group has introduced her to many new friends.

“I’ve met so many nice people,” she said.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.