Oowala Club

Close up of above photograph:

"The Oowals Club, for the younger belles of Corning, was founded around 1905, after Miss Bessie Stephens returned from a visit to relatives in Oklahoma.  The name Oowala, an Indian word for beautiful, had impressed her and the club that was just then being organized was persuaded to adopt the name.  The club continued in existence until the 30's [sic] when no one had a home large enough to entertain its huge membership.

"This 1906 pose was made in front of the Simpson home during a meeting.  Identification is as follows, left to right, front row - Effie Crabtree, Ethel Beloate, X, X, Bessie Barnhill, Bonnie Gilliland, Wootsen Davis, Virgie Redwine, the hostess, and Susan Simms.

"Back row - Ethel Walk, Versa Crites, X, X, and Verna Barnes."

Submitted by Danny Moore