Memories of May Francis Heath- a series

May Heath And The Saugatuck Woman's Club

Woman's Club Buildings-Once the Public Library

On Nov. 25, 1904 a group of ladies met in the home of Hattie Bird to form a reading group. May Francis Heath was member number 10 in the roster, and, at 31, one of the youngest of the founders. A club constitution was developed and voted upon on Dec. 9^th, and in the same meeting May was elected the club's first librarian. On May 5, 1905 she was chosen club secretary.

Over the next 57 years, May would serve as vice president, president, corresponding secretary, and was an active contributor to the many and varied educational programs. A natural speaker, she came to be frequently selected as toastmistress for the Club banquet. Her knowledge of local history was always evident, as she gave a program in 1916 on "Saugatuck's Early History".

In 1934, May was one of the trustees of the estate of Minnie Breuckman, who left the Woman's Club her family home at 303 Butler Street "for Woman's Club and library purposes" and a $2000 bequest for construction of an auditorium. Local architect Thomas Talmadge designed the structure and May was active in the fundraising which enabled its construction.

Her last Woman's Club meeting was a "Big Card Party Benefit to Paint the Club Library"(the Breuckman home) given by the club "Building Board" on August 8, 1961. She reported in her diary that they had a small crowd "only 10 tables in play".

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Put it on your calendars now! The Dedication of the May Francis Heath public memorial in the town square will be Saturday 14 Aug 2010. Details to follow. Your donations are still needed, for memorial and also an eventual small marker for the treaty oak. Make out your check to "The Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society" marked for "the May Heath Memorial Fund." We are also still collecting photos of May, of her paintings, and personal recollections from people who knew her. Contact Chris Yoder, cyoder@tds.net 857-4327 or Marsha Kontio (616) 566-1239.

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