About Naval Academy Spouses' and Civilians' Club

1930

Established in 1930 through the vision of Mrs. Charles C. Slayton and the collaboration of equally talented friends, the Naval Academy Women's Club (NAWC) originated with Mrs. Slayton, a renowned musician who held the position of Chairman of Music and later on, Chairman of Fine Arts in the Maryland Federation of Women's Clubs during the early years of the Depression. Mrs. Robert, a close associate and prominent civic leader with an extensive social network, generously offered her expertise in crafting the initial by-laws for the NAWC. Notably, Mrs. Robert's husband was a professor whose father (Henry Martyn Robert) authored the well-regarded "Robert's Rules of Order." The early by-laws are currently preserved in the Club's archives within the Archives Department at the Nimitz Library.

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These sophisticated and engaged women recognized the necessity, particularly during economically challenging times, to establish a club for Navy wives. Their goal was to ensure that the cultural aspects of their lives would not be compromised by their "light pocketbooks".

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The inaugural meeting of the NAWC took place in Mrs. Slayton's expansive drawing room on Duke of Gloucester Street, where Mrs. Daniel M. Garrison emerged as the first president. Mrs. Garrison, the widow of Captain D.M. Garrison from the class of 1895, served as a dedicated and accomplished administrator for the U.S. Naval Academy Graduates Association, later recognized as the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association.

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The initial Club comprised around 25 members, with membership restrictions that have since been modified over the years as the Club as grown. As the two founding members had prior involvement in operatic productions and Mrs. Slayton hosted a musical program on WBAL radio, the primary focus naturally gravitated towards musical productions and choral groups.

Soon after its establishment, club members found themselves singing and rehearsing in Mrs. Slayton's residence. The outcomes were numerous successful Christmas concerts held in various locations, including Carvel Hall, the Academy, and various locations throughout the city.

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Over time, the NAWC expanded its musical offerings, earning acclaim for professional performances that received favorable coverage in newspapers across Washington, Baltimore, and Annapolis. Mrs. Slayton presented a comprehensive album featuring programs and detailed information about the remarkable activities of the club.  This album is now preserved in the Archives Department of the library.

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The inception of the "Newscaster" occurred under the leadership of Mrs. David Rubel during her presidency in 1961 (1931?).  In the October 1961 (1931?) edition, Sara Corbin Robert provides an interesting account:

"Then the meetings moved to Carvel Hall. A new host, in a friendly gesture toward town and town relations, gave the complimentary use of the ballroom and permitted hostesses to supply their own tea and cookies in return for a depression honorarium of 10 cents per member for cream and sugar, hot water and service of the staff."

Even with these concessions, disaster threatened in 1933, as the sudden closure of all banks placed what remained of the Club's meager funds out of reach. Donations were not feasible, but the Navy spirit and creative ideas prevailed. Enough members prepaid their dues for a year in advance, ensuring the Club's continuation for a regular season.

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The NAWC consistently strives to enhance the quality of life for its members by offering engaging programs and a diverse range of activities. Simultaneously, the Club places emphasis on contributing to the well-being of the Academy, the local community, and various service organizations.

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The Club has consistently supported programs provided by the Naval Academy Hospital (now the Naval Academy Clinic), the Naval Academy Chapel, the Navy Relief Society, and the American Red Cross. Examples of specific projects include donating the proceeds of a musical evening in 1936 to the Anne Arundel County Public Library. In 1937, when First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt addressed the Club on "Housing," tea was omitted, and the normal refreshment payment was contributed to the Red Cross Flood Fund. At the onset of World War II, the Club swiftly established a Committee of Defense, which expanded rapidly and eventually evolved into a separate entity.

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Around the club's 10th anniversary, a drama group was established, marking the first occasion when a women's group performed on the stage at Mahan Hall.

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1950

From the 1950s onward, a key initiative of the Club became the Scholarship Award Program. In 1954, President Mrs. Clifford Lenz introduced the proposal for the NAWC to sponsor a scholarship fund, and it received resounding approval from the membership. To facilitate the growth and expansion of the program, there was a necessity to raise funds. Among the earliest projects was a fashion show organized by Hutzler's, yielding a net profit of $700.  

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In 1955, Admiral Walter Boone, the Superintendent of the Naval Academy at the time, granted permission to the NAWC to sell a booklet titled "Your Naval Academy" at the Naval Academy Museum. Over time, additional books were included, with the proceeds benefiting both the museum and the scholarship fund. As the inventory expanded beyond the museum's capacity, the booth transitioned to the Field House, where souvenir items were introduced, gradually transforming it into a gift shop. On April 1, 1974, the Scholarship Booth was sold to the Naval Academy Athletic Association, and the proceeds from the sale were invested in a Scholarship Trust Fund.

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1974...2007

Since 1974, the Club has actively sought and successfully secured new funding sources. Initially, an art auction was conducted for several years. For over three decades, the primary funding came from an annual arts and crafts show.   However, in early 2007, awareness of the pressing needs of the Bethesda Fisher Houses, exacerbated by the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, was brought to the Club's attention. With substantial backing from the board and the enthusiastic support of the membership, the Bethesda Fisher Houses became a primary focus and beneficiary of the Club's fundraising endeavors.  Moreover, the Club contributes to scholarship initiatives in the Annapolis community by sponsoring local children to participate in hands-on STEM programs offered at the Naval Academy and in local summer camps.

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2014...

In 2014, a decision was made to simultaneously implement new by-laws and change the name to Naval Academy Spouses' and Civilians' Club, a move that more accurately conveyed the organization's mission and objectives.

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Presently, the club extends its services to both the broader Annapolis community and USNA. The Community Salutes Program acknowledges and expresses gratitude to various units and groups associated with the Naval Academy, encompassing entities such as the Naval Academy Band, the fire department, and laundry, to name a few.

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2024 - Thank you

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The Club expresses gratitude and acknowledgment to the committed and conscientious women who have selflessly contributed over the years. The NASCC eagerly anticipates discovering innovative ways to meet the interests and needs of its members. As of now, we take pride in having contributed over $350,000 to our charity programs.

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