Pathfinder's Club, The.

Established in 1890, the Pathfinder's Club is the oldest women's literary club in Austin, and one of the five oldest in the State of Texas. After over one hundred years it is still active today and has provided an outlet for women in Austin to discuss and write about historical and literary topics.

In 1897, the Pathfinder's Club was one of the twenty-one charter members of the Texas Federation of Women's Clubs (TFWC), formed in Waco on May 13-14. The goal of the TFWC is to advance and encourage women in literary and civic work. The Pathfinder's maintain a strong allegiance with this organization, and over the years they have participated in TFWC conventions and competitions by sending delegates and serving as chair members of TFWC committees. As due-paying members of the TFWC, the Pathfinders have also contributed to the construction, furnishing, and maintenance of the TFWC's State Headquarters in Austin.

In its original constitution, the Pathfinders define their objective as "the pursuit of study as a means of intellectual, cultural, and general improvement." They have remained true to this goal, and their course of study is outlined in the club yearbook -- published annually since 1897. The topics vary, but have included aspects of history, travel, literature, and art.

Over the history of the Pathfinder's Club, the fellowship at the meetings has played an important role in its success and longevity. Of particular note are the Christmas parties held by Mrs. Morgan T. Smith for over thirty-five years. Short stories, readings, contests, and the exchange of gifts were highly anticipated events. Mrs. Smith was honored for her dedication to the club on March 3, 1955, when she was crowned "Queen for the Day." Tributes such as these are common among the Pathfinders, and the last meeting of the year is set aside as a special Friendship Day.

Another outlet that has developed for the Pathfinders is that of civic works. Since 1928 their club slogan, as printed in the yearbooks, reads; "give the world the best you have and the best will come back to you." The Pathfinders have contributed greatly to the community through various donations to relief and civic causes, contributions to scholarships, donations of books to libraries, and through other acts of charity. During both World Wars, members of the Pathfinder's supported the Red Cross, wrapped bandages for Army hospitals, entertained soldiers, and sold war bonds.

The records of the Pathfinders span one hundred years and not only give an insight into their own history and evolving membership, but they also give a unique insight into the changes that have occurred in Austin and elsewhere over the past century.