ALTUS — The Western Trail Historical Society’s annual meeting will be Sunday, April 9 at 2:00 p.m. at the Olustee City Park and Library on Highway 6 in Olustee. “The Legacy of Women’s Clubs in Southwest Oklahoma, featuring the New State Club of Olustee” presented by Jennie Buchanan is the program for the afternoon. The Olustee City Park and Library have been nominated for the National Register of Historic Places, and tours of this historic building will be available after the program.

The New State Club (Women’s Club) of Olustee was founded in 1907 to bring social, intellectual, cultural, and civic improvement to the town residents. Two of the more enduring and tangible activities of the club were the establishment of a public library for the community and a town park. The initial library in 1907 was located in the home of the NSC President, Mrs. Tom Moore before moving “up town” where it remained in various commercial establishments until the 1930’s. The town park was developed in 1920 and was a major step toward improving the quality of life for the residents. Although, the town of Olustee quickly assumed ownership of the park property, the NSC remained actively involved in improving the site for decades, including the procurement of the library building. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed the library building in the center of the park in 1936. The NSC provided the funds to finish the building, the books and shelving for the library interior, and its members served as librarians and kept the doors open until the 1990’s when the club disbanded.

Everyone is invited to take the short drive to Olustee, relax in the lovely park setting, and enjoy the afternoon program and tour. Homemade pies prepared by Mrs. Faye Moody and the Eagle Nest Caf/ will be served and chairs will be provided. In case of inclement weather, the program will be held in the Olustee School Auditorium.