Junior Guild
of Rocky Mount

About Us: History of the Junior Guild of Rocky Mount
A legacy to be proud of!

Welcome to The Junior Guild of Rocky Mount!  Our organization has been serving the Rocky Mount community since 1937 and has grown into one of the most outstanding civic clubs in the city. 

The Junior Guild of Rocky Mount started in 1937 when Dr. Allen Whitaker, in conjunction with the Health Department, requested help with the Whitaker's Baby Clinic for preschool, underprivileged children.  The goal was to lower the infant mortality rate.

Thus, The Junior Guild was formed.  The objectives of the Guild include fostering interest among its members in the social, economic, and civic conditions of the community and making the volunteer service of its members more efficient.  The Guild also supports the improvement of the educational and cultural conditions of the community.

The Junior Guild has moved successfully through the decades since its founding by striving to keep up with the changing needs of the community while holding firm to its goals.  This is evidenced by the Guild's involvement with and support of such organizations and projects as Christ Child Day Care Center, My Sister's House, the Soup Kitchen, Crisis Ministries, Meals-on-Wheels, and the Bloodmobile.

The Junior Guild's total financial contributions to the community since 1937 are well over $1,000,000. 


Photo of Dr. Allen Whitaker

A sampling of what the Guild has done for the City of Rocky Mount

1938-1943

  • Junior Guild Exchange: A distribution center for milk, fruit and cod liver oil needed by the Well Baby Clinic. It also served as an emergency loan closet for the Red Cross

1946
  • Local Chapter of King's Daughters was presented a check for $5,000 towards the purchase of a home for elderly women.
  • Money was raised for the N.C. Symphony to provide a free concert to children in Rocky Mount.

1947

  • The Junior Guild published its 1st cookbook "Dixie Dishes".

1948

  • Junior Guild Thrift Shop, which offered used clothing and household items at affordable prices to the public opened. 

1949

  • The Junior Guild began puppet shows, which still continue to be a placement for Junior Guild Volunteers. These puppet shows have continued each year, changing annually, and are always fun, entertaining, and enlightening. 
  • The Junior Guild acquisitioned a speech therapist for Rocky Mount City Schools. This program was underwritten for $3,500, and it was the 1st of its kind to be established in North Carolina. 

1951

 

  •  A donation of $5,000 was provided to the Rocky Mount Children's Museum Building Fund
  • Between 1951 and 1953 the Junior Guild of Rocky Mount invested over $15,000 towards the Children's Museum project.

 

 

1955

  • The Guild financed an exceptional children's class and assisted in the funding for 5 years until the City of Rocky Mount  assumed the responsibility. The Guild continues to aide in tutoring children with the Communities in Schools Program.

1972

 

  •   Proceeds from the Charity Ball helped furnish the nursery at Nash General Hospital in the amount of $10,000

 

1974

  • Junior Guild's 2nd cookbook was published "Rainbow of Recipes"

1975

     

  • The Guild purchased a $4,500 kidney machine for the Burn Center in Chapel HIll, NC.

    The Guild purchased a $4,500 kidney machine for the Burn Center in Chapel HIll, NC.

  • A $10,000 donation was given to North Carolina Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount, NC.

 


1982-1985

  • Approximately $150,000 was raised with a notable portion of the proceeds going to the restoration of Stonewall Manor.

1986

  • A donation of $10,000 was given to the Soup Kitchen to aid in its relocation.
  • A donation of $10,000 was given to Crisis Ministries to proivde for needy families in a crisis situation.
  • The Junior Guild's 3rd cookbook, "A Dash of Down East", was published.

1987

  • $45,000 was donated to the Drug Abuse Prevention Program.  This program is implemented by the Nash-Edgecombe Mental Health Association and is offered to all Nash and Edgecombe County Schools.
  • The Guild celebrated 50 years of service to the community.

1991

  • The guild purchased $20,000 worth of equipment for the Stoney Creek Rescue Squad.

  1993

  • A $20,000 donation was given to the Boys and Girls Club for the purchase of computers.

2003

  • 1st annual Junior Guild Bargain Sale was held.
  • Junior Guild published its 4th cookbook, "A Dash of Down East- A Second Helping".
  • Junior Guild Thrift Shop closed after a decline in sales.  The Guild is very proud of the Thrift Shop and the 55 years that it served the community.

2007

  • The Junior Guild celebrated 70 years of service.
  • The Guild completed a $25,000 pledge to the Rocky Mount Children's Museum for the Junior Guild Puppet Theatre at The Imperial Centre.

 

 

We are always looking for new members. If you think you would like to be involved with a group of dedicated community volunteers, Email us at jgrockymount@embarqmail.com for more information.

 

The Junior Guild of Rocky Mount, N.C., Inc.
Post Office Box 4043
Rocky Mount, NC 27803-0043

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