Amana Colonies Welfare Clubs

In 1919, The Homestead Welfare Club brought about fun, relaxed, social gatherings and movies to the Colonies. The club, which had a president, Secretary, and other officers, ushered in a new era in Amanas. Two large events were special, the Christmas party and the 4th of July celebration. Art exhibits and rug weaving contests judged by Grant Wood were set up by the volunteers.
In 1949 ladies of the Homestead Welfare club gathered favorite old recipes they had known from the communal kitchens to write a popular local cookbook "Amana Colony Recipes" holding family sized recipes as 40 people at a time were fed in the communal kitchens. After 1932 the book recipes was accomodated  for families of 4. It has been reprinted many times and serves all locals as does the organization for 100 years now. It is Amanas oldest club where residents could be creative and exchange ideas while helping the community pave streets and set up sewer systems in communal days. Later, youth meetings and dances were hosted there also.
The Amana AWA building was purchased by Ken Denzin in the late 80's, and then in 2004 by C. Burkhalter, both for antique malls.  I remembered Easter egg hunts as well, dances to the Epics, a local band, and wedding receptions. All this was introduced by the doctors that had cars and new ideas that were longing for more contemporary happenings. This club represented all the social activity  not associated with the church even though monthly planning meetings were first held in the church basement in Homestead.  National Geographic was one of the magazines enjoyed in this club, later that crew coming to Amana to feature a great story in the magazine. A club started in Amana in 1935 , in West in 1933 where they had a tennis, bowling, pool table, and reading rooms. All facets of the community could join. Eventually a Young Mans Bureau formed in 1941 and they sang at special events and church services.