Celebrating 100 Years of Service

The Junior League of Texarkana has been a community mainstay since 1926
By Lindsey McMillan

Marguerite Whitmarsh Holman (seated, left) was the first president of the Junior League of Texarkana.

One of the area’s largest and oldest service organizations began as a gathering of 28 likeminded women on February 26th, 1926. They were people of varying interests and talents who all held a strong interest in the social and cultural welfare of Texarkana. They became the charter members of the Junior League of Texarkana. Now, a century’s worth of women have followed in their footsteps, continuing their legacy of service and voluntarism. 

The organization first began as the Texarkana Junior Service League and was integrated under the membership of the Association of Junior Leagues of America in 1947. Marguerite Whitmarsh Holman served as the first president, and under her leadership, the first charter officers and members got to work, meeting at the “Little White House” on the corner of 3rd and Hazel Streets. Here were the beginnings of children’s plays, puppet shows, and the planning for a pediatric dental clinic. By the time they were incorporated as the Junior League of Texarkana, local hospital auxiliaries were formed, as well as the Community Service Council. The League was largely responsible for the building of the Texarkana Public Library, and members aided the American Red Cross with a bloodmobile. Many programs benefitting children and the arts were initiated, and by the 1970s, the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council (TRAHC) was created, thanks to money raised by the League. Members performed a popular production called “The Follies” for many years, and the 1980s brought about the establishment of the Junior League Thrift Shop, which was housed on Broad Street. In addition, the League worked alongside area schools with drug-prevention and pregnancy-education programs. 

What is now the JLT began as the Junior Service League. Patterned from the Junior Leagues of America model, the group officially incorporated as a chapter of the national organization in 1947.

Along with educational plays and shadowgraphs, puppet shows were some of the earliest child-focused events the Junior League of Texarkana orchestrated, beginning in the 1920s.

In 1985, League members Susan Landreaux and Lindy Lawrence, the granddaughter of Marguerite Whitmarsh Holman, secured $50,000 of funds to spearhead the creation of the area’s first hospice organization, Hospice of Texarkana. Lindy was one of many descendents to follow in the footsteps of the JLT’s first president. Granddaughter Margo Strickland recalled many memories, including a quote her grandmother often shared: “Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.” The JLT’s highest honor, bestowed annually to an active member for their outstanding servic, is appropriately named the Marguerite Whitmarsh Holman Award.

In the 1980s, The Junior League Thrift Shop was opened as both a fundraiser and service to the community. Active members included Pam Lott, Sherry Edwards, Jane Razaq, and Vicki Deskin.

By the 1990s, community projects such as Teacher Take Wing and Star Lab were created, and volunteer placements with organizations such as CASA, Opportunities, Inc., Teen Court, and Watersprings Ranch were activated. A new millennium brought about even bigger changes for the Junior League. They were the founding and presenting sponsor of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and in 2006, the League’s 80th year was commemorated by founding both the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra and the Texarkana Youth Symphony. Remica Gray, former League president and longtime TSO board member and volunteer, had the following to share: 

Pulled from the archives, the 1962–1963 JLT handbook to the left details the League’s then–36-year history. Below, a 1987 pamphlet advertises the Mistletoe Fair (now Mistletoe Market), a longtime community event.

“The Junior League has long been known for its ability to identify community needs, initiate meaningful programs, and provide capable leadership for organizations and projects throughout the area,” she said. “The generous gift  of the League’s $100,000 provided critical support to the newly-formed orchestra and allowed the TSO to immediately begin launching outreach and educational programs.”

Countless organizations varying in size and scope have directly benefitted from the Junior League’s presence in Texarkana. This includes Domestic Violence Prevention, Inc., the Literacy Council of Bowie & Miller Counties, Runnin’ WJ Ranch, Junior Achievement, Randy Sams Outreach Center, and the Texarkana Museums System. Past and current community projects have included Holiday from the Heart, Bags of Hope, Spring Into Reading, and Shoes for the Soul. In addition, Clothes for a Cause, Packs for a Purpose, and Open Hearts Food Pantry are tailored to aid various populations across Texarkana in a myriad of ways. 

Nationwide, sustainers comprise around two thirds of Junior League members. Past sustainer presidents of the JLT include Tina Veal-Gooch, Melinda Vammen, Dr. Mary Ellen Young, Vicki Melde, Ruth Ellen Whitt, Jeanie Nutter, Rep. Carol Dalby, Mindy Day, Janis Robbins, LeAnne Wright, Peggy Burson, Jane Rochelle, Camille McGinnis, Remica Gray, Susan Cater, Lynne Vammen, and Judy Morgan (pictured here in 2020).

“As a volunteer, some of the most valuable moments I had were helping children shop for new clothes, new shoes, and Christmas gifts during the many projects the Junior League has created,” shared Janet Lyons, longtime active and sustaining member, as well as the JLT’s office manager. “The smiles brought to the children’s faces during such projects was so rewarding.”

Though much has changed over its century of operation, the JLT remains committed to its mission: “to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.” The current board of directors is comprised of (back row) Madeline Robbins, Victoria Herman, Audra Ellis, Madeline Haak, (middle row) Courtney Davis, Katelyn Jordan, Crystal Russell, (front row) Treva West, President Erica Smith, Melodie White, and (not pictured) Jade Harris.

The Junior League’s primary fundraiser has been a holiday mainstay for over 38 years. The Mistletoe Market, formerly known as the Mistletoe Fair, is a holiday marketplace where vendors come from across the region and beyond to bring attendees a unique shopping experience. It is held the weekend before Thanksgiving, and for many years, the Four States Fairgrounds was its location. This past November, it was held at the Texarkana Convention Center. In addition to shopping, special events are held throughout the weekend, such as Mistletoe & Mimosas, Breakfast with Santa, and other entertainment for children and families. The steering committee works tirelessly for many months planning the event which raises much-needed funds for service projects and programs throughout the year.

More than a service organization, JLT provides members with opportunities for camaraderie and creativity, such as this 2014 paint party.

“Over the past five years, The Junior League of Texarkana has donated more than $175,000, dedicated more than 12,000 volunteer hours, and clothed over 400 children,” said President Erica Smith. “Our steadfast commitment to voluntarism, leadership development, and community collaborations have created lasting change and inspired generations of women to lead with purpose.”

Junior League of Texarkana Members delivered a check to support the local nonprofit organization We Are Washington in 2024.

Shoes for the Soul was adopted as a League project in 2005. The program has since expanded to include Clothes for a Cause. Twice annually, children in need, as identified by local schools, are invited to join Junior League members for a morning of shopping.

Past-President and current Sustainer President Treva West is working alongside incoming President Jade Harris on a centennial celebration, which Treva referred to as “a truly inclusive, community-wide celebration that fully honors our past while boldly embracing our future. The most influential aspect of the Junior League of Texarkana is its unique role as a founding catalyst and incubator for lasting community institutions,” she said. The celebration will take place on Tuesday, May 19th at 5:30 p.m., at the Regional Arts Center. 

In 2011, the now-retired JLT Running Under the Mistletoe 5K was held at Texas A&M University–Texarkana.

Former President Robbin Bass emphasized the League’s focus on the future. “By providing for those most in need, we secure a brighter future for our community,” she said. “I for one am so proud of the part the Junior League has played in shaping not only the past but the future of Texarkana.” 

The Spring Recruitment Drive is underway. Women interested in joining the JLT should visit jltexarkana.org/membership/join/ to complete a contact form.