In 1959, the poultry industry was booming in Hall County, Georgia.  New families were moving into the County at the rate of 30 to 40 per month.  John W. Jacobs, Jr., owner of The Tribune weekly newspaper and radio station WDUN, saw a need to help these newcomers get established and become contributing members of the community.

Mr. Jacobs enlisted the help of Mary Williams, hospitality hostess for the Georgia Power Company. When Mrs. Williams visited new power company customers, she issued an invitation for a monthly morning coffee that was held at the Dixie Hunt Hotel (Hunt Tower) in Gainesville.  Clara Martin, Women’s Editor of The Tribune, coordinated the work of pulling it all together.  She set up the meetings, took pictures and placed write ups in the newspaper. Mr. Jacobs, truly the founding father of the Gainesville Newcomers Club, advertised the monthly coffees on WDUN radio and The Tribune.  There were 50 women at the first meeting of the Gainesville Newcomers Club.

The first officers were elected in 1960.  Under the guidance of Clara Martin, the founding coordinator, Peggy Woodford, the first president 1960/1961, and her officers met to write the Constitution and Bylaws for the Club. The goal of the Club was to help newcomers assimilate into the community. Programs focused on the Hall County community, including volunteer opportunities, local politics and history. By the late 1960s, interest groups had been formed and were meeting regularly.

By 2010, membership had grown from the 60 women who attended that first coffee in 1959 to a total of 312 members. There were 23 Interest Groups. This Club loves to eat . . . just ask the Lunch Bunch, Sharing Sunday Afternoons, and the Dining Groups. Even the Hiking Group tells you to bring a snack for the trail, and after the hike they go for lunch. Fashion Shows were always a hit, attended by well over 200 members and guests.

As the years passed, the Club began to invest in and use technology.  A website was created where members could register and remit payments online for membership dues and events.   Members enjoyed annual special events such as the “Denim and Diamonds” held at the Gainesville Botanical Garden. We closed out 2017 with a membership of 527 women. 

During 2022, the Gainesville Newcomers Club continued to welcome newcomers to our community as well as provide service to Hall County through volunteer service,  as well as generous financial support to a variety of local organizations. We commit $200 per month to Meals on Wheels and normally donate even more each year.

After surviving two years of COVID, the 2020 Diamond Jubilee was finally held at the Chattahoochee Country Club.  The Special Events committee did a beautiful job commemorating this special occasion. A special Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon was held at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Gainesville.  We enjoyed a delicious BBQ buffet and a slide show highlighting volunteer activities from the past several years.

GNC constructed our first ever float for the Christmas on Green Street Parade.  An unprecedented number of Club members participated in Green Street parade activities.

Our club continues to grow as more women move into our community.