African Americans were generally discouraged from joining white clubs and so developed their own. Some of these clubs were segregated chapters of recognized organizations, some were African American versions of larger institutions and some were simply local clubs.

(top left) Benny Weldon is fondly remembered by African American men in Keokuk who grew up in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Weldon was a life-long bachelor who worked for the City of Keokuk. Not only was he a scoutmaster, he taught young African Americans how to swim in Sandusky, as they could not use the Keokuk Y.M.C.A., and generally served as a mentor.

Benjamin “Benny” Weldon with his sister, circa 1950’s ~Courtesy of Geraldine Lawson

(bottom left) Many clubs were purely social clubs. In 1947, Fort Madison resident Susie Paige formed the Booster Girls Club with 7 other women. The club, now the Booster Women’s Club, continues to exist and one of its original members is still living.

Calendar made my club members, 1965 ~Courtesy of Iowa Women’s Archives

(top right) African Americans were not allowed to join such common white fraternal organization such as the Mason’s or Knights of Pythias. They established African American versions of these organizations. Some of these organizations had chapters in Lee County. Gradually, since the 1970’s, many of these fraternal organizations have begun to hold joint meetings between the white and black version of the same organizations.

Order of Eastern Star, Fort Madison, circa 1950’s ~Courtesy of Grace Harris

(bottom right) Some clubs were begun for purposes of education. The Self-Culture Club in Keokuk was begun there in 1913 to educate its members on the finer points of life. It existed into the mid-1990’s.

Newspaper article on Christmas activity, 1992 ~Courtesy of Delores Bradley