Walking towards 100

Mary Anna Turner

As the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI) is currently celebrating 100 years of pioneering positive change on the forefront of social reform, the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) is walking towards 100 years of service in the Charlotte area. Reflecting on our impact in the community over the last 95 years, we sat down with JLC Sustainer, Mary Anna Turner who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. She talks about the JLC from her experience as an active member in 1940 as it compares to the JLC of 2021. During the interview, Ms. Turner shared her thoughts on how the JLC has continued to contribute to the community for more than nine decades.

Q: What are some of the similarities and differences in the Junior League of Charlotte from when you first joined and what we know of it today?

A: Starting during the Great Depression, it was an entirely different role for women. Years ago, the members of the JLC were debutantes two years removed from their debut and not currently working. Meetings were typically held during the day. By the 1940s, working members were also joining the JLC and separate meetings were held for these members in the evening. In an unusual night meeting of the whole JLC, the president commented that the Junior League was not organized for working women, but [Ms. Turner] countered that it was not organized for young mothers either— which a lot of members were at that time. It was highlighted that you shouldn’t sacrifice working or looking after your children to volunteer. Two common themes for the organization then and now are networking and service.

Q: Given a woman’s role in the home and workplace, what were some reasons for joining the JLC at that time?

A: Volunteering and giving useful service to the community. The League began as a social thing, but now more emphasis is on serving society. There is so much to do in the community and many organizations would not be able to do what they do without the support of volunteers. However, it is important to understand human nature and know what will encourage people to volunteer.

Q: What would you note as some of the greatest accomplishments of the Junior League of Charlotte?

A: One of the greatest things to get from the League is the habit of volunteering. Volunteers do a lot of meaningful things that people don’t always realize. One of the most important things the League did was build and establish, with the support of other organizations, the Charlotte Nature Museum. Other significant impacts of the JLC include:

• The JLC WearHouse • Charlotte Speech & Hearing Center • The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte • Thompson Child Development Center • Discovery Place • Levine Children’s Hospital Family • The Baby Home Resource Center • The Council for Children’s Rights • Reid Park Academy Community School

The interview highlighted the consistent contributions the JLC has made, and continues to make, in the Charlotte area over 96 years. As the League walks toward 100 years of service, it is the JLC’s mission to develop women and improve the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Ms. Turner’s advice to current and prospective members is to fill a position in the League, find a volunteer activity they enjoy and make friends. One of her fond memories was her participation in the Follies, despite losing her boyfriend to all the rehearsing the event required. “It was fun to be an important part of the chorus line for the Junior League Follies.”