Friendly Neighbor’s Club

The Friendly Neighbor’s Club of Albert Lea Township in Freeborn County celebrated its 95th anniversary at a club picnic at the home of Marge and Herb Ulrich on Aug. 29.

The Friendly Neighbor’s Club was formed on Feb. 18, 1918, when 10 neighbors met to form what was then called the Southwest Liberty Club. They were to meet and work on ladies flannel petticoats and infants shirts for the Red Cross during World War I.

The project was expnaded to include hospital gowns, undershirts, children’s caps, diapers, socks and booties. Dues were 10 cents per meeting and were donated to the Red Cross. Eventually the project had run its course and a new goal of helping others wherever there was a need was embraced. The club also served as a social event for neighboring famers’ wives.

Meetings began with prayer and several readings. To this day, 14 members form the Friendly Neighbor’s Club. They are Bonnie Bakken, Lorraine Bakken, Ardis Bang, Sue Broswkoff, Eileen Flegan, Claire Frame, Bev Grotsun, Julie Hendrickson, Ila Hibbard, Bonnie Jensen, Angie Nelson, Marilyn Nelson, Ethel Thistad and Marge Ulrich.

The club meets at 2 p.m. on the last Thursday of the month with the exception of January, Feburary and March.

A Christmas dinner is celebrated for members and their families of the neighborhood in early December.