If you have ever played on a school playground in the Lewiston-Auburn area, you can thank the members of the Woman’s Literary Union. If you have ever participated in a community-wide clean-up, you can thank the members of the WLU. The group, founded in 1892 and incorporated under Maine law in 1902, was instrumental in community projects that are still benefitting Lewiston-Auburn residents today. In 1908, WLU members organized playgrounds and raised money for playground equipment. These playgrounds at local schools in both Lewiston and Auburn, were the predecessors of recreation departments. The group raised funds for the Red Cross, tuberculosis care, and provided visiting services to veterans at Togus VA Medical Center during World Wars I and II. The city of Auburn has used the WLU facility as a training retreat.

The group continues to offer its services today. Schools can bring students to learn about local history when they visit the WLU which calls the Foss mansion at 17 Elm Street in Auburn its home base. The Foss mansion was bequeathed to WLU along with a $25,000 endowment by member Ella Foss, wife of Horatio Foss.

Long-time WLU member, Tonie Ramsey, said, “The tide of opportunity has taken us in many different directions and we have moved with the tide.” But, what remains the same is that the Woman’s Literary Union continues to open its doors to the community and to provide community services. The public is invited on Saturday, December 11 to the WLU Holiday Tea Open House from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Music and refreshments will be part of the event. Free admission, but donations from the Tea will benefit the WLU Scholarship Fund. For more information about WLU membership or events, visit http://womansliteraryunion.org.