History of the Fayetteville Republican Women’s Club
The idea for a Fayetteville Republican Women’s Club was first voiced in the late 1960′s. A group of women which included “Pinky” Jackson and Marianne Cashion began to meet periodically because of their concern for North Carolina Government. North Carolina had no true Government! North Carolina had a “machine” which worked day and night to keep itself in power.
These women saw in Congressman Jim Gardner, a conservative, a hope for the future. They rallied around him, working hard and supporting his run for Governor. However, a Jim Gardner victory was not to be. Instead, another Jim came rolling out of the hills and overwhelmed everyone. Governor Jim Holshouser was elected in 1972, the first Republican Governor elected in the 20th century.
It was out of these turbulent times that the Fayetteville Republican Women’s Club was born. With their hope for the future, the women continued to meet. Our club was chartered on February 15, 1972. Times have not been easy for the Fayetteville Republican Women’s Club. We existed for 22 years in a county which had not elected a Republican candidate to partisan office for more than 100 years.
In 1994, a member (and officer) of our club became the first Republican elected in the 20th Century. Mia Morris, was elected to the N.C. House of Representatives. Today, we can boast of having among our ranks a city council member and Mayor Pro Tem, a Board of Education member, a Board of Election member, a County Commissioner, A Vice Chairman, secretary and treasurer of the county NCGOP and NCFRW Officers.
We have 35 years of a rich, proud, effective and influential history behind us as we move deeper into the 21st century. We look to the future with enthusiasm and a keen sense of excitement because we know that we can and have made a big difference in our community.
This FRWC history was provided by Joyce Costin.