GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women's Clubs
Dedication Held for Statue of OFWC Founder, Clementine Berry Buchwalter

The Clementine Berry Buchwalter Statue, sponsored by the Springfield City Federation of Women’s Clubs and Triad Club/GFWC, was dedicated by about 100 persons on Sunday, June 12, 2005, at 2 PM, according to project chair Marianne L. Nave and co-chair Elizabeth Woodhouse. Everyone assembled joined in the dedicatory remarks, led by the project chairs Nave and Woodhouse. A fly-over by Springfield Air National Guard jets followed the dedication read in unison.

The Dedication
Clementine Berry Buchwalter made her own mark in Ohio history by assembling Ohio club women to meet in Springfield on October 24 and 25, 1894, to organize as The Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs, under the General Federation of Women’s Clubs fast growing organization. We recognize this statue represents all women who volunteer in numerous ways to make their neighborhoods, cities or towns, townships and our state a better place to live.

Therefore, we dedicate the Clementine Berry Buchwalter Statue created by Artist Michael Major, as a tribute to all club women who have contributed countless hours of community service in the State of Ohio during the past 111 years, since she founded The Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Installation of Statue
The bronze statue of Clementine was placed Thursday, June 9, 2005, in a new patio planting area at 805 East High Street, the former Buchwalter home, which is now recognized as the Woman’s Town Club in Springfield. Installation of the statue was under the supervision of artist/sculptor Michael Major, of Champaign County. This event marks the third statue in a series created for the Springfield area by Major.

The Event
Sculptor Major, Springfield Museum of Art Director Mark Chepp and Terry Fredrich, owner of Habitat Creations of Ohio, unveiled the 400 pound bronze statue and spoke to the cheering crowd, after the unveiling.

Linda I. Wilkin, President of the GFWC/ Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs was the guest speaker and The Rev. Bonny Kinnunen, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church offered the Invocation and Benediction. Other speakers included Ms. Nave as MC, Ms. Woodhouse and Katherine D. Kalinos, President of the Woman’s Town Club.

The Woman’s Town Club held an Open House and their Board Members served refreshments to the guests following the Dedication Ceremony. Fifteen raffle tickets were drawn and the winners received over $2,000 worth of donated prizes.

Funds are still needed for the historical plaques that will be added to the memorial. Gifts may be made by check to the Springfield Museum of Art and mailed to M. L. Nave, CBB Statue Chairman, P.O. Box 1206, Springfield, OH 45501.

Additional Info on Clementine
Clementine Berry Buchwalter is recognized as the Founder of the GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs in October 1984, in Springfield, Ohio. Clementine, a 19th century woman, was an active community leader, opening her home, at 805 East High Street, to all clubwomen.

Her time, strength, means and hospitality were freely given, all with the hearty cooperation of her husband Captain Edward L. Buchwalter. Captain Buchwalter, who led Black troops in the Civil War, was a Springfield industrialist and founding president of the CitizensNational Bank.

Clementine’s statue will be a lasting tribute to this local leader and her historic accomplishments, through the bronze plaques to be displayed with the statue. Clementine will be representative of all women who have been involved in club and community service work for many years.

Information provided by: TRIAD CLUB/GFWC of the Springfield City Federation of Women's Clubs

Return to the OFWC Home Page