The Brainerd, Minnesota, Zonta Club was officially chartered on  November 16, 1954.  The club was organized by Miss Vera Bellinger from Valley City, North Dakota. There were twenty charter members.

The first set of officers were :

The first Board of Directors included Maude Mannis, Mrs. George McPheeters, and Mary Tornstrom.        

Early projects included sponsorship of the Golden Age Club whose first meeting was held at the American legion hall on May 22, 1955.

Prior to Federally sponsored programs for senior citizens, Zontians provided furniture in a room in the City Hall basement as a gathering place for seniors and senior activities.  

The 1959 project centered on old Crow Wing, an area Brainerd people wished to see established as a State Park.  Members supported other groups in securing proper legislation, and in raising money to give financial, support to the project.  Efforts were rewarded as Old Crow Wing park became a reality and was dedicated in 1962.

Club members have regularly attended District, Area, and International Conventions. 

In 1966, the Brainerd Club was host to the Area VII Conference.  

In 1968, the International Convention was held in Minneapolis.  During that time, then club president Ruth Thomas hosted a visit to Brainerd by Miss Annikki Makinen, President of the Helsinki Zonta Club and the Area director of District 13, which includes countries of Northern Europe.  Local Zontians had an opportunity to meet and visit with Miss Makinen during her stay.

In 1969 and 1970 the Brainerd Zonta Club aided Miss Lucia Tellez of Columbia, South America, in the reading and speaking of our language so she was able to attend the Junior College in Brainerd.

In 1971-72 the Golden Age group was able to function on its own, thus turning Brainerd Zontians toward other community needs.  Brainerd Zontians contributed time and gifts to the Salvation Army, St. Josephs Hospital Expansion Fund, Crow Wing County United Fund, and again awarded one LPN Scholarship of $50.  Other activities included representation at city council and community action council meetings as well as Minneapolis and Duluth Safety Council Meetings. Several members are visiting local nursing homes. Dr. Helen Longfellow, Charter Member, was honored by presenting her the Zonta Award for her accomplishments.  She is now Chief of Staff of St. Joseph's Hospital Medical and Dental Staff.

Other Club activities over the years have included:

1. Financial support to the Amelia Earhart Fund.
2. Financial support to Ramallah.
3. Aid to the American Field Service
4. Financial support for YMCA programs
5. support for Crow Wing Historical Society.
6. Scholarships for students in the Practical Nursing program.
7. Registration at the Area Senior Citizens picnic held in Lum Park during July.
8. Gifts to the Brainerd State School and Hospital
9. Readers Guide subscriptions for Foreign countries
10. Sponsored students to Summer Camps
11. Helped the Historical Society at the County Fair
12. Entertained Senior High School and sophomore Junior College girls at the regular dinner meetings.
13. Served as Hostesses for Fulbright students, who spent labor Day Weekends in Brainerd.
14. Worked on the Inter-Service Club Committee and helped with Service projects
15. Assisted with the Annual Charities Drive
16. Participated in the Salvation Army Bell Ringing project.  Several times the Zonta Group won the award for raising the most money.

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Last modified: January 15, 2001