SOMO SALA CIRCLE
ABOUT US
One October afternoon in 1897, some friends met with Mrs. W.S. Dickson in her home to talk and plan for the organization of a club for the good of the community and for the mental and artistic growth of the members. Fifteen were enrolled as charter members, with Mrs. Dickson as the first president. An Indian legend, translated in about 550 A.D. for the King of Persia, of a beggar who dreamed of amassing a great fortune from a small beginning led these fifteen "dreamers" to choose the name of "Somo Sala Circle" for the organization. To this day, the Persians say that a Dreamer of Dreams is the father of Somo Sala.
In the 121 years that have followed, many dreams have become worthwhile accomplishments and many remain to be fulfilled. Today's members are still dreaming up ways to improve ourselves and our community and striving daily to bring those dreams to fruition; ever mindful of our motto, "Not a day without something acquired."
Some of greatest accomplishments over the years include:
1914 Somo Sala Circle is elected to membership in the General Federation of Women's Clubs
1925 Somo Sala Circle joined forces with the Ladies Reading Circle, Daughter's of the American Revolution, and the United Daughter's of the Confederacy to establish a Community Club House. They purchased the residence of Dr. R.N. Price on First North Street for $3,500.00 Mrs. R.S.C. Berry of Somo Sala Circle was chosen to serve as general chairman of the Club House committee.
1925 Somo Sala Circle assisted in opening Morristown's Public Library in the Club House.
1950 Somo Sala Circle joins a civic group desiring to create a community hospital. The Somo Sala Circle still holds a position on the Board of Directors of Morristown Hamblen Hospital.
1953 Somo Sala Circle leads the formation of the Morristown Beautification Council. In 1955, Morristown is chosen as the "Cleanest City" in the country.
1954 Somo Sala Circle helps build the new Art Department at the Morristown High School by providing them with art supplies and a subscription to the Franco-American Distribution Center which entitles the school to borrow various teaching aid, films, slides, etc.
1974-1980 Somo Sala Circle leads the Community Improvement Project (CIP) that creates the Youth Emergency Shelter. In 1980, the project wins 1st Place at the GFWC State Level and 2nd Place at the GFWC National Level.
1988-1990 Somo Sala Circle chairs the CIP committee that creates the Alzheimer's Day Center for A.L.P.S.
1992-1994 Somo Sala Circle chairs the CIP committee that creates the Hal Noe Historical Photo Collection.
1994-1996 Somo Sala Circle is instrumental in installing the Popkin Field Playground through the CIP program.
1988-1990 Somo Sala Circle chairs the CIP committee that creates the Alzheimer's Day Center for A.L.P.S.
1992-1994 Somo Sala Circle chairs the CIP committee that creates the Hal Noe Historical Photo Collection.
1994-1996 Somo Sala Circle is instrumental in installing the Popkin Field Playground through the CIP program.
2012-2013 Somo Sala Circle chairs the CIP committee that creates a computer lab for Girls Inc.
2016-2017 Somo Sala Circle donates funds from their Annual Chili Luncheon to the First Fire Truck Fund to help restore Morristown's First Fire Truck.
2018-2019 Somo Sala Circle donates proceeds from their Annual Chili Luncheon to Abundant Hope Ministries to assist women recovering from addictions.
2018-2020 Somo Sala Circle participates in the CIP committee that donated money to the Crockett Tavern Museum and the Morristown Hamblen Humane Society.
2020-2022 Somo Sala Circle chairs the CIP committee that donated to the Daily Bread and the Helping Hands Clinic, and provided “seed money” for the First Fire Truck Fire House.