Washington Women's History Consortium

Women's Clubs and Organizations

Maxine Proffitt, President, 1960-1962

Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs

Mrs. Dean A. Proffitt was the 35th President of the Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs.

She was the daughter of Joseph and Jeanie Wilkins, born in Centralia, WA, August 1, 1908. She had two sons, Dean II and Joseph Lee. A daughter, Karen Joyce. died at age two. The Proffitts owned and operated department stores bearing their name in Longview, Centralia and Olympia. At the time she served as State President, Maxine and her husband, Dean, lived in Olympia. She was a long time member of the Olympia Woman's Club.

Maxine was educated in the Centralia School District and taught piano for eight years.

In 1952, she was elected Cowlitz County "Mother of the Year."

At the 1958 State Convention, Maxine was instrumental in successfully obtaining approval of the WSFWC in sponsoring the $66,000 indoor swimming pool for Maple Lane School for girls.

For 20 years she was an active volunteer worker in youth programs on the state and national levels. She was the first woman to be elected to a YMCA state or area board in the entire United States.

She was a member of the First Christian Church in Olympia, Olympia Chapter of PEO, and Eastern Star in Centralia.

The 65th annual Convention was in Longview, at the Monticello Hotel, on May 8-10, 1961.

Membership during 1959-60 was 9,028, and in 1960-61, 9,047. There were 234 senior clubs and 71 junior clubs.

During her term, Maple Lane Pool Project was assured. The pool to be 28 x 75 feet with a retail value of $25,000, but with assistance and cooperation of the Northwest Swimming Pool Association, the cost to the Federation was approximately $15,000.

Resolutions presented for consideration included Oscar Awards, WSFWC Beautification Project, and Water and Air Pollution.

The Executive Committee met at the home of Mrs. Proffitt on August 25, 1961.

Mid-Year Board Meeting was in Everett, September 26 and 27, 1961. Forty-nine members attended.

Information was presented for consideration regarding loss of membership in Federation. This loss meant a decrease in revenues for providing services. Competition of special groups, especially in the areas of rural programs, challenged the Federation. To meet the challenge, it was felt the Federation must offer interesting and helpful programs in areas of greatest concerns.

The official opening of the 66th annual Convention was at the Cascadian Hotel in Wenatchee, May 8-10, 1962.

The theme for the convention was "Bridges Today for Tomorrow."

Newly elected officers were installed by Mrs. Walter V. Magee, GFWC Recording Secretary; and the Junior officers were installed by Mrs. James Scarbro, GFWC Home Life Chairman for the Juniors.

Maxine was appointed to the Washington State Citizen Council by the National Parole and Probation Association and was Vice-chairman of the Juvenile Court Study Committee of the State of Washington. This study was requested by the judges of the state.

She also was an active participant in the Washington State Institute of Government at the University and was appointed to the steering committee for Washington's participation in the White House Conference.

She was appointed as GFWC Division Chairman of Public Education for the 1962-64 administration.

Mrs. Proffitt passed away March 15, 1990 in Olympia. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her survivors included her two sons, a sister, seven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.