History

The first of a series of afternoon teas to welcome Mobile’s newcomers was given on October 22, 1935. Mrs. Julia Vincent (Wilmer M.) Bullock, the hostess of the Welcome Wagon Service, in cooperation with the Young Women’s Christian Association Hospitality Committee arranged the monthly social affairs. A tea was held each month for seven months at the “Y” until a permanent organization was formed. It had long been the hope of Julia Bullock that the newcomers whom she had welcomed as new residents might have the opportunity to form lasting friendships with one another. This hope become a reality on Thursday, May 14, 1935 when twelve ladies met with Mrs. Bullock at the “Y” and organized the Cosmopolitan Woman’s Club. This club has the distinction of being the first Newcomers Club organized in the United States and over the years has involved thousands of members. The Cosmopolitan Club became affiliated with the Alabama Federation of Women’s Clubs in October 1939. The Clue withdrew from the Federation September 1, 2007 and resume its former name, Cosmopolitan Woman’s Club of Mobile. Two club projects, stressing the need for adequate highway lighting and child restraint seats in cars, have won both state and national awards for the Club. These two requirements are now Alabama law. Since 1966, the Cosmopolitan Woman’s Club has been hosting a reception for the new citizens and their family and friends following their Naturalization Ceremony at the District Courthouse in Mobile. The receptions are held twice a year in May and December.