Emblem Club donates courthouse flag
Emblem Club President Dottie Roberts, left, club member Ardenna Hurt, Wayne County Commissioners Matt Martin and Jonathan Hofstetter, and club member Deb Blough-Schmidt pose with a flag donated by the club to fly above the Wayne County Courthouse in downtown Wooster.
The Wooster Emblem Club has long been a pillar of patriotism and community spirit in Wayne County. One of its most impactful contributions has been its yearly flag donation to the Wayne County Commissioners, which is flown over the courthouse in downtown Wooster.
“We are proud to receive (this flag), and we appreciate your efforts,” Wayne County Commissioner Matt Martin said during a recent regular session. “You are commended for helping Wayne County look good, and we value the freedom the flag represents. It will look good up there.”
The Emblem Club has a rich history. It started in 1917 when a small group of ladies affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks began meeting to wrap bandages in World War I.
Today, Emblem Clubs are active nationwide, providing charity and assisting others wherever needed. According to ohiostatehouse.org, in 1987 the Wooster Emblem Club was chosen to design the Wayne County flag.
In addition to promoting patriotism, the Emblem Club participates in community service projects, drug awareness, Grant-in-Aid Awards and literacy contributions. In 1964 the club established a National Disaster Fund to help members impacted by disaster.
To learn more about the Emblem Club, visit emblemclub.org.
Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for Wayne County.