Note: Full disclosure: Anne Clay has been a long supporter of Polk Today, and we continue to appreciate all that she does for the community. Not just us. This however had no influence on the posting of this particular item below, which I will admit did bring a smile to my face to see today. – KtE

A lot of supporters, family and friends came out to show their love for a local woman who has impacted the lives of many here in Polk County.

During their March meeting, the city offered their appreciation and a proclamation honoring Anne Clay, who is known for a lot of areas where she has offered support – including work at the Women’s Building.

Here’s what the city posted earlier today about the honor for Clay:

A familiar face was honored at a recent meeting of the Cedartown City Commission. If you’ve ever hosted a family reunion or a baby shower at the Woman’s Building, you know the name we’re about to mention: Anne Clay.

The city recently honored Mrs. Clay with a special proclamation honoring this very special lady and friend of Cedartown. Members of Mrs. Clay’s family attended the meeting and a photo was taken to remember the celebration.

Help us congratulate her!

The proclamation reads:

A PROCLAMATION BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CEDARTOWN
IN HONOR OF Anne Clay

WHEREAS, on February 5th , 1935 a group of women purchased a piece of property for $300, to use for a club to host a “women’s meeting place” and community gathering place. After working together, the doors opened on January 6, 1937, being officially named “The Woman’s Building”;
and

WHEREAS, the ladies of the club became The Cedartown Federated Women’s Club promoting educational, civic, social, and moral advancement within the community by donating funds and furnishings to help open the Hawkes Library, funding equipment for the first Science Department at the High School, building the first pavilion, tennis courts, barbeque grill and playground at Peek Park, and donating countless hours of their time and efforts to numerous other local drives and campaigns;
and

WHEREAS, under the care of Miss Molly Brewster, First Custodian and Keeper of the Building for over three decades and Miss Portia Russell, First President of the Newly Formed Federated Women’s Club, the club thrived for many years in the community:
and

WHEREAS, Miss Georgia Wyatt, daughter of Miss Portia Russell, was elected President and served for over three decades before handing it over to her Vice President Anne Clay, who has been the keeper of the building in all things since:
and

WHEREAS, Anne Clay began working with Miss Georgia Wyatt in 1986 and quickly formed a meaningful relationship to last for years to come, even receiving a 7:00 a.m. phone call from Miss Georgia Wyatt every day, with her instructions for the day, guiding her, and molding her for her future duties as the President of the Cedartown Federated Women’s Club. Anne was elected as President around 1999;
and

WHEREAS, on December 7, 2000, after tireless research and effort by Anne Clay, The Woman’s Building was placed on the National Register of Historical Places;

and WHEREAS, Anne Clay has worked with diligence, dedication, and determination to uphold the traditions, by-laws, and morals of the club, keeping the legacy of the club alive and making her predecessors proud.
Now, therefore, the City of Cedartown Board of Commissioners does hereby recognize and honor Anne Clay’s 36 years of service to The Woman’s Building, The Federated Women’s Club, and The Citizens of The City of Cedartown on this 14th Day of March, 2022.