Our History

It all began with an idea. On January 30, 1975, a luncheon meeting was held at the then-called “River Club,” for women in the community interested in forming a “Women’s Club” with the encouragement of River Hills Plantation Company representative, Walter Covin. The meeting was sponsored by a group of approximately 30 women with 88 attending. A temporary steering committed was established. In February of that year, another luncheon meeting was help to formalize the structure of the River Hills Women’s Club. proposed By-Laws were adopted and those paying dues ($10.00) became Charter Members. Jane Barker DeRuiter was elected the first President

In December 1975, the first yearbook was distributed listing 60 members. Until 1980 the members exchanged Christmas ornaments.

On February 6, 1976, the River Hills Women’s Club held an evening meeting, open to everyone in River Hills and guests from the area, to meet Governor and Mrs. James B. Edwards of South Carolina. Dinner was served in the Regatta Room, Commodore Point, with 186 people ion attendance.

In November 1976, as a public service project, the Women’s Club compiled, edited, and typed the first River Hills Resident Telephone Directory headed by President Margaret Williford. In subsequent years, the River Hills Lions Club has carried out this project.

Special Interest Groups were formed with monthly meetings held starting in September 1981. The groups consisted of Antiques, Books & Coffee, Casual Bridge, Flower Arranging, Gourmet, Investment Club, Sew & Chatter, and Yoga. Aiming to embrace the interests of all members, some groups were dropped and others added throughout the years.

By May of 1984, the membership of the Women’s Club exceeded 250 (a substantial increase from the beginning days). The largest membership of 334 occurred in 1989 due to so many community activities offered including the new, very popular and informative Continuing Education group.

In 1993, a survey revealed that the women of the club enjoyed fashion shows (still most popular), musical programs, local history, book authors, and one day bus excursions. Through the years, programs have featured local politicians, area TV & Radio personalities, prominent people in the region (such as a NASA Mission Specialist), poets, as well as theatrical productions.

Successful benefit bridge and teas have been held to raised funds for the Clover Medical Clinic, River Hills Emergency Squad, and the York County Humane Society. In addition, funds remaining in the budget have been dispersed to the River Hills Plantation Planters, Bethel Volunteer Fire Department, Clover Rescue Squad, York County Hospice, Friends of the Playground, and the River Hills Swim Team. In recent years, this practice of fund raising was discontinued.

Several gifts for the River Hills Country Club, have been purchased by the Women’s Club; a commercial size movie screen, a silver punch bowl, and floral container with pedestal base, as well as the plaques engraved with the names and dates of Past Presidents of the River Hills Women’s Club.

In January 2025, the River Hills Women’s Club will celebrate 50 years of neighborhood friendship, delightful lunches, and enjoyable programs held at the River Hills Country Club.