Our History
1974
Starting Off as Welcome Wagon
Welcome Wagon® was founded in 1928 by an insightful marketing man in Memphis, Tennessee–Thomas Briggs. Mr. Briggs was inspired by stories of early Conestoga “welcome wagons” that would meet and greet westward travelers, providing fresh food and water for the journey. Welcome Wagon® became one of the first all-female companies in the United States.
1975
Origins of Newcomers' Club
Kennett Square Welcome Wagon was founded in 1975 as indicated by our records. The organization's purpose was to introduce new residents to their new community through home visits. The club grew to activities and brought neighbors together in a social setting to include bowling, tennis, greenery sales, to coffees and couples' activities in the evening and trips to the Philadelphia, the Flower Show. One monthly potluck luncheons with one luncheon held at the Stone Barn at a cost of $3.25.
1978
Newcomers' Club
Welcome Wagon's purpose and mission became obsolete as two-income families grew. Welcome Wagon has since reorganized using direct mailers to replace that friendly home visit with a basket of gifts from local family-run businesses. Newcomers' Club became an independent club with no parent organization in 1978. They continued social activities for women, couples, and the community activities. They remained generally organized similarly since 1975.
1980-1985
Continued to Grow
The idea of activity groups was added. They included card groups, bingo, arts & crafts, adventurers, couples' socials, gourmet club, book club, and even a couples canoe trip down the the Brandywine during this time! For many years a babysitting co-op was also organized along with babysitting during monthly luncheons.
1986
Well-Established in the Community
KSANC is primarily a social club that continues to support the local community, supporting education through school-related needs and helping to accommodate the many newcomers populating Kennett Square and the surrounding areas.
2010's
KSANC Adds Activities
Newcomers' Club was featured in this article on August 30, 2014.
For several year 2013-2015 a bell choir was formed. The Group activity was called Chimes and they performed in area senior care facilities and at holiday events
2020's
The World Paused, We Did Not
KSANC stayed intact during COVID with 178 members! Zoom became a new member to the board and to several groups. As vaccinations arrived and the mask restrictions were dropped, 2021 brought new us back together. For the first time in the club's history, the executive board stayed intact for a second term and met the goals of the club making up for "lost" time. We welcomed 24 new members! We resumed monthly luncheons including our annual Spring Event Fashion Show with 196 members and guests attending and raised $2,455.00 for local charities.
2023
Happy Birthday to Us!
Celebrating 45 years of continued Service to the Community.