On January 11, 1956, the late Marion Verbisky had a dream to help women living in their small rural areas.

Back 1956, the topics related to being a “Homemaker” were the norm of the monthly meetings; however, as time went on, Verbisky stated that “the goal was to also beautify our area and involve the community by planting flowers.”

As more women learned about the group, members decided that anyone could join regardless of where they live.

From what began with a few women who lived in the Bagley area, the group later became part of the Menominee County Extension Program for social and educational purposes.

Records dating back to 1956 have been kept by the West Bagley Homemaker Club, which began 70 years ago. (Photo courtesy of Susan Massarini)

“This dream has proven to be the test of evolving generations of women not only in Bagley but in the surrounding areas for over 70 years!” wrote President Susan Massarini.

The years rolled on, and the women kept meeting and gathering information to make their lives easier, and in their spare time, kept on beautifying the area.

Their involvement was recognized in May of 1982, when land was donated to Nadeau Township by Dave Adams for a county park. His parents were the late Frank and Louise Adams. Thus, the land became known as the Frank and Louise Adams Memorial Park. With permission of Nadeau Township, the seed was planted, and the group took over the care of the park for the next 40 years, making it more attractive for various community events.

The West Bagley Homemaker Club, sometimes referred to simply as the “Homemakers,” arranged the planting of trees, bushes, flowers, benches and other items that were donated to the park in honor of loved ones. They installed a display sign and flag poles honoring the USA and military.

The organization obtained a grant from the Hannahville Indian Community that helped with building up the Frank and Louise Adams Memorial Park, adding a pavilion with electricity, serving tables, barbecue grill and a freshwater well. The American Legion 487 Auxiliary in Carney provided toilet facilities.

Shown is the Frank & Louise Adams Memorial Park in Nadeau Township. The park has largely been developed thanks to the efforts of the West Bagley Homemaker Club. (Nadeau Township photo)

In recognition of the Homemakers “putting their hearts, souls and energy into improving and maintaining the park, year after year,” as Massarini put it, the late Jerry Benson of Nadeau bequeathed funds allowing the group to purchase and install new playground equipment.

The park, in turn, has become a tourist attraction that people notice from the highway with its various holiday displays and colorful playground equipment. The ingenuity of these displays, done by Jay Brand of Nadeau Township (whose late mother-in-law, Betty Eichhorn, was one of the original members of the group) continues on, to recognize the impact of community involvement.

Another initiative by the Homemakers was the establishment of a “Community Service Award” Program recognizing individuals and businesses who made a positive impact to local communities through their years of dedication and commitment.

When COVID was affecting the lives of members in the area, the club prepared over 1,000 homecooked and nutritious meals and delivered them to home-bound households.

Valuing continuing education in all fields, The West Bagley Homemaker CLub started and continues to raise funds for technical and trade school scholarships for students enrolled in the Carney-Nadeau and Stephenson High Schools. In three years time, they have been able to enrich the lives of 23 students with these scholarships.

A nonprofit group in Menominee County that has helped furnish a park and host career fairs was established in 1956 by Marion Verbisky. (Photo courtesy of Susan Massarini)

Recently, the Homemakers have begun orchestrating career fairs at Stephenson High School and Menominee High Schools in 2023, 2024 and 2025, with a total of over 1000 students in attendance. The fourth career fair is upcoming on April 29 at Menominee High School.

Over the years, the West Bagley Homemaker Club has raised funds by holding bake, pasty and craft sales, along with rummage sales, a small estate sale, bingo games and a spaghetti dinner. Proceeds from these events have gone to help The Barb Palzewicz Cancer Fund, Mid-County Rescue Squad, Trade and Technical School Scholarships, food pantries and more.

Donations to help fund the Homemakers’ events or sponsor scholarships are always welcome. Checks may be mailed to The Homemakers, PO Box 70, Daggett, MI 49821.

New members are always invited to join. For more information, interested persons may email wbagleyhomemakers@yahoo.com or call 715-938-0443.