In 1908, fourteen women in Franklinton organized the Culture Club. It is one of the oldest chartered clubs in Louisiana and was affiliated with the State Federation in 1916, when it became the Waverly Club, and the General Federation of Women's Clubs in 1923.
Most of the early meetings consisted of book reviews and discussion of worldly issues. The club slowly became more interested in civic affairs and began to adopt new projects focusing on the growth and betterment of Franklinton. The Waverly Club records reflect numerous civic-minded committees such as City Beautification, Girl and Boy Scouts and Rural Community Services.
In 1925 the Babington family donated to the club the triangular property located on Main, Cleveland, and Mill Streets, and Waverly Club constructed the historic Rock House in 1938. Today the Rock House and grounds are painstakingly decorated for the Christmas season by the members of Waverly Club with assistance from Dr. Chip McVea, Dr. Bobby Stafford, Robbie Stringfield, and Jeff Tageant along with other husbands who are volunteered to help. The Town of Franklinton maintenance crew also assists. All the decorations have been purchased or donated by the Waverly Club and are kept in storage for the remainder of the year.
According to the notes of the late Margaret Stafford Burch provided by member Linda Crain, one of the club's most treasured traditions is the Candy Car or Santa Claus Float. This tradition began in 1919 visiting all the schools in Franklinton. In the past 104 years, it has evolved from a borrowed pick-up truck to a float carrying Santa and his elves to destinations throughout the town.
The current float features Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves who visit Bowling Green School, Head Start, Franklinton Primary School, and the Activity Center. Santa personally speaks to approximately 850 children in four hours and gifts each one with a candy cane.
Many local men and women may remember fondly as having served as Santa or an elf, or simply excitedly anticipating the float's arrival at their school. One reason for such excitement is that the float rolls on the day of or day before students are dismissed for Christmas break. The visit of Santa and his elves only heighten the excitement of children anxiously waiting for Christmas Day.
It is not mentioned in the club's history when elves began to ride with Santa. Initially elves were fourth grade boys as this was commonly agreed to be the age when they could comprehend the magic of fiction and serve in this capacity. It has always been a top-secret job, and the identity of the elves are kept secret as is Santa. Elves were and still are urged to remain quiet when a sharp-eyed schoolmate or younger sibling seems to recognize them behind their beard, makeup, glasses, wig, and hair. These young men were usually the son or grandson of members, or one especially selected and asked to participate if needed. Some of these elves have gone on to serve Waverly Club as Santa Claus when his own children reached fourth grade.
It was in 1988 that the elf crew began including females. Adrienne Truxillo, Christy Knight, and Glenna Shipley were the first female elves who served along with the traditional males. There are usually four to five elves; however, this year six Waverly Club members had children or grandchildren who were eligible. No member's fourth grader is ever excluded from being Noel, Thankful, Cheerful, Joyful, Christian, or Merciful.
Marsha Newman, current president of Waverly, did not serve as an elf since females were not yet allowed. However, her sons Scott and Ricky were elves and had a wonderful time. Marsha's mother, the late Jerry Dick and her grandmother the late Mrs. Charles Gayer were Waverly Club members and presidents. Marsha is pleased to follow her mother and grandmother as president.
"The Santa float has been a beloved tradition in Franklinton for decades," said Marsha. "I have fond memories of anxiously awaiting the arrival of Santa at Franklinton Elementary School. You could probably ask any male in Franklinton, and he would say he was an elf also. I hope this tradition of the Santa float with his elves lasts forever here in our small community."
This year's Santa Claus served as an elf and met one of his lifelong friends in the process. He then was Santa with his own three sons and has generously volunteered to be Santa the past few years. The current Mrs. Claus was not an elf, but her husband and sons were. Her husband, who has fond memories being an elf, stepped in as Santa when the younger son was an elf. The family looks forward to the future when the third generation can participate in this awesome Franklinton tradition.
Santa and Mrs. Claus and their elves have returned to the North Pole and anxiously await Christmas Day. Meanwhile, they encourage everyone to visit the Rock House Triangle and enjoy the lights and decorations. There are photo opportunities around the property, or one can simply reflect on the magic of Christmas in Franklinton.
