The History of Southwest District 

On May 26, 1953, Mrs. Boyle (from Borgess Hospital Auxiliary), was elected the first President of (what was then called) Southwest District Council of Michigan Association of Hospital Auxiliaries.  In the fall of that year,  Allegan Service League hosted the first fall meeting.  Twelve auxiliaries answered roll call.  Dues were $5.00 and each auxiliary had 3 votes. 

By 1955, membership had grown to 19, with 97 auxilians attending the spring meeting in Three Rivers. 

Through the next few years policies were developed and adopted, a statewide song contest was held, job descriptions were written, constitutions were rewritten, and a "Hostess Kit" was compiled. 

By 1962, dues had risen to $.50, and 29 auxiliaries were members. The fall meeting was held at the State Home in Coldwater, with a guided tour of the facility. 

Membership continued to grow.  By 1964, 31 auxiliaries were represented at the Doo Drop Inn in Battle Creek. The first Southwest District manual was distributed to each auxiliary president and each district board member. During this same time period, the first district newsletter was published. By 1965, many bylaw changes had been adopted and growth continued. Dues were now $10.00.  Audit, Historian and Parliamentarian Committees were added during the next few years.  By 1968,  revised bylaws had been adopted. 

To facilitate better communication, in 1969, President Garver called a meeting of the Presidents of the District. This was a prelude to the Presidents/Past Presidents September meeting and the Presidents/Presidents Elect meeting in the spring.

 As one would expect with 31 auxiliaries, the number of auxilians had risen to 11,525, and dues increased to $20.00 by 1972. 

Through continuous bylaw revisions and the addition of 9 sub-groups from St. Lawrence, by 1983, 37 auxiliaries were represented. Late in the year, Mason Hospital Auxiliary disbanded, leaving Southwest District with 36 auxiliaries and 37 sub-groups. 

As time progressed, a logo was chosen for use on Southwest District materials, three hospitals dropped membership, changes for various meetings occurred, and a Board Manual was retyped on computer and stored by Ingham Medical Center. 

As the new century arrived and further changes were approved, Southwest District had 24 auxiliaries, with close to 7,000 volunteers - all meeting the year 2000 with many success stories. 

This synopsis does not mention (by name) each president who has contributed so much time and energy to the continued success of the auxiliary activities in the Southwest District. Without them, there would be no history.