BY ELAINE SILLS

Special to The Pilot

Eileen Malan, new president of the Southern Pines Civic Club, has announced the focus of the year will be the observance of the club's centennial.

Malan, a local realtor with a history of involvement in many aspects of the town, will be leading the club through a celebration that will focus on the club's founding history, service to the town and community, an emphasis on beauty and an improved quality of life for all residents, participation in town activities, an ongoing history of respect for the natural beauty of the area through conservation of the environment and preservation of early buildings.

When the club was designated as a National Historic Landmark, it was clear that one of the major objectives of the club was the value of culture, architecture, and service to the community.

Standing on the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 105 S. Ashe St., the building, designed by the architect A. B. Yeomans in the early 1920s, it is clear that the vision and earnest efforts of the founding members still wield a strong influence in the community.

Monthly meetings with varying themes of cultural, historical, health, literary, safety, and service-oriented themes are presented by guest speakers and club members.

The facility is also available for rental for other community occasions. These monies help maintain the building and fund other projects that are all designated for the betterment of the community, one of the original goals of the club.

Founded by Helen Montgomery Boyd Dull, 1866-1924, from Harrisburg, Pa., who moved here in the early 1900s to join her brother, John Y. Boyd, and his family in the Weymouth community, including her nephews James, the author, and Jackson Boyd.

"She issued a call for the women of Southern Pines to join together to improve the life of the residents of the town46 answered the call and the Civic Club was born," wrote Glenn Brillhart in "The Boyds of Weymouth."

The first meeting of the year will be Oct. 2, with a Board meeting at 10:30 a.m. followed by a luncheon at noon.

The program will be "An Early History of Southern Pines," presented by Norris Hodgkins, a longtime resident recognized for his knowledge, support, and great love for the town.

A Duke alumnus, Hodgkins continues to be in great demand for his wide range of expertise and involvement in many local organizations, including Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities, Sandhills Community College, Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church, Moore County Historical Association, FirstHealth of the Carolinas, the North Carolina Symphony, the Arts Council of Moore County and many others.

"Hodgkins' personal knowledge of the town and its residents always brings a renewed awareness of the special place that Southern Pines has become," says a spokesman.

For additional information call Eileen Malan, at 692-3719 or Vi Arhart, membership chairman at 692-3433.