The Society was renamed just before the 1960 workshop to reflect its growing presence in Amarillo. Throughout the 1960s–1980s, it hosted public exhibitions, published research materials, sponsored historical publications, and partnered on trips to major genealogical libraries. With strong volunteer support, it held annual workshops, social events like picnics and dinners, and established traditions such as donating books to the library in memory of members.
By the 1980s, membership peaked, and the Society had made lasting contributions to the Amarillo Public Library’s genealogy collection. Today, AGS continues its mission to support genealogical research, share knowledge, and inspire the next generation of family historians.
The challenge for you – please continue to help collect and preserve this historic society’s goals, continue it’s mission of genealogical research and sharing – take an active part in your society and bring a friend!
Honoring the Legacy of the J.U.G. Club
Genealogy research at the Downtown Amarillo Public Library is made possible thanks to the pioneering efforts of the J.U.G. Club Library Committee. The J.U.G. Club — Just Us Girls — was Amarillo’s first permanent women’s club, organized on October 16, 1900, in the home of Floriede Ware.
After much debate, the founding members chose the name “J.U.G. Club,” a nod to their camaraderie and close-knit spirit. Affectionately known in the community as “the Jugs,” these women left a lasting legacy in the city’s cultural and educational development.
A photograph from around 1903, shown on the left, features early club members:
Back row: Floriede Ware (Mrs. Sam Vaughan), Iva Nobles (Mrs. Frank Storm), and Trulie Works (Mrs. Bailey)
Front row: Bernice Russell (Mrs. Hayes), Mamie Trigg (Mrs. B.W. Owens), and Corrie Brower (Mrs. Jim Richardson)
In 1902, with the help of Mrs. Margaret Wills, J.U.G. Club members established a small community library — the beginning of what would become the Amarillo Public Library.
A second photograph, taken in September 1977 at the home of Helen Lutz, captures members of the Junior J.U.G.'s, who continued the mission of the original club.
Seated (left to right): Geneive Scott, Mabel Lutz, Louise Russell, Myrtle Kuykendall
Standing (left to right): Beulah Stanberry, Mary Coleman, Frances Nobles, Hortense Woodburn (Not pictured: Alma Dodson and Irene Gentry)
This rich legacy of community, education, and women's leadership lives on through the library’s genealogy resources — a tribute to the vision and dedication of Amarillo’s earliest library supporters.
