Las Gardenias — a women’s organization that was formed in San Marcos in the late 1940s — was a social club that promoted the cultural arts and Mexican heritage. The members supported the Mexican American community during the loss of a family member. They provided food and accompanied the family at the funeral. This was the beginning of organizing by women in San Marcos. Members included: Janie Vela Lucio, Mary Nevarez, Carolina Nevarez, Lily Ruiz and Lily Villalpando.
The National Office of the American GI Forum was formed in 1948. San Marcos founded its men’s chapter in 1954. The American GI Forum Ladies Auxiliary was formed, but the organization was active on and off for about three years. In 1957, it was reactivated and increased membership significantly, after the Voting Rights Act was passed and the movement took hold in San Marcos. For the first time in forum history, there were women officers at the district level.
The San Marcos Women’s Auxiliary was never content with just aiding and assisting the men’s chapter. They had their own projects and usually fought their own battles.
