Note Type
Historical NoteNote
Edith Lewis 1889-1983
Edith Lewis was born on a farm near Salina, Kansas, homesteaded by her parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Ebenezer Washburn. After graduating high school, she attended the Teacher’s Institute in Salina, Kansas
where she received her diploma and began teaching at the Eff Creek School until her marriage. In 1913
Edith and her husband moved to Fort Lauderdale.
In 1914 she began working at H.G. Wheeler Department store, less than one block north of the New
River on Brickell Ave. At this time there were two departments in the store, Lady’s and Men’s. Edith
managed the Lady’s department. A member of the Rebekah Lodge No. 30, she served as Noble Grand in
her lodge in Kansas, also the Caloosa Lodge in Fort Lauderdale. In 1917 she was appointed as the district
deputy for the jurisdiction of Fort Lauderdale. In 1921 Edith became a charter member of the American
Legion Auxiliary in Fort Lauderdale. She served for two years as President and four years as Secretary,
besides serving as Chairman of many committees. In 1925 Edith served as Chairman of the State Legion
Auxiliary convention held in Fort Lauderdale. Edith became a charter member of the Business and
Professional Women’s Club of Fort Lauderdale in 1926. She served as club president in 1930-1931 and
again in 1940-1941.
Edith began her employment at the Broward County Credit Bureau on October 3, 1945, and retired
November 17, 1970. In 1950, Joe Graham, then owner of the Credit Bureau, said he would like to see a
Credit Women’s Breakfast Club formed in Fort Lauderdale. He asked Edith if she would help organize it
since she already had club experience. In a short amount of time, with the help of the Miami club and
Mr. Graham, the Women’s Credit Club was formed in Fort Lauderdale with Edith Lewis serving as its first
President.