Pioneer Remembers Library's Early Days

Marjorie “Margie” Schine, 87, was a new mom when she began volunteering at the  in the early 1960s.

When she went to work at the forming library, her son came with her.

“I put a little box in the window and that’s where he would take a nap while his mother was a librarian,” she said.

Schine spoke Monday during the kickoff of the , a weeklong series of activities for the entire community.

But the library isn’t the only venture in which Schine was a pioneer.

On Sept. 20, 2011, the Temple Terrace City Council honored Schine for her volunteer spirit and leadership in Temple Terrace throughout her life.

Schine was a charter member of the GFWC Temple Terrace Junior Woman’s Club (1958) and was its president one year before she joined the Woman’s Club.

Schine served the Woman’s Club twice as president, treasurer, budget and audit chairman and arts festival chairman. She favored publishing a city directory as a community service and served as chairman of what became the Temple Terrace Guide. The Guide was published for 44 years.

She was also instrumental in converting an old schoolhouse into the .

“We had been looking for property where civic and service groups could meet,” said Schine. “One property, located on the golf course, was an option, but there was no parking. Woodmont Annex, however, was owned by the city and looked promising.”

An agreement with the city was reached. In exchange for the civic groups taking the responsibility of converting the abandoned school building into a community center, the city would allow use of the property. The formation of a non-profit to renovate and operate the community center was reached with a $1 per year lease.

Woodmont Clubhouse Association Inc. formed in 1979. Three representatives from each of the founding clubs would make up the nine-member board of directors. Those clubs were the Temple Terrace Woman’s Club, Temple Terrace Junior Woman’s Club and Temple Terrace Garden Club. Schine served as the board’s first president.

She led the conversion efforts. One year later, the former stable became a source of pride for the city. Once a three-room schoolhouse, it was converted to a meeting place. Two classrooms were combined and now seat 200 classroom-style or 125 for dinner in the main room. One room became a catering kitchen. New bathrooms were added. The 20-by-20-foot boardroom/foyer and office were added and the 720-square-foot sunroom was screened.

“Without Margie’s vision, our city would have easily lost one of its most historic buildings,” said Ruth Morris, president of the Woodmont Association Board. “Her tireless efforts have brought about today’s successful Woodmont Clubhouse Association. Our board is so grateful for her energy over the years. Personally, I am grateful for the guidance and support she has given me throughout our many years together on the board.”

The awarded Shine “Citizen of the Year” in 1981.

Schine hosted “From the Terrace,” a weekly television show on Coaxial Cable Channel 4 in 1982. The 30-minute program featured current event topics. Schine devoted an entire program to the conversion of Woodmont Clubhouse. She interviewed Mayor J.R. Richards, project architect Frank Valenti and project contractor George Fee.

The building showed its age 25 years later, and Schine led the fund-raising efforts. Her leadership skills and historical knowledge proved invaluable. The face-lift included repairs to the wooden floors and foundation, as well as electrical upgrades. Fee again came forward to oversee the renovations.

“Margie is a great friend and fellow Woman’s Club member I have grown to love and respect,” said Joyce Meitin, Woodmont Board secretary. “She has overseen Woodmont’s care and needs for all these years with her constant volunteer spirit. Margie is an example for all to emulate and admire.”

Schine is a shaker who knows who to ask and get what she needs. She is quick to mention others who donated their time and talents to a project. The city contributed less tan 10 percent of the cost of the original building conversion. Schine lined up donations of services (architect, contractor, legal and financial), siding, furniture and appliances. She also helped find the money to make the project a reality.

Schine served on the Woodmont Board as its president from 1979 to 1989. She was an executive committee member from 1979 to 2010 and now serves as advisor.

“Margie’s experience and history with the clubhouse has been invaluable to the board,” said Jane Land, Woodmont Board treasurer. “She is only one of many who have committed their time and energies to this beautiful building. I know we wouldn’t be where we are without her.”

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