Did you know that the Memorial Grove in Prairie Creek State Park was purchased by the Soroptimist clubs of the then Southwestern Region in 1949. The grove, consisting of 40 acres of old growth redwood, fir, and other species of trees, was purchased through the Save the Redwoods League for $10,000. The clubs donated $5000 with the State of California matching that amount.
In 1958 Soroptimist International of Eureka purchased and had installed the bronze box and door, adorned with the Soroptimist insignia and an etched rhododendron spray. In October 1958, the first Memorial Grove service was held at the grove. The names of 154 deceased members were placed in the niche on plasticized scrolls.
Since then, on the second Sunday in June, there is a memorial service held in the grove to remember deceased Soroptimist members.
