What is the History of the Orlando Republican Women Federated?
The Orlando Republican Women Federated is the oldest Republican women’s club in the state of Florida, originally formed in 1924 as the Republican Round Table. The organization’s first president was Grace Van Vranken, whose leadership helped establish ORWF as a cornerstone of Republican women’s civic involvement in Central Florida.
In 1932, the club opened and staffed the Republican headquarters for the Herbert Hoover campaign, demonstrating early dedication to political engagement and grassroots organization. During the Great Depression, the club reduced membership dues from fifty cents to twenty-five cents in order to remain accessible to women during difficult economic times, reflecting a spirit of resilience and commitment to fellowship.
In 1939, the organization joined the National Federation of Republican Women and became the Orange County Women’s Republican Club, Federated, formally aligning with the national movement of Republican women focused on education, leadership, and service.
Grace Van Vranken passed away in 1967 at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy of principled leadership and lasting impact.
In 2007, the club expanded its reach by joining both the National Republican Women’s Network and the Florida Women’s Political Network, changing its name to the Orlando Republican Women’s Network. In 2018, the organization proudly reclaimed the Federated name, becoming the Orlando Republican Women Federated once again. Today, ORWF stands arm in arm with Republican women across the country who are committed to fighting for what they believe in. For more than ninety years, members have formed bonds that last a lifetime while continuing to strengthen their communities and uphold conservative values.
