A French Ambassador giving his impressions of the USA in a speech at the National Press Club in 1921 stated: "Americans are fantastic people. If there is a local problem, the citizens call a meeting, serve coffee, sing songs and adopt resolutions, then turn the matter over to the some club or a committee. And even more fantastic… they usually solve the problem."

The Ambassador really zeroed in on an American characteristic so descriptive of our progressive city. Civic spirit is an American tradition and Hawthorne is no exception. Local clubs and organizations were being organized long before incorporation. In 1916 the Rotary Club was organized by the late Judge Frank Parent, and its first president was Jordan E. Dunaway. In 1917, the Women's Club was organized with Mrs. O.W. Murray as its first president. The club held its first meetings in the Jones Building (corner of 126th and Hawthorne Boulevard). Then they bought a small church building on Menlo Avenue, later moving the building to Birch and remodeling it. When the Women's Club bought land and built a new club house in 1930, which still stands at 121st Street and Birch Avenue, the remodeled church was sold to the Knights of Columbus and is still standing. Over 80 clubs and organizations operate in Hawthorne. These include the Lions, Elks, Eagles, Odd Fellow, Women's Club, Quota Club, Business and Professional Women's Club, American Legion and several other veterans groups, youth groups, senior citizens, organizations of teachers, policemen, firemen, realtors, friends of the library, a gem and mineral club for rock hounds, a symphony association, Kiwanians, Rotarians, two Optimists Clubs, and their activities are endless. A Hawthorne area youth band and majorette corps has been honored with many awards and has played twice in the Hollywood Bowl. The Southwest Community Health Clinic provides low cost dental and medical health services to needy youngsters. The Hawthorne Kiwanis Club is the founder of the Hawthorne Community Fair and Parade. The Lions Club has its annual Fight for Young campaign and many objectives for aid to the blind. The American Legion points with justifiable pride to its annual band review which is rated as one of the biggest events for high school bands in California. Little League baseball and junior league football are programs to use the energy of youth and are made possible by civic-spirited parents and businessmen. The auxiliary of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, organized March 1949, has grown to over 500 members. The drill team won the national championship at Denver in 1954, spends much effort in charities and Christmas baskets for the needy. The Hawthorne Business and Professional Women's Club organized in 1932, conducts an annual Youth Clinic to educate and inform young women about the talents needed in various professions and how to become proficient and climb to greater heights in their chosen fields.

Unfortunately, space does not permit an accolade to the dozens of other projects promoted by our citizens for the benefit of their community.