The Woman’s Club of Claremont has been active since the early twentieth century and identifies itself as a non-profit organization open to all adult women with the desire to help the community. The club supports various charities, communities, schools, and organizations. The Woman’s Club of Claremont’s began in 1917 with a small group of women regularly meeting to do sewing, knitting, and other community service for the Red Cross as part of the war effort. After the war the women wanted to keep meeting to continue their bond of friendship and commitment to service. The first bylaws and constitution were drafted in June 1919 and the women began holding meetings in member’s homes under the name “Get Together Club.” The club’s first officers were elected in 1919: President Mrs. Fred Hill, Treasurer Mrs. Ernest Brooks, and Secretary Mrs. John Romick. There were thirteen original charter members: Mrs. Fred Hill, Mrs. C.E. De Lapp, Mrs. F. Willey, Mrs. M. Decker, Mrs. T.H. Gower, Mrs. Robert Merrick, Mrs. Mary Street, and Mrs. J.R. Smith who later earned notoriety as “Mother Smith” of Cosa Colina. The women first purchased their clubhouse, known as the Elegant Lady, in 1925 through fundraising efforts, donations from the townspeople of the city of Claremont, and a loan procured from Claremont First National Bank. Twenty-five years later the women celebrated their silver anniversary by having a grand jubilee which culminated with the original Club President, Mrs. Hill, and the then President, Mrs. Kennard, burning the paid-in-full mortgage. The event was recorded in the local newspaper, and a toast and response was recited at the celebration commemorating the club and the original thirteen members that brought the dream of the Woman’s Club of Claremont into reality.

The Woman’s Club once again volunteered for Red Cross work during WWII. The women sold war bonds, worked for the USO, and made scrap books for soldiers in hospitals. The clubhouse was used as the headquarters for the Red Cross Canteen. Since then the women of the club have continued to serve their community, with members devoting their efforts towards social, civil, and philanthropic work. The clubhouse facility is rented out for a fee, and after operating expenses, the club donates to various charities in the Claremont area. The organization also functions as a social club that has activities scheduled for every member to enjoy with a charitable heart. Over the years the club grew as the community grew, and the Woman’s Club of Claremont collection speaks to the intimate and integral relationship between the club and the community.

Sources: History of The Claremont Woman’s Club, February 16, 1960. Box 13, Folder: Club History, 1960-1979. Woman's Club of Claremont Records (H.Mss.1089). Special Collections, Honnold Mudd library, Claremont University Consortium.

Woman’s Club of Claremont Website, http://www.womansclubofclaremont.com/.