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In May 1909, the local press printed an invitation for local women to attend a meeting at the home of Mrs. C. E. Cumberson. Its purpose was to form a women’s club. The meeting was attended by several socialites and other prominent women from the community.
Katherine Cumberson was selected ‘Chairman.’ and Gertrude Beeger named Secretary.
After a follow-up meeting in June at the Oddfellows Hall, the club became official. On September 16, 1909, the club officially incorporated with 35 members.
Club members were eager to get to work on local issues and projects. They began a robust fundraising campaign. For example, a multipage special edition of the Redwood City Democrat published on July 4, 1910, written by club members, attracted significant attention. The San Francisco Examiner and Oakland Tribune became interested and wrote about the club.
The special edition of the Democrat sold for ten cents. Advertising brought in additional revenue.
In May 1911, a three-day flower festival was held by the club. The event included lovely floral displays, a children’s parade, a maypole and finally a calico ball. Estimates are the club took in $2,000, which translates to just over $60,000 today!
The ball was held in a school gym, which wasn’t received very well by the local “Bachelor’s Club.” After some rankling back and forth the two clubs came to a cordial understanding.
The club became quite active, holding lectures on art, literature, civics, health, history, law and the work of the Red Cross.
In 1911, the club moved forward with constructing a permanent home for the organization and on October 26, 1911, the clubhouse officially opened at 149 Clinton Street.
Once opened, the clubhouse became a swirl of activities, including club business, hosting speakers, variety shows, luncheons, dances and more. The club has also hosted fundraising events and other charitable events.
In 1915, the clubhouse was threatened by a wildfire; however, volunteers were able to douse the fire and the building was saved.
In March of 2021, the club was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The rest is just history
Some of the photos used in this blog are courtesy of the Local History Room, Redwood City's best-kept secret. The Local History Collection covers all aspects of Redwood City's development, from the 1850s to the present day, with particular emphases on businesses, public schools, civic organizations, city agencies, and early family histories. The Local History Room is not affiliated with the Redwood City Public Library, but it is inside it.
