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Woman’s Club of White Plains

Introduction

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The Woman’s Club of White Plains has been a cultural and social force in the city of White Plains for the past 100 years. What started as a small group of women gathering to discuss literature, art, and current issues, grew to become one of the largest woman’s clubs in the United States. The club’s objective is to promote educational programs, engage in community service, host events, and support local charities. They have assisted the White Plains library, high school, courthouse, and various shelters as a result of their fundraising efforts and continue to implement community outreach in their mission by hosting upwards of 80 philanthropic activities each year.

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Automotive parking light, Plant, Tire, Wheel

Backstory and Context

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The Woman’s Club of White Plains was established in 1904 by 15 women who met at the home of Mrs. Eben W. Turner in White Plains. They initially called themselves the Fortnightly Club, then merged with another club in 1916 to form the Contemporary Club. The club eventually grew to a membership of 400 women, and they committed to becoming a cultural and social force in the community. The club’s name was changed to Woman’s Club of White Plains in 1948.

The building that the club currently occupies  was bought by the Woman’s Club in 1931. It was the former residence of Charles and Ethel Rich, the latter of whom sold the house, garage, and four acres of property to the club after the events of the stock market crash and the death of her husband. The house was designed by New York architects Albro & Lindeberg and built in 1910. It features a broad hipped roof with terra cotta tiles, deep overhanging eaves, and brick chimneys. The architectural style of the house is Italian Renaissance, a style that was popular in the late 19th and early 20th century for residential buildings of wealthy clients.

Since its inception, the Woman’ Club of White Plains' fundamental purpose has been the development of various initiatives and resources for community members. The club participates in support for various charities, including the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, St. Bernard’s Nursery School for Homeless Children, and the Ecumenical Food Pantry. The time, effort, and donations  by the Women’s Club of White Plains has helped those in need and ensured the success of programs that exist for the betterment of the community.

Sources

Liebson, Richard. “Woman's Club of White Plains Marks Centennial.” The Journal News. The Journal News, January 28, 2016. https://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/westchester/white-plains/2016/01/28/womans-club-white-plains-marks-centennial/79400772/.

National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program Records. “New York SP Woman’s Club of White Plains,” October 20, 2010. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/75323312.

“The Woman's Club of White Plains: About.” The Woman's Club of White Plains. Accessed February 23, 2021. http://www.womansclubofwhiteplains.org/about.html.

Additional Information