Glendora Woman's Club

The Glendora Woman’s Club, which met initially at the Opera House, built a wood frame Craftsman style club house on this site in 1912 and held its first meeting here on November 5, 1912. That building still exists within the heavily “modernized” exterior and interior resulting from a renovation in 1955. It as used as a setting for countless social gatherings and still houses the Women's Club today.

Several lots were offered to the Women's Club for a clubhouse location, including one offered free of charge by George Whitcomb, the city's founder, but they had definite thoughts in mind and wanted a particular location. As a result of their flurry of activities, including a series of card parties held in 1917 and a concert by the world-renowned vocalist, Ellen Beach "Lark Ellen" Yaw, they raised enough money to purchase the lot at 424 N. Michigan (now Glendora) Avenue for the price of $350.

After purchasing the lot, they had had to raise money for the construction of their building. One of the ways they raised money as through a subscription contest, held by the Los Angeles Examiner. The club sold enough subscriptions to win the prize of a Cadillac (which they then sold for $1,892.00). Bidding instruction stressed, "Only contractors who are residents or property owners in Glendora are eligible to bid." On June 4, 1912 they accepted the low bid of $5,600 for construction of the clubhouse from R. M. Goebel. Plans were prepared by T.W. Wamsley. Total cost of construction ran $6,136.40 and with furnishing was $7,873.14.

On November 5, 1912, just 3 1/2 years from their initial gathering, the members held their first meeting in their new clubhouse.

Glendora Woman's Club. Accessed March 22nd 2022. https://www.glendorawomansclub.org/the-clubhouse.

Price, Ryan Lee. Glendora. Postcard History Series. Charleston, SC. Arcadia Publishing, 2008.