In 1939, a group of ninety young women began sharing their cultural, social, civic and philanthropic ideas,
along with a strong desire to serve the needy, support our community and foster new friendships. What
began as a Mother’s Club at Leland School soon became the Elm Grove Woman’s Club.
In the beginning, monthly meetings were held in local schools, and even local taverns! Their major activity
was making beanbags for sick children at the Children’s Hospital, and during World War II, bandage rolling,
and other civilian wartime efforts filled their time. The chorus helped to create a lighter mood, and in 1943
the first “Elm Grove Directory” was printed and distributed to the community as a public service.
By 1954, the membership had grown to 400 strong, and a larger meeting place was desired. A dream was
finally realized when a twelve-year old colonial Lutheran Church on Plank Road was for sale. Fundraising
activities were created to raise money for the purchase - dances, luncheons, style shows, and rummage
sales – many things that we continue to do today.
The clubhouse was offered for rent to private parties, and the proceeds from our fundraising helped fund
the “ballroom” addition, which debuted in 1959. An exquisite crystal chandelier was ordered for the center
of the ballroom, and a formal dance, “The Chandelier Ball”, was held to acquire the funds for this
purchase. The fixture was “paid in full” that evening, and since then, the Chandelier Ball has become the
fundraising social event of the year.
Since the beginning in 1939, the Elm Grove Woman’s Club has grown and flourished. Our organization has
provided funding and durable goods for local educational institutions, hospitals, charitable organizations,
community-based activities, and the volunteer services of our village government.
Today, the dream lives on. The clubhouse, with its’ distinctive exterior and elegant interior sits contentedly
on Watertown Plank Road. Our club has evolved throughout its history to reflect women of today. Its
current membership of over 200 members exemplifies diverse talents, outlooks, and broad interests while
holding true to the organization’s original values and mission. The spirit, energy and generosity of those
original 90 young women still prevails.
along with a strong desire to serve the needy, support our community and foster new friendships. What
began as a Mother’s Club at Leland School soon became the Elm Grove Woman’s Club.
In the beginning, monthly meetings were held in local schools, and even local taverns! Their major activity
was making beanbags for sick children at the Children’s Hospital, and during World War II, bandage rolling,
and other civilian wartime efforts filled their time. The chorus helped to create a lighter mood, and in 1943
the first “Elm Grove Directory” was printed and distributed to the community as a public service.
By 1954, the membership had grown to 400 strong, and a larger meeting place was desired. A dream was
finally realized when a twelve-year old colonial Lutheran Church on Plank Road was for sale. Fundraising
activities were created to raise money for the purchase - dances, luncheons, style shows, and rummage
sales – many things that we continue to do today.
The clubhouse was offered for rent to private parties, and the proceeds from our fundraising helped fund
the “ballroom” addition, which debuted in 1959. An exquisite crystal chandelier was ordered for the center
of the ballroom, and a formal dance, “The Chandelier Ball”, was held to acquire the funds for this
purchase. The fixture was “paid in full” that evening, and since then, the Chandelier Ball has become the
fundraising social event of the year.
Since the beginning in 1939, the Elm Grove Woman’s Club has grown and flourished. Our organization has
provided funding and durable goods for local educational institutions, hospitals, charitable organizations,
community-based activities, and the volunteer services of our village government.
Today, the dream lives on. The clubhouse, with its’ distinctive exterior and elegant interior sits contentedly
on Watertown Plank Road. Our club has evolved throughout its history to reflect women of today. Its
current membership of over 200 members exemplifies diverse talents, outlooks, and broad interests while
holding true to the organization’s original values and mission. The spirit, energy and generosity of those
original 90 young women still prevails.
History
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