In 1939, a group of 90 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. Our chorus helped to create a lighter mood, and in 1943, the first “Village of Elm Grove Directory” was printed and distributed to the community as a public service.

By 1954, membership had grown and a larger meeting place was needed. 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, such as dances, luncheons, style shows, and rummage sales - many of which 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. The fixture was paid in full that evening, and since then, this Holiday Gala has become the fundraising social event of the year. 

Since the beginning, 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 welcomes women from all communities and has evolved to reflect the women of today. The organization's membership of over 190 reflects a diversity of talents, outlooks, and interests while remaining true to its original mission and values. The spirit, energy, and generosity of those original 90 young women still prevail.