Purpose
The Woman’s Club of Topeka provides opportunities for its members to foster social connections and civic betterment by focusing on hobbies, citizenship, education, literature, and the home. The Woman’s Club promotes the general welfare of the community and the betterment of humanity.
Beginnings
Our rich history begins with being proud of the legacy the Woman’s Club has of bringing together women from all walks of life in fellowship. It was the idea of Margaret Hill McCarter and Lucy Kingman to hold a meeting on April 23, 1897, at the YWCA for the purpose of forming a Federation of Topeka Clubs. Thirty-five literary clubs were invited, and twenty-five participated in the initial meeting.
To minimize any controversy, the emphasis was placed on the arts, music, literature, and philanthropy. The community’s betterment was a key focus of many early endeavors. The Club raised funds for playgrounds at schools and advocated for improved working conditions and treatment of teachers. The Club raised $700 for books for children affected by the North Topeka flood in 1903.
The organization was instrumental in Topeka’s beautification, planting two thousand rose and spirea bushes and numerous nut trees along the boulevards. As the Club matured and became more civic-minded, such issues as uniform divorce laws, anti-white slavery, and women’s suffrage became important to many of the Club’s leaders.
There were several name changes as the women defined the purpose of their organization. The Federation of Topeka Clubs was changed to the Federation of the Clubs of Topeka and Vicinity. Then, in 1912, the name of the Club was changed to the Topeka Federation of Women, and in 1916, it was changed to the Woman’s Club of Topeka.
Our Homes
The decision was made in 1909 to begin to raise funds for a clubhouse while continuing the betterment of the community. The groundbreaking for the clubhouse at 420 SW 9th Street occurred in 1923. The meetings began to be held there in 1925. Members were proud of the many stained glass windows in The Woman’s Club, some of which were donated by husbands.
The Woman’s Club on 9th Street was placed on the Kansas List of Historical Sites, with the State requesting that it be added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Woman’s Club was sold for $500,000 in February 1981.
In April 1981, the construction of a new building was started just off Fairlawn at 5221 SW West Drive. The first general meeting of the Woman’s Club held at the new building was on April 15, 1982. We continue to meet here.
Betterment of Humanity
The original purpose of the Woman’s Club to work for the betterment of humanity has been visible throughout our history. It was never more evident than it was during the Great Depression. Throughout, the women continued their philanthropy:
- gave space rent-free to organizations needing a place to meet,
- sent silk hosiery to the Veterans Hospital in Washington, D.C.
- donated clothing and food baskets to the needy,
- pieced, lined, and tied comforters for families struggling to stay warm
- provided nursing scholarships.
The Woman’s Club has positively impacted many lives over its more than 125 years of existence. We have helped many organizations accomplish their missions. We continue to strive for the betterment of humanity.