History

The Wauwatosa Woman’s Club was founded on Sept. 22, 1894. Officers were elected and a constitution adopted, declaring the club’s purpose to be “The social and intellectual development of women through a free interchange of thought, by a course of careful study, essays and discussions.”

Initially, meetings were held in members’ homes. The Club was incorporated in 1907; the first May Breakfast was prepared by members on a 3-plate gas stove. Plans grew for the building of a Clubhouse, so did the concept of including a museum to preserve the history and spirit of Wauwatosa’s earliest settlers. By 1913, donations began to come in and a Ways and Means Committee was formed.

Mr. E.D. Hoyt offered land in 1914, for a Clubhouse with a museum, provided that the women raise $10,000 in two years’ time. World War I intervened, and the offer was extended five more years. During the War, Club members met in the city council chambers.

After the war, the 93 members raised the required $10,000, and on April 24, 1924, ground was broken for the Clubhouse. The building was dedicated with celebrations on March 11, 12 & 13, 1925, with concerts, a costume party and speeches by local dignitaries.

The Clubhouse still had to be furnished in the following years. At the 1937 May Breakfast, the $45,000 mortgage was burned with high elation and much ceremony.

In 2019, the club celebrated its 125th anniversary with a large public open house.A time capsule that was encased in the cornerstone of the building in 1925 was opened. The capsule contents included currency, photographs and newspapers of the day.

Over the years, the club has continued to be a committed force of support for its members and for the community at large. Through its engagement, new programs were introduced to encourage continuing higher education, social engagement, and community service.