One hundred years ago, work was completed on a unique building in Atwater that women of the era would call their own, using it as both a social space and organizing spot for community improvement projects.
The Atwater Women’s Clubhouse celebrates its 100th year of existence with a public open house on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The public is invited to tour the 1920s revival-style clubhouse with its attractive front porch supporting the structure’s top balcony on three slender columns anchored at the outside corners.
Located at the edge of the green expanse of Ralston Park, the building exhibits elements of a Spanish/Mediterranean revival style popular at that time.
The grounds are immaculately manicured and boxed in by trimmed hedges and a concrete apron around the building.
Through an immaculate white door with 15 framed, glass squares, visitors will enter the great room, where historical artifacts, including rare photos of local interest, accompanied by text, will be displayed.
While you’re there, check out the kitchen, which is both period-correct and modern where necessary. This is not merely a time capsule looking backwards, the members of the Atwater Women’s Club continue to use the facility to live out its mission to “foster friendships, exchange ideas, and plan upcoming projects and events.”
With a local history first dating to 1899, the original Atwater Women’s Improvement Club was organized in 1907 and led by early civic pioneer Christine Thompson Bloss. In those early years, the club helped name the city streets and planted trees in the park and throughout town.
Today, the Atwater Women’s Club serves the local community through scholarships to graduating high school seniors, supporting community service initiatives, including Toy for Tots, food drives, and assisting other local programs such as Kings View Work Experience Center and Rose Julia Tranquility Village.
Maintenance of the clubhouse is an ongoing concern, says member and city councilwoman Kalisa Rochester.
“We’re trying to complete projects that will improve the clubhouse, including some needed renovations,” she said, noting the fresh paint in the interior.
The clubhouse’s roof will soon be replaced through a generous in-kind contribution of local builder Brad Kessler.
Rental of the clubhouse, which provides a steady income for the non-profit organization is on hold while the renovation work continues.
“We sponsor a variety of social and community-focused activities throughout the year,” Rochester said. “With our centennial, we are celebrating the values of service, friendship, and generosity that have long been the foundation of the Atwater Women’s Club.”
For more information, visit the Atwater Women’s Club website at www.atwaterwomensclub.org.