About the Club

Over 135 years ago, a group of visionary women formed The Woman’s Club of Evanston to address pressing social issues and unmet community needs. To educate themselves on topics of the day, including women’s suffrage, politics, art and literature, the club held lectures for the membership that were provided by visiting professionals.

Examples of early works include:

• • Funding the first visiting nurse, ambulance, and hospital in Evanston
  • Hiring a milk inspector and lobbying for city sanitation to prevent disease
  • Funding kindergarten and organizing vision & hearing tests in schools
  • Providing free daycare for working mothers
  • Organizing traveling libraries to rural areas
  • Providing charity sewing and soup kitchens
  • Supporting the first juvenile court and officers focused on rehabilitating young offenders

In 1911, the corner lot was purchased, and the architectural services of Ernest Mayo were secured. The cornerstone was laid in 1912 and in 1913 the Clubhouse opened its doors. From that day forward, 1702 Chicago Avenue has been a civic and cultural home for the Evanston community.

Today, The Woman’s Club of Evanston is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Annually, over $150,000 in grant monies and 15,000 hours of volunteer service go to local, not-for-profit organizations. With a vibrant community of 300 multi-generational members, the WCE continues to shape the future of local service and philanthropy.

Timeline:
1851 Northwestern University Founded
1889 The Woman’s Club of Evanston Founded
1892 City of Evanston Established
1912 Clubhouse Built
1913 Clubhouse Opened

To learn more about The Woman’s Club of Evanston and our members, please visit our Club website at wcofe.org.

Photo: WCE Dreams Delivered Prom Boutique in the Grand Ballroom.