The Woman's Literary Club (WLC) was the first women's club in Dayton. Founded in 1889, it was one of the few women's clubs in the country at the time. Among the founding members were Miss Lilly King, Mrs. O.B. Brown, Mrs. Charles Snyder, Mrs. B.F. McCann, Mrs. Edith L. Boyer, and Mrs. John Campbell. Its goal was the study of literature, as well as history, art, and music. James A. Robert, principal and teacher at Cooper Seminary as well as the original author of Robert's Rules of Order, encouraged the founders in their goal. When the WLC was founded, it served as a vehicle for women to engage in serious scholarly pursuits and gain confidence in public speaking at a time when these opportunities were rare for women. During its first 25 years, the club was known for civic and philanthropic (in addition to literary) activities.
It boasted several prominent Daytonians among its early members, including Mrs. David L. Rike, Mrs. Charlotte Reeve Conover (also one of its founders), Electra Doren and Mary Davies Steele. The club's membership was sometimes referred to as "the smartest women in Dayton". Thus, the WLC had strict attendance and presentation rules for its members. Originally, members had to memorize the papers they were presenting. Although the rules have since been relaxed, the club still requires a strong commitment from its members. Papers are still assigned based on a theme chosen by the program committee and presenters must write a college-level term paper that can be read aloud in no more than 25 minutes. In addition, the club encourages creative writing among its members by offering creative writing workshops and annual creative writing awards. The awards were instituted in 1931 and continue to the present.
From the guide to the Woman's Literary Club Records, 1889-2011, (Wright State University, Special Collections and Archives)
