Women's City Club of Cleveland

Women's forum for the discussion of topics of civic and public interest. It was founded in 1916, by Cleveland suffragettes and society leaders, in response to the establishment of an all-male City Club in 1912.

From the description of Records 1916-1965. (Rhinelander District Library). WorldCat record id: 17649380

The Women's City Club of Cleveland was organized in Cleveland, Ohio, on January 18, 1916 ". . .for the purpose of promoting a broad acquaintance among women, providing a central meeting place, maintaining an open forum for the discussion of topics of civic and public interest, and promoting the welfare of the City of Cleveland."

The club's inception came partially as a response to the establishment of an all-male City Club of Cleveland in 1911. This female counterpart was founded by suffragettes and Cleveland's female social elite. Among the early members and organizers of the club were Miss Belle Sherwin, Mrs. Charles F. Thwing, and Judge Florence E. Allen. In later years, such equally capable Clevelanders as Mrs. Dudley S. Blossom, Mrs. George A. Bellamy, and Mrs. Adella Prentiss Hughes directed and worked in the club's myriad of committees and sub-committees.

Throughout its history, the Women's City Club has adhered to a strict policy of endorsing only political and social issues and not candidates. One of the first causes championed by the Club was smoke abatement in Cleveland. The organization's efforts eventually resulted in the appointment of a Commissioner of Smoke Inspection in the early 1920s. Over the years, the Women's City Club has interested itself in such various issues as county home rule, welfare, mental health care, education, and public recreation. The Club also performed civic services by selling war bonds and promoting art and music. It continued to study and discuss pertinent issues and to provide a forum for all viewpoints concerning various issues.

click here to view the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History entry for the Women's City Club of Cleveland

From the guide to the Women's City Club of Cleveland Records, 1916-1965, (Western Reserve Historical Society)