Curtis Mansion - Women's Club

CURTIS, LONG, KNIGHTS, BRANDENBURG, WILKE, SIMMONS, HEEND, MILLER, PHELPS

Posted By: Michael Kearney (email)
Date: 1/2/2003 at 09:35:46

The Clinton Herald Thursday May 2, 1968 p. 11 An interesting and detailed history of Clinton Women's club from its inception in 1912 to the present time was presented by Mrs. E.L. Miller at the annual spring luncheon of Home and Garden department of the club. Mrs. Miller, the club's only living charter member, stated that the club started with 130 members and soon grew to 300 under the leadership of Mrs. George B. Phelps, the first president. For 13 years, the club met in such places as the Methodist church, YMCA, DAR and Odd Fellows halls and the Boat club, until March 7, 1925, when the Curtis family mansion at 420 5th Ave. S. was purchased for a club home. Some of the major projects undertaken for Clinton Women's club throughout the years include: - Helping the city of Clinton to pass a milk ordinance and urging the employment of a licensed milk inspector. - Conducting a litter campaign by placing 23 receptacles near parks and schools and posting the slogan "Keep the Bright Spot Spotless." - Helping to establish the YWCA in 1915. - Instigating a movement for a playground in Clinton and promoting the first city wide community Christmas tree. - Assisting with several drives including plans to have the Visiting Nurses association added to the United Fund. Promoting establishment of conservation and economics programs for the city as well as Child Welfare department with social workers, and encouraging an interest in nature study and home gardening. In 1920, the Home and Garden department was started with 60 members and membership grew so fast that in 1927 a second Home Garden department was added with particular interest in home and family, growing of vegetables, flowers, shrubs and trees. The Home Garden department held flower shows, food sales, bazaars and other fund-raising events to provide funds with which to pay off the mortgage on the club home. In 1962, during the presidency of Mrs. Lee Simmons, who served from 1960 to 1967, the final payment on the home was made and the mortgage was burned. For many years the club had six departments of study, Music and Drama, Literature, Fine Arts and Crafts, two Home Garden departments, and the general club. Today there are four departments, Home and Garden, Horticulture, Arts and Crafts and general club. The stately mansion housing the Women's club still contains many of the original furnishings, tile fireplaces, chandeliers, frescoed walls and prized statuary. Occasionally the Woman's club holds an open house permitting the public to tour the elegant home. The second and third floors of the mansion are rented to women who make their homes in the building. Hostesses for the luncheon were Mrs. Elizabeth Long and Mrs. Carl Knights. Mrs. Arnold Brandenburg gave the invocation. Mrs. Louis H. Wilke is current president of the club. The next meeting of the Home and Garden department will be May 23 featuring a musical program. Hostesses will be Mrs. Lee Simmons, Mrs. Sam Heend and Mrs. Miller.