American Women's League Chapter House (Peck, Idaho) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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American Women's League Chapter House
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The chapter house in 2015
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 Location in Idaho
Location in the United States
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| Location | 217 N. Main St., Peck, Idaho |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1909 |
| Architect | Helfensteller, Hirsch & Watson |
| Architectural style | Prairie School |
| NRHP reference No. | 86002158 |
| Added to NRHP | September 4, 1986 |
The American Women's League Chapter House in Peck, Idaho, was built in 1909. It is a special building because it shows the unique style of Prairie School architecture. Architects Helfensteller, Hirsch & Watson from St. Louis designed it.
This house is important because it is a rare example of a building made for the American Women's League (AWL). It is the only one of two AWL chapter houses in Idaho that still stands today. The house was a key place for social and educational activities in the local community. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. This means it is recognized as a significant historical site in the United States.
Contents
What Was the American Women's League?
The American Women's League (AWL) was a group started in 1908 by Edward Gardner Lewis. He was a publisher from St. Louis, Missouri. The AWL aimed to help women get an education and improve their lives.
Why Was the AWL Important?
The AWL offered many opportunities for women. They could take correspondence courses, which are classes done by mail. These courses covered subjects like art, literature, and home economics. The league also provided ways for women to earn money. They could sell magazines or create crafts.
How Did Chapter Houses Help?
Chapter houses were special buildings for AWL members. They served as local centers where women could meet. Members used these houses for classes, social events, and community projects. These houses were like community centers just for women. They helped women connect and learn together.
What is Prairie School Architecture?
The American Women's League Chapter House has a design called Prairie School architecture. This style became popular in the early 1900s. It was created by architects like Frank Lloyd Wright.
Key Features of Prairie Style
Prairie School buildings often have strong horizontal lines. They look like they are hugging the ground. They also have low-pitched roofs and wide, overhanging eaves. These features make the buildings blend in with the flat landscapes of the American Midwest.
Inside, Prairie School homes often have open floor plans. This means rooms flow into each other without many walls. They also use natural materials like wood and stone. The goal was to create simple, functional, and beautiful spaces. The Peck Chapter House shows many of these classic Prairie School elements.
Why is This House Special?
The American Women's League Chapter House in Peck is very well-preserved. It looks almost exactly as it did when it was built. This makes it a great example of AWL architecture. It helps us understand how these buildings looked and were used.
A Link to the Past
This house connects us to the history of women's education and community efforts. It shows how women worked together to learn and grow. It also highlights the importance of places where people can gather for shared activities. The house played a big role in the social and educational life of Peck, Idaho.
Images for kids
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The chapter house in 2015
