Glendale Woman's Club facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Glendale Woman's Club Clubhouse
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Location | 7032 N. 56th Ave., Glendale, Arizona |
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Area | less than one acre |
Built | 1913 |
Architect | Thornton Fitzhugh |
Architectural style | Bungalow/craftsman |
NRHP reference No. | 89001003 |
Added to NRHP | July 27, 1989 |
The Glendale Woman's Club is a special group that has helped the community of Glendale, Arizona for over 100 years. It started in 1901 as a "Self Culture Club." The club's main goal was to help women learn and grow, especially through reading and literature. They also worked hard to raise money for important things like the city's first library and its parks.
The Glendale Woman's Clubhouse, located at 7032 N. 56th Ave., is the historic building where the club meets. It was built in 1913 and is a great example of the Craftsman style of architecture. This beautiful building is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
History of the Glendale Woman's Club
The Glendale Woman's Club began in 1901. At first, it was a small group focused on self-improvement. They wanted to learn more about books and ideas. As the club grew, its members realized they could do more for their town.
By 1907, the club had about 50 members. This made it hard to meet in people's homes. So, the group started dreaming of having their own special building. On February 21, 1912, the club officially became a non-profit organization. This was just one week after Arizona became the 48th state! At this time, the club had 85 members.
The club took over the local library in 1918. The library had been a bit neglected during World War I. The club helped run the library until 1922, even after it moved to a city building. The Glendale Woman's Club is part of a bigger group called the General Federation of Women's Clubs. This means they are connected to many other women's clubs across the country.
Building the Clubhouse
The idea for the clubhouse started around 1912. To raise money, the club sold shares of stock for $5 each. This helped them gather enough funds to build one of the first women's clubhouses in Arizona.
The clubhouse was designed by a skilled architect named Thornton Fitzhugh. It was built in 1913. The original building cost $2,947, which was a lot of money back then! It was constructed using California redwood, giving it a strong and natural look. The design followed the popular Craftsman style, known for its simple lines and natural materials.
How the Clubhouse Was Used
The Glendale Woman's Clubhouse has been a busy place over the years. Starting in 1914, it served as a Sunday meeting spot for different church groups. This shows how important the building was to the community.
During World War I, the clubhouse played a vital role. The Red Cross used the building. Volunteers gathered there to make bandages, sew clothes, and pack supplies for soldiers. This helped support the war effort and showed the club's dedication to helping others in times of need.