By Paige Brazil
In 1895, 20 women gathered in a small home in Bryan and created what is now known as The Woman’s Club. Originally, the group was named The Mutual Improvement Club, and their mission was to serve the community, undergo personal growth and development, and fight for the rights of women. Now in their 125th year, The Woman’s Club is still a prominent philanthropic organization in Bryan College Station focused on civic, cultural, and educational responsibility.
Janie McDougal has been a member of The Woman’s Club for 27 years and will speak about the history and importance of the club at the new member orientation this month.
The original 20 club members serviced the Bryan area by getting horses and wagons off Main Street, eradicating a mosquito infestation, and helping maintain beautification efforts in schools, parks, and public buildings, according to McDougal.
“One accomplishment of theirs that still continues for us today is the Carnegie Library. In 1902 they secured a grant from the foundation of the noted philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, to establish the Carnegie Library in downtown Bryan, which today is one of the few old Carnegie Libraries left standing in Texas,” says McDougal in her brief history of The Woman’s Club. “The Woman’s Club maintained the grounds and provided books for the Carnegie Library for many years. Our Woman’s Club Committee today assists the present library staff with its annual book sale.”
In 1899, The Mutual Improvement Club gained affiliation with the National General Federation of Women’s Clubs and the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs, which was a very prestigious distinction, according to McDougal. Another pivotal moment in the club’s history happened in 1990 when the Texas Historical Commission presented the club with an official historical marker. The recognition is housed at the front porch entry to the Club.
“The Mutual Improvement Club decided in 1909 and 1910 that a more suitable name for their club would be The Woman’s Club, most likely in honor of those few ladies who left their legacy of working for the good of the club and the community, which is still our mission,” says McDougal.
The ladies hold the long-standing club traditions close to their hearts and try to maintain them while also “moving with the times.” From conducting meetings according to Robert’s Rules of Order and parliamentary procedures to meeting and luncheon attire, the club has evolved and adapted with the times while still keeping the original traditions intact.
Life Member Ann Wiatt has been in the club for 56 years and has seen it grow tremendously. To be considered a life member, one must be active in the organization for 35 years.
“The Woman’s Club has always been really special to me,” says Wiatt. “I became a member when they wore hats and gloves and the meeting time was three in the afternoon. It has changed a lot, but the original ideas and traditions are still kept alive.”
Wiatt served as club president 1970 to 1971. “We are still an organization where philanthropy and volunteer activities are important,” she says. “To me, it has been a very fulfilling way for me to give back to the community I have been a part of for 61 years. It has been a pleasure for me to have been associated with all the women in the organization, a great group of ladies interested in being involved in the community. They have become my loyal friends.”
