Unique to Peoria Women’s Club, we own and have continuously occupied and operated our own clubhouse, ranking us as the second oldest club in the U.S. with a clubhouse building. As a result, we have been able to preserve the documents and mementos that give a fuller picture of our leadership in women's history over the past 125 years.
Then
In 1874, six women met in the home of Mrs Clara Parsons Bourland and formed a club for the study of Art, which by 1878 was known as the Peoria Ladies’ Art Society. Out of this club, the Peoria Women’s Club was organized.
Now
Our organization survived the COVID pandemic with membership quickly returning to the club. We are in the middle of restoring the building back to its former glory and are building new programming to adapt to the changing lifestyles of the modern woman.
1874: The Origin of PWC
Six women met in the home of Mrs Clara Parsons Bourland and formed a club for the study of Art, which by 1878 was known as the Peoria Ladies’ Art Society. Out of this club, the Peoria Women’s Club was organized.
1886: PWC is founded
After returning from Europe with her children, Clara Parsons Bourland organized a club to promote music, literature and art, all prevalent in Europe. It was then that 27 women became charter members of PWC. Their motto was “to help another from what one has, or is, is the most noble deed.
The early days of the club may be considered as a classical period. Shakespeare was chosen as the best example of the language we speak. The Protection Agency for women and children was the expression of interest of the club in carrying forward it’s philanthropic purposes. The governing board established a special fund to aid women. Their hours, wages and workings conditions were to be improved and young girls protected.
1890-1893: PWC Incorporation
In 1890, PWC incorporated under laws of the state of Illinois. Membership was at 129 members. The club decided to start meeting in the auditorium of the YWCA. Noise and distractions convinced the women they needed a building of their own. The members formed a stock company in efforts to build a clubhouse, selling shares at $10 each and raising $25,000.
Property at the corner of Madison and Fayette was purchased from a church. The church was torn down and the clubhouse built. In May of 1893, the cornerstone was laid, and a year later, the building was dedicated.
The portrait of Mrs. Bourland, painted by Ellen Kendall Baker of Paris, France was unveiled. Mrs. Bourland was the club’s first President, an office she held for 25 years.
1892-1900: PWC Expansion
In 1892, a petition was presented to a Peoria County Convention by PWC to remove the incurably insane from the poor houses where they were housed. From 1892 on, humanitarian activities were continued and new ones began for the service of the community. (The building was later constructed in 1898.)
From 1895-1900, the club departments increased to include Art & Literature, Education, Home, Philanthropy, Reform, Fine Arts, Home and Education, Luncheon & Public Affairs, and Volunteer Services. Standing committees were formed out of the departments and many involved community outreach.
In 1900, the focus of women’s club had begun to change, their goals broadening to include civic improvements and reforms. PWC started kindergarten classes in public schools and a traveling library that took books to the county’s rural areas.
1904: A cooking school for poor girls was taught in the club kitchen.
1905: Julia Proctor White (PWC’s 2nd VP) organized the Peoria Women's Civic Federation for all women’s organizations of the city.
1906: Original play “To tea or not to tea” was presented and given for a civic charity fund.
1907: The club voted to support municipal suffrage for women by the House of Representatives in Springfield.
1910: The club was instrumental in seeing the city secure a police matron.
1911: Club programs expanded to meet the needs of business and professional women by holding evening classes and lectures.
1915-1917: WWI Impact
The women of PWC led the way assisting the Red Cross during WW1, using the building for training classes, sewing and bandage rolling for the soldiers. The women devoted many hours to the war effort, helping send an ambulance to the front and also sending financial support to the Furlough Houses in France.
1912-1920: Suffrage Movement
PWC’s founding president, Clara Parsons Bourland, was a charter member of the Peoria Equal Suffrage Association in 1912.
Adella Maxwell Brown, another PWC member, was first president of the local equal suffrage association. Brown and other PWC members co-hosted a celebratory state suffrage convention in 1913, soon after Illinois women won the right to vote in presidential elections and for all local offices except those specifically mentioned in the state constitution. Brown was elected president of the state suffrage organization in 1915.
Julia Proctor White, PWC’s second president, was a charter member of Peoria Equal Suffrage Association in 1912 and later was the first president of Peoria’s League of Women’s Voters in 1924. She also helped conduct women’s voter education classes before and after women won full voting rights.
Another member, Genevieve Stone, was one of five women, including Alice Paul, who met with President Woodrow Wilson to lobby for full voting rights in 1913, soon after his inauguration and the famous Woman Suffrage Procession in Washington, D.C.
From 1919-1920, PWC women worked toward passage of the 19th Amendment which granted women voting rights.
1921: Club members assisted civic agencies in getting out 108,000 pieces of printed material on behalf of “Starving Children of Europe.”
1921: Assisted with a recreation camp for girls on Fondulac Lake.
1924: Began classes for Girl Scout leaders.
1927: Maintained a storyteller once a week at Neighborhood House. For many years a Domestic Science class taught by our members was held in our kitchen for poor girls in Peoria.
1936: 37 World renowned speakers presented programs to PWC including the changing scene in Europe, Broadway, Music, Literature, Citizenship, World Affairs, and Art.
1939: Program on National Defense held on February 13.
1942: The first Red Cross Blood Bank was held at PWC.
1948: Assisted with Park Ridge School for girls.
1950: Furnished a room in the new addition at Methodist.
1959: Furnished a room in the new Proctor Community Hospital.
1961: Held a Midsummer Garden Party fundraiser for the Peoria State Hospital.
1962: Held 63 Amateur Musical Club concerts.
1970: Theatre Closed
In 1970, a small fire broke out in the PWC theatre on the second floor. The theatre doors were closed and have been closed since.
From 1970-1997: Women in the Workplace
Up until the 1970’s, most women’s organizations consisted of members who were able to or chose to remain at home. Nevertheless, many women chose careers and when combined with home and family, had little time to volunteer.
With women entering the workforce and not having as much free time, those women who could manage a few volunteer hours now opted to give their time directly to child and family services as well as organizations such as the Red Cross, Easter Seals, abuse centers, etc.
In 1997, President Hunt reported membership declining due to deaths and resignations of senior members.
1970-71: Volunteers donated 14,070 charitable hours.
1972: Fundraisers included flea market and fashion show plus bus trips, card parties, bazaars and house tours.
2017: PWC adopts Lincoln School K-8 as project.
2019: Kim Blickenstaff donates $500,000 for club restoration. Founder’s Day celebration held, commemorating 125 years since laying of the Cornerstone in 1893.
2022: PWC launches first luncheon to support Woodruff Culinary Arts Program.
2023: PWC hosts second luncheon to support Woodruff Culinary Arts Program, raising over $5,000.
Now
Our organization survived the COVID pandemic with membership quickly returning to the club. We are in the middle of restoring the building back to its former glory and are building new programming to adapt to the changing lifestyles of the modern woman.
