Our Story Continues…

It all started when…

Mrs. Lea Collins invited ten friends to her home; each, in turn, invited ten friends and in February of that year, the Woman's Club of Orange was formed. Meetings were held in a school, in the Capitol Theatre and in the Franzen building on North Glassell. It was noted that "we leased the second floor and decorated it as we pleased" (1916 - 1924).

In 1922 a lot was purchased for a clubhouse, which was constructed in 1924 at a cost of $30,000. Every member was asked to pledge $5.00 and describe how the money had been earned. Each woman was also instructed to measure their waistline and put a penny for each inch into a pocket. $150.00 was raised! Today, the clubhouse and gardens together make a popular event facility that has the charm and character of the early 20th-century era.

The clubhouse became the center of the Orange community with dances, theater, opera, fashion shows, luncheons, dinners and card parties. The first flower show was held in the spring of 1917, however World War I intervened and it was not until 20 years later that it would resume. The clubhouse became a billet for GI's during World War II, as well as a facility for the Red Cross. A vast collection of historic club documents has been donated to our new Orange Public Library & History Center for cataloging and safekeeping.

The Woman’s Club of Orange was federated with Orange District in 1915, with California Federation in 1921 and General Federation in 1950. Membership had grown to over 400 in the mid-50's. Today it is the second largest Federated Club in Orange County with membership sometimes nearing 200. The Woman’s Club of Orange celebrated their 100th anniversary in February 2015. Please visit Woman’s Club of Orange for more information.